Giving a voice to the river and the role of Indigenous people: the Whanganui River settlement and river management in Victoria

In September 2017, the 'Yarra River Protection' (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 was passed by the Victorian Parliament. Described by the government as 'Landmark Legislation' and 'an Australian first', an essential element of the Act is the creation of the Birrarung Council, a statutory body to be the 'independent voice for the river'. Of significance for Indigenous involvement in river management is the mandatory requirement for Traditional Owner representation on the Council.