Greenline receives fresh federal funding

The Albanese Government has announced a further $4.4 million for the City of Melbourne’s flagship Greenline Project, delivering renewed confidence in the long-awaited Yarra River revitalisation – and fresh clarity on how the new funds will be used.

Announced by Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King on October 21, the funding forms part of more than $7 million allocated to Melbourne councils under the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program (UPPP).

In a press release following the announcement, the federal government said the $4.4 million would go towards “investigating how to reinvigorate” phase two of Greenline between Princes Bridge and Queens Bridge.

But the City of Melbourne has since confirmed the latest round of funding will go towards developing detailed plans for the Birrarung Riverfront Activation Precinct – the next stage of Greenline connecting Federation Wharf, Flinders Walk, the Banana Alley Vaults, Sandridge Bridge, Custom Square, the Turning Basin and Enterprize Park.

The grant will enable the council to collaborate with government, business, Indigenous groups and the community to draft precinct plans, progress key designs, and establish business cases for future investment and delivery.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece welcomed the funding, describing it as a major boost to the city’s flagship waterfront project.

“This latest round of federal funding is a vote of confidence in the Greenline Project, and in Melbourne’s future,” Cr Reece said.

“The grant will allow the City of Melbourne to plan for the delivery of the next stretch of Greenline, linking Federation Wharf to the historic Banana Alley Vaults and Turning Basin.”

Minister King said the funding recognised the role of projects like Greenline in transforming Australian cities.

“Our cities are growing. Projects like Greenline show how innovative precincts can meet the needs of residents while appealing to tourists and locals alike,” she said.

Federal Member for Melbourne Sarah Witty said the project would help breathe new life into the city’s riverfront.

“Greenline will transform underused spaces along the Yarra into vibrant public assets that attract more visitors,” Ms Witty said. “This next phase of planning and activation will bring key partners together to help realise that vision.”

The new funding builds on the $20 million committed by the Albanese Government in 2022 to help deliver the first stage of Greenline — a four-kilometre network of boardwalks, parks and promenades along the Yarra River’s north bank.

Councillors have previously clashed over whether to maintain funding for the remainder of the project. In May, Cr Phillip Le Liu tabled a motion proposing that the council withdraw from Greenline by year’s end unless the state or federal governments committed additional funding. His motion was voted down seven to two. 

Cr Le Liu argued that the council should not “gamble” on projects reliant on unfunded commitments, while others – including Cr Dr Olivia Ball – said abandoning Greenline would waste years of investment and planning.

Following a turbulent year in which the council redirected $14.6 million from its Greenline budget to other projects, the latest contribution signals renewed federal confidence in the project’s future.

With the Birrarung Marr section set to open before Christmas, attention will soon turn to delivering the next stretch – reimagining one of Melbourne’s most historically significant riverfront corridors. •