Fri 15th February 08 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
hosted by | Yarra Riverkeeper Association, Inc.
The Yarra River was the decisive factor in the siting of Melbourne and it holds a special place in the region's indigenous heritage. Seventy per cent of Melbourne's drinking water comes from the river's upper reaches. The Yarra Valley is one of the region's major wildlife habitats. It contains Australia's largest metropolitan park, and is an important part of the region's precious natural landscape. This beautiful river also forms the natural backdrop to Federation Square, the venue of the Sustainable Living Festival. In recent months, the state of the Yarra's water quality, its uncertain flows, and pressures from urbanisation have all attracted public attention. Through a telling of stories and showing of beautiful photographs, our presentation will describe these and other interesting matters concerning the Yarra River, which plays a major role in the health of our natural and urban environments.
Ian Penrose
Ian's first career (of 27 years) was with the international petroleum company, Shell. Qualified in science, operations research and commercial management, he worked in the coal mining, natural gas and shipping industries, based locally and overseas. Since 2001, Ian has directed his efforts towards environmental matters, and for three years, he headed the Victorian Government's program to restore the Snowy River. In 2004, he purchased a home on the banks of the Yarra in North Warrandyte, and now works for the Yarra Riverkeeper Association in the role of "Riverkeeper". His involvement in environmental matters stems from a belief that mankind's current impact on the planet is unsustainable. "We must (and can) lessen that impact. In Australia, this is best exemplified by our approach to water use and river health." Ian is a director of Waterkeepers Australia and in 2006 received Environment Victoria's "Volunteer Conservation Award"