The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has introduced its first exhibition focusing on the future of the Yarra River, known as Birrarung, titled Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070. This exhibition features innovative proposals from eight prominent Australian design studios, each tasked with envisioning the river’s potential transformation over the next 46 years.
Curated in collaboration with the Birrarung Council and guided by Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung elders, the exhibition aims to highlight the intersection of community engagement and traditional knowledge in shaping the river’s future.
One standout proposal from Realm Studios suggests using advanced technology, specifically a fleet of underwater drones called “Birrabots,” to monitor the river’s health. These drones would play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by tracking water quality and pollutants. In stark contrast, ASPECT Studios offers a vision of converting portions of Melbourne’s South Eastern Freeway into a lush urban forest.
This approach advocates for reducing automobile reliance, creating spaces for recreation such as swimming and kayaking, and enhancing the natural environment with native trees like the great river red gum.
The exhibition conveys a sense of optimism, emphasizing that these visionary ideas are attainable with the right community support and political will. The inspiration for this initiative stems from the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act, enacted in 2017, which recognizes the river as a living entity with legal rights.
NGV’s Reimagining Birrarung Exhibition Envisions a Sustainable Future for Melbourne’s Iconic River by 2070This groundbreaking legislation entrusted the care of the Birrarung to the Wurundjeri people through the establishment of the Birrarung Council, marking a significant shift towards ecological awareness and Indigenous stewardship in Australia.
Through its visual storytelling, the exhibition seeks to engage the public and encourage collective imagination about the river’s future. Co-curator Gemma Savio stresses that seeing these concepts realized is essential for motivating policy changes.
A common thread among the proposals is the call for returning privately owned lands to traditional custodians or the public. For instance, Bush Projects identifies 1,500 hectares of agricultural land suitable for transformation into a “Birrarung Bio-Zone,” while OFFICE envisions repurposing golf courses into extensive public wetlands.
As visitors depart the exhibition, they are invited to reflect on crucial questions surrounding the ownership and management of the Birrarung. The exhibition encourages a reevaluation of how the river became commodified and promotes discussions about fostering a more community-oriented, sustainable future.
This initiative not only showcases innovative design concepts but also acts as a catalyst for broader conversations about environmental stewardship, Indigenous rights, and urban planning, ultimately inspiring collective action to protect and revitalize the Birrarung for future generations.