Want to swim in our local rivers and waterways? How we’re working to make that a reality by 2050

Imagine safely swimming in the Maribyrnong River or taking an after-work dip in the Yarra River (Birrarung). Together with the City of Melbourne, City of Yarra and Banyule City Council, we’re working to make this a reality by 2050.

Moonee Valley City Council is proud to have signed the Swimmable Cities Charter, as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting and enhancing our community’s urban waterways.

Why sign the Swimmable Cities Charter? Cities such as Paris, Rotterdam and Copenhagen show that achieving this environmental goal can also strengthen local communities by encouraging social connection and active living.

Council has long worked to care for the river landscapes and ecosystems that flow through our municipality. In recent years, we have worked in partnership with Melbourne Water, Merri-bek City Council and community groups to reimagine Moonee Ponds Creek to improve water quality and ecological outcomes. We have also invested in projects to improve waterway health at Afton Street Nature Reserve Wetlands and Rosehill Park Wetlands.

By signing the Swimmable Cities Charter and teaming up with Councils and other organisations in Melbourne and around the world, we can have a bigger collective impact on our waterways and rivers.

“Moonee Valley City Council is proud to sign the Swimmable Cities Charter, reinforcing our commitment to improving the health of the Maribyrnong River so that it can be enjoyed for many generations to come,” says Deputy Mayor Phil Burn.