The Yarra River's environmental health is deteriorating as a result of litter, pollution, invasive pests and urban development.
A report by Victoria's Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability said nearly 180 tonnes of rubbish have been collected from the river system over a four-year period.
The report included several recommendations, including a call for a chief biodiversity scientist to lead a coordinated effort to monitor the river's health while also urging the government to expand planning controls over the river to reduce ‘inappropriate urban development’ in the north-east of the city.