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This year marks the tenth anniversary of a group of actors coming together to make Sydney's Parramatta River swimmable again. Lead Convenor Charity Mosienyane spoke with one of the Parramatta project's leads, Sarah Holland-Clift, about what our own initiative can learn from this Sydney success story.
In 2014, Sydney's Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG) launched their plans to make the Parramatta river swimmable again by 2025. A decade on, the group has successfully implemented five swimming sites along the river with more in the pipeline.
The 'Our Living River' project has many parallels to our own Swimmable Birrarung initiative. The PRCG is an alliance of local Councils, state government agencies and the community, driven by a small team of passionate staff. Despite all that was stacked against them, the PRCG persevered, and the Parramatta River is now a shining example of what's possible when we organise with joy and hope.
We caught up with the original 'Our Living River' coordinator, Sarah Holland-Clift, to glean what the Swimmable Birrarung project might learn from the Parramatta's success.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Early wins are important
Sarah Holland-Clift: "Shortly after launching Our Living River, we opened Lake Parramatta to public swimming for the first time in 72 years. We tested the water and realised that the site could be opened. Launching that site sparked everyone's energy around the fact this was possible, and the idea that 'the river was swimmable once, and it can be again'. In Melbourne, the Birrarung's Yarra Yabbies swimming group is gold for this because they're already swimming in the river."
Growing river literacy
SHC: "We asked the community where they wanted designated swim sites and acknowledged that in other sections you might not want people swimming. A 'swimmable' river means swimmable for animals too, not just humans.
We invested in a statistically significant survey of 1100 people across the catchment. More than half said they'd prefer to swim in the river if it took them half as long to get to as the beach. Pollution and water quality were the main concerns, but two thirds said publishing water quality results would make them likely to swim."
Recruit champions to the vision
SHC: "We invited academics to become our ambassadors and not only did they become great spokespeople, they also helped us with the science needed to make it happen. We had academic ambassadors, sports ambassadors, politicians and community Riverkeeper ambassadors."
Ground it in robust science
SHC: "We spent a lot of time advocating to build support and investment in developing our Masterplan. Sydney Water, the EPA and key member Councils came on board in a big way. All the while, it was important to keep delivering on the ground."
Get the governance right
SHC: "We needed a lead state agency with sufficient powers, funding and whole of government support. Getting buy-in for Sydney Water to take the lead coordination role was critical. We also recognised that Aboriginal leadership in waterway governance is critical."
"Swimmable" has always been more than just swimming
SHC: "A swimmable river means more than just swimming. We defined the key elements: an engaged community; business opportunities; healthy ecosystems; quality facilities for events and recreation; and improved public access such as cycleways and walkways."
Involve the community and make it fun
SHC: "Community input is everything. And don't forget to make it fun! We dressed up in floaties, turned our iconic species into mascots, had themed family fun days, and celebrated everything every step of the way. Enjoy the journey team Swimmable Birrarung, and have fun!"
