Ecological design and climate change in Melbourne: impacts on the Birrarung’s bank

This paper examines how landscape design in the City of Melbourne has evolved in response to the shifting political dynamics around issues of climate change. With a focus on two major projects on the Birrarung/Yarra River, the paper examines significant environmental and political developments since the late 1990s. The study begins with Birrarung-Marr, revealing how the Millennium-Drought (1997-2009) prompted revisions to planting schemes and water-sensitive design after the park opened in 2002. It then turns to The Greenline Project, a multi-stage waterfront redevelopment currently under development, which is already engaging with both climatic and political pressures. By comparing these projects, the research demonstrates how extreme climate events have impacted open space design and how designers are adopting tactical strategies to navigate evolving political and environmental challenges. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing integration between policy and design to effectively address the challenges of climate change in public urban landscapes.