Yarra RiverThe Yarra is one of just three rivers shortlisted for the 2011 International RiverPrize Open this link in new window, one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards.

The Yarra was shortlisted from a field of more than 50 submissions from 20 countries, vying for an award that recognises innovative river management.

Melbourne Water, which manages the health of 8400km of rivers and creeks across the greater metro area including the Yarra, has been shortlisted alongside two US entrants, the managers of Charles River in Massachusetts and Mattole River in California.

Past winners include the Thames River in the Great Britain, the Danube in Europe and Mekong in South-East Asia. If successful, the Yarra will become just the second Australian river to receive the award.

General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said securing a place in the final three showed how far the Yarra had come in the past 40 years.

“Being shortlisted in such prestigious company is a fantastic achievement and recognises how much Melbourne has come to treasure this natural icon,” said Mr Chesterfield.

“The Yarra’s health has improved significantly since the 1970s thanks to stronger environmental laws and the diversion of waste to the sewerage system.

“Since the 1990s we’ve focused on restoring the Yarra’s banks to a more natural state. At the same time, local councils and the building industry have become more involved in helping us reduce stormwater pollution.

“The community has also become heavily involved in looking after the Yarra, with more than 40 volunteer groups that give up their time to support our work,” he added.

He said the Yarra, which owes its colour to naturally high clay content, received its share of flak but its health had held up well in the face of significant challenges.

“The Yarra catchment is home to more than a third of Victoria’s population and has recently endured one of the worst droughts and bushfires on record, but its condition has steadily improved.

“The Yarra gets a bad wrap from time to time but when you consider the pressures it faces, Melburnians can be proud of how of how well it compares globally,” added Mr Chesterfield.

Much of the improvement work on the Yarra is funded through the Waterways charge on people’s water bills.

The winner of the 2011 International Riverprize will be announced in Brisbane on 27 September as part of the 14th International Riversymposium.