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A plan to change the name of Melbourne's most famous waterway has received mixed reviews.
The Yarra River Business Association has called for the river to be renamed "Birrarung", to properly recognise its indigenous history.
It's part of a bold plan to revitalise the area, with the organisation also floating the idea of a European-style promenade, swimming pool and garden bridge.
There is a push to rename the Yarra River. (AAP)
"If you look to the future, we're slowly turning that corner that we should be front facing the waterways, like most world class cities," President John Forman told 9News.
"We'll support any focus on the waterways and that's whether it's engagement on the water or on the banks of the water."
It's believed Australia's early settlers mistranslated the current name of the river and that "Birrarung" is its traditional Wurundjeri name.
Melbourne City Council Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said it would seek feedback from Indigenous stakeholders before taking a position on the matter.
The Yarra River was misnamed by settlers in the 19th Century. (Nine/Daniel Pockett)
"It's a real sign of respect to our Aboriginal community members and really what we should be doing is taking advice from them on any name changes," he said.
"We'll work through those process and see what they think."
Mr Wood said his personal preference would be a two-part name.
"An approach where you're using both names, Birrarung Yarra, or Yarra Birrarung, is a really great way to respect Aboriginal culture, to start to teach Aboriginal language."
However, Acting Premier James Merlino has dismissed the idea, saying the Yarra is an "icon" of Melbourne.
"We've got no plans to change the Yarra River but we do support, and at all times celebrate that Indigenous connection to the river," he said.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/y...ria-news/ffb32f69-20db-4e5c-b28d-f0420fc3ee12
The Yarra River Business Association has called for the river to be renamed "Birrarung", to properly recognise its indigenous history.
It's part of a bold plan to revitalise the area, with the organisation also floating the idea of a European-style promenade, swimming pool and garden bridge.
There is a push to rename the Yarra River. (AAP)
"If you look to the future, we're slowly turning that corner that we should be front facing the waterways, like most world class cities," President John Forman told 9News.
"We'll support any focus on the waterways and that's whether it's engagement on the water or on the banks of the water."
It's believed Australia's early settlers mistranslated the current name of the river and that "Birrarung" is its traditional Wurundjeri name.
Melbourne City Council Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said it would seek feedback from Indigenous stakeholders before taking a position on the matter.
The Yarra River was misnamed by settlers in the 19th Century. (Nine/Daniel Pockett)
"It's a real sign of respect to our Aboriginal community members and really what we should be doing is taking advice from them on any name changes," he said.
"We'll work through those process and see what they think."
Mr Wood said his personal preference would be a two-part name.
"An approach where you're using both names, Birrarung Yarra, or Yarra Birrarung, is a really great way to respect Aboriginal culture, to start to teach Aboriginal language."
However, Acting Premier James Merlino has dismissed the idea, saying the Yarra is an "icon" of Melbourne.
"We've got no plans to change the Yarra River but we do support, and at all times celebrate that Indigenous connection to the river," he said.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/y...ria-news/ffb32f69-20db-4e5c-b28d-f0420fc3ee12
