Works underway on Melbourne's Greenline Project

The Albanese Government is delivering on its $20 million election commitment towards the Greenline Project, with construction now underway.

The project will transform the north bank of the Yarra River – Birrarung, creating a four-kilometre promenade with five interconnected precincts, including open spaces, parks, riverfront destinations and cultural activations.

Once complete, the Greenline is expected to attract more than 1.1 million more visitors to the city every year, boosting the economy and sharing this cultural precinct – an area which holds immense significance for the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation – with the community. 

With the Greenline Project Master Plan complete, today marks the sod turn for the first stage of the project – the Birrarung Marr precinct. 

The precinct will consist of 450 metres of connected boardwalks, native habitats and greenspaces along the river’s edge, with the first stage expected to open by the end of 2024.

Birrarung Marr will form one of five precincts in the overall Greenline Project, with the others set for The Falls, River Park, Maritime and Saltwater Wharf.

The Federal Government is contributing $20 million under its Priority Community Infrastructure Program to deliver the works in Birrarung Marr as well as the now completed master plan, with City of Melbourne jointly funding both projects.

The Greenline Project will be guided by a cultural strategy developed in partnership with the Traditional Owners.

Along with improved green spaces for Melbourne’s growing population, the enhanced infrastructure will provide a better place for events like the Moomba Festival, the Australian Open, and New Year's Eve.

The construction of Birrarung Marr will support hundreds of direct and indirect jobs both during and post construction.

For more information on the program visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“We are getting on with the job of delivering on our election commitment to support the Greenline Project, which will transform the city of Melbourne.

“The Albanese Government’s investment will build economic opportunity, while supporting people to enjoy the spaces and places they live in.

“This project is a demonstration of our Government’s ongoing commitment to providing new and improved infrastructure that bolsters social inclusion and encourages communities to thrive, both economically and socially.”

Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp:

“The Greenline Project will transform Melbourne’s riverfront from Birrarung Marr to the Bolte Bridge – creating thousands of jobs, attracting waves of new visitors and injecting millions of dollars into the economy.  

“We’re proud to break ground to deliver the new-look Birrarung Marr precinct – creating a green corridor of promenades and open space, which will showcase the best of the Yarra River and the city.

“We’re delighted to partner with the Australian Government to get this first stage done – a significant vote of confidence in the Greenline Project.”    

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria Jess Walsh: 

"This $20 million investment to the Greenline Project's transformation is exciting for Melbournians, creating local jobs and boosting the economy for years to come."