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We talk a lot about the vision for a Swimmable Birrarung. But what does 'swimmable' really mean in practice? Nicole Barling-Luke dives into the different ways in which 'swimmable' could come to life.
One of the questions we often get asked is "when will it be swimmable?"
Usually we will explain that parts of the waterway are already swimmable. Many people swim upstream regularly, and there are the Yarra Yabbies who swim at Deep Rock most mornings.
The vision of a swimmable Birrarung is about creating a swimmable corridor between Dights Falls and Port Phillip Bay.
"There is a groundswell of energy, talent, capacity and hope ready to act in service to the Birrarung, but how is this being brought into the journey towards swimmability?"
The vision is about a thriving, healthy and loved waterway. A waterway full of abundance for our human and non-human inhabitants alike – a place that is alive with connection. A waterway that supports urban cooling, biodiversity gains, enhanced public health, increased tourism, water security, and cultural (re)connection and healing.
As we embark on the journey there are some questions we must ask of any future swimming activations:
Is there netgain?
Is what we are doing additive to the ecological and social environment? Are we contributing to holistic river health?
How are we valuing the cultural significance of the Birrarung?
We need to ensure any activity is aligned with the history, culture and stories of First Nations custodians.
Does this enhance accessibility for all?
Swimming activations need to not enclose space. How do we use them as opportunities to open up private land?
How is the place and community activated?
Anyone working alongside the river will tell you about the boundless love people have for the waterway.
What potential for economic activation is there?
How do we ensure that capital is in service to the health of the river? How might swimming activations become an exemplar of the next economy, perhaps as a place for regenerative tourism?
With these design questions in mind, perhaps a Swimmable Birrarung looks more like a habitat of choice for platypus, a public beach next to the Westgate Punt, a pool in the CBD set at local pool prices, or a place along the Parklands where you can splash and bring fresh water up to your face.
