The next stage to transform the Moonee Ponds Creek into a thriving healthy waterway is underway with a partnership between Melbourne Water and the Chain of Ponds Collaboration.
The State and Federal Governments have invested $16.4 million to deliver Stage 2 of the restoration project, which will see works continue along the creek between Pascoe Vale and Strathmore.
These works have been made possible through a $11.4 million investment from the State Government into Melbourne Water’s Reimagining Your Creek Program plus a further $5 million from the Federal Government’s Urban Rivers and Catch-ments Program.
Stage 2 works will build on works completed and ongoing between Oak Park and Strathmore, with new concept design starting this year and delivery planned between 2026 and 2028.
The work to reinvigorate the creek includes replacing concrete blocks installed after between the 1940s and 1970s with natural rockwork and planting aquatic vegetation to help slow water flow which improves the overall health of the creek.
Ongoing planting of trees and shrubs along new shared paths will provide increased shading and cooling, and construction of new public gathering spaces, including an amphitheatre, are to be completed later this year.
Traditional Owner knowledge and community feedback will continue to be central to both design and delivery of the Moonee Ponds Creek restoration.
Moonee Ponds Creek is on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Traditional Owners and the project includes an interpretive trail which informs visitors of the site’s cultural significance.
Harriet Shing, Minister for Water (pictured), said: “Our waterways are the lifeblood of our growing communities and Melbourne Water’s work with community-driven design is already creating havens for wildlife, and activating more of our beautiful public spaces.”
Tanya Plibersek, Commonwealth Minister for Water, said: “We’re investing $200 million in projects to revitalise our urban rivers and creeks. We want to support the groups on the ground who understand the needs in their community and are working to better manage and restore their local environment.?”
Bill Shorten, Maribyrnong MHR, said: “For too long the Moonee Ponds Creek has been neglected, Once the restoration of the creek is completed it will be a space where our community can enjoy and watch the local wildlife thrive.”
Peter Khalil, Wills MHR, said: “The ongoing restoration of the Moonee Ponds Creek is improving the environmental conditions for our native species such as frogs, turtles, and birdlife, and it is vital that we finish this project to protect our native environment.”
Essendon MLA Danny Pearson said: “We want to leave nature better off for our kids and grandkids, and that means repairing damage to our environment and waters and better protecting it for the future.”
Kathleen Matthews-Ward, Broadmead-ows MLA, said: “This important initiative will benefit the communities on both sides of the Moonee Ponds creek and play an important role in strengthening our local ecosystem and allowing native animals to thrive.”
Anthony Cianflone, Pascoe Vale MLA, said: “The revitalisation of Moonee Ponds Creek is now well and truly underway and I am looking forward to the seeing the completion of new public spaces for locals to explore and enjoy for years to come.”