The doubling in size of a key inner-north Melbourne creek is expected to reinvigorate a beloved natural feature.
The next phase of transforming the Moonee Ponds Creek into a thriving, healthy waterway is officially underway. This initiative is a collaboration between Melbourne Water and the Chain of Ponds Collaboration,
The Victorian government, in partnership with the Albanese Labor Government, has invested $16.4 million to facilitate Stage 2 of the restoration project. This stage will see works continuing along the creek between Pascoe Vale and Strathmore, building on efforts already completed and ongoing between Oak Park and Strathmore. The project has been made possible by an $11.4 million investment from the Victorian government into Melbourne Water’s Reimagining Your Creek Program, along with an additional $5 million from the Albanese Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
Melbourne’s Moonee Ponds creek to double in size
- The next stage to transform the Moonee Ponds Creek into a thriving healthy waterway is underway
- The work to rejuvenate the creek includes replacing concrete blocks with natural rockwork and planting aquatic vegetation
- the construction of new public gathering spaces, including an amphitheatre, is set for completion later this year
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The work to rejuvenate the creek includes replacing concrete blocks installed between the 1940s and 1970s with natural rockwork and planting aquatic vegetation. These efforts aim to slow water flow and improve the overall health of the creek. Ongoing planting of trees and shrubs along new shared paths will provide increased shading and cooling, while the construction of new public gathering spaces, including an amphitheatre, is set for completion later this year.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing remarked, “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.”
Traditional Owner knowledge and community feedback will remain central to both the design and delivery of the Moonee Ponds Creek restoration. The project acknowledges the land’s significance to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Traditional Owners and includes an interpretive trail that informs visitors of the site’s cultural heritage.
It’s one of a spate of new park and nature feature announcements over recent months, including a focus in the north-west.
Commonwealth Minister for Water Tanya Plibersek noted, “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.”
Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten emphasised the importance of the project, stating, “For too long, the Moonee Ponds Creek has been neglected. Once the restoration is completed, it will be a space where our community can enjoy and watch the local wildlife thrive.”
Member for Wills Peter Khalil highlighted the environmental benefits, saying, “The ongoing restoration of the Moonee Ponds Creek is improving the environmental conditions for our native species such as frogs, turtles, and birdlife. It is vital that we finish this project to protect our native environment.”
Essendon’s Danny Pearson reiterated the importance of environmental stewardship: “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.”
Member for Broadmeadows Kathleen Matthews-Ward added, “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.”
Finally, Member for Pascoe Vale Anthony Cianflone expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The revitalisation of Moonee Ponds Creek is now well and truly underway, and I am looking forward to seeing the completion of new public spaces for locals to explore and enjoy for years to come.”
For more information, visit melbournewater.com.au.
