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.
