American Jim Courier famously took a dip to celebrate his Australian Open win in 1992, and German Angelique Kerber went in after winning in 2016.

But Melburnians generally don’t swim in the Yarra.

Jim Courier jumping in the Yarra after winning the Australian Open in 1993. Credit:Stuart Hannagan

The Greens want to change that and have pitched voters an election plan to make the Yarra River “swimmable” in the CBD and in inner suburbs including Richmond, Clifton Hill and Abbotsford.

The $34.3 million proposal would require significant restoration of the Yarra’s riverbanks, the Greens say, and changes to planning laws to reduce runoff from buildings, roads and footpaths.