Melbourne's city council will consult with indigenous stakeholders on a plan to change the name of the Yarra River back to its aboriginal moniker, "Birrarung".

"It's really critical that we hear the Indigenous voice on this one," said Melbourne's acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood.  

The idea to change the name comes from the Yarra River Business Association which is looking for ways to stir up interest in the riverfront area.  

The river got its current name in 1830 when explorer and surveyor John Wedge asked the local Wurundjeri people for the name of the river; but because of a miscommunication they told him, "Yarro Yarro" which means "ever flowing" in the group's Boonwurrung language.  Apparently, he heard that wrong and called it "Yarra Yarra", which was eventually shortened.

But "Birrarung" was the proper Wurundjeri name for the river.  And the Mayor wants to make sure the right people advise him.

"One person, a non-Aboriginal person, may not think the changing of the name is that important," said Mt. Wood.  "What we do know is that it's a real sign of respect to our Aboriginal community.  Really what we should be doing is taking advice from them on any name changes."