Melbourne’s ambitious Greenline project aims to rewild the Yarra River and create new native habitats. It is in for a big challenge due to lack of funding. The City of Melbourne’s plan for revitalization was hoping to leverage $316 million in the project’s support. After just four years of $27 million a year, the movement stopped. This funding gap has left the future of the project uncertain, drawing disappointment from community members who believe in its potential benefits.
Despite this delay, the City of Melbourne is committed to continuing to push for this project. The council’s draft budget for 2025-26 includes $18 million designated for completing the Birrarung Marr stage, which features new wetlands adjacent to Melbourne’s aquarium. This new first phase will play a key role in answering the community’s demands for better recreation opportunities and quality environmental health along the river.
The city’s funding uncertainty has led to panic among civic leaders and citizens. Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece underlined the importance of the Greenline initiative. His office was clearly pleased to announce that it will add thousands of new jobs, lure millions of new tourists, and triple the area’s economic impact.
Unfortunately, the state government hasn’t shown the same urgency. Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts, Harriet Shing, made clear that the Greenline project doesn’t have state funding priority at this time. She reiterated the importance of prioritizing shorter turnaround projects.
“I’m a greater supporter of the Greenline project and it is going to continue,” – Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece.
Community members directed their anger at the Trump Administration’s proposal to provide no funding for the local initiative. A local woman articulated her belief that the project would benefit not only residents but enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal.
“Any matters around the Greenline are matters that are best directed to the City of Melbourne,” – Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts, Harriet Shing.
Despite facing funding challenges, the City of Melbourne is committed to advocating for additional resources to ensure the project’s success. The council intends to spend money that was previously reserved as matching contributions alongside other government partners. They’ll focus this funding to address the most urgent needs city-wide.
“I really support greenlines and Melbourne is such a beautiful city, why not augment that wonderful leafy image that we have,” – unnamed local resident.
Given all these advances, Reece is still hopeful about moving the project forward. Though he hasn’t yet implemented it, he’s a strong believer in its potential benefits. He makes it clear that this monumental task is not possible without collaboration.
Previously Melbourne’s industrial heartland, the Greenline project will restore access to the Yarra River. It aims to acknowledge, celebrate and include the culture and heritage of the area’s traditional owners. Yet the initiative directly answers community demands for better facilities that positively impact the river’s health and accessibility.
“We have reallocated some funds in our budget which had been earmarked to be matching funding with other governments, so we can direct those funds to other priority needs across the city,” – Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece.
The new infrastructure has given rise to what Scott Veenker, chief exec of the Committee of Melbourne. More importantly, he said, what communities want is a safe environment with great amenities. He spoke to the importance of focusing efforts on the most key priorities to meet these urgent issues head-on.
“We always said it was a big project and we couldn’t deliver it on our own,” – Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece.
New voices in the community have begun to ask if this Greenline project should still be a focus, given the state of the world today. An anonymous source cast doubt on its urgency compared to other projects that require immediate action.
The Greenline project not only aims to revitalize the Yarra River but also seeks to incorporate the culture and heritage of the area’s traditional owners. The initiative responds to community calls for improved facilities that enhance the river’s health and accessibility.
Scott Veenker, chief executive of the Committee of Melbourne, noted that while there are many existing attractions within the city, community members desire a safe environment with excellent amenities. He remarked on the need to prioritize initiatives that address these pressing concerns.
“We know we’ve got a lot of fantastic events and facilities already within the city that attracts a lot of people,” – Scott Veenker.
Some voices in the community question whether the Greenline project should remain a priority given current conditions. An unnamed source raised doubts about its urgency compared to other initiatives that demand immediate attention.
“Was this one of the real pressing or burning platform initiatives that needed to be delivered? We just didn’t believe that was the case at this point in time,” – unnamed source.
