15 June 2009
MONBULK CREEK IMPROVEMENT WORKS
Melbourne Water is starting work this week on a $250,000 project to improve the health of Monbulk Creek in Belgrave.
Almost 5000 local native plants will be planted to restore 1.8 kilometres of the creek between Belgrave Lake Park and Bellbird Street.
General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said invasive weeds including Tree Tobacco, Sweet Pittosporum, and Willow will be removed.
“The dense canopy of willows, invasive roots and heavy leaf fall, can smother our creeks and lead to reduced habitat and food for fish and platypus,” Mr Chesterfield said.
“Weeds can also lead to poor water quality and flow.”
Mr Chesterfield said the ongoing drought conditions are impacting on flows in Melbourne’s waterways, emphasising the importance of projects like this to protect the health of Monbulk Creek.
“Replacing exotic species with native vegetation more suited to the area will improve Monbulk Creek and create a better habitat for wildlife.”
The initial removal of invasive weeds will be completed by September 2009. Planting of native vegetation is expected to be completed in October.
The Waterways Alliance, a partnership between Melbourne Water, Ecodynamics, Fulton Hogan and SMEC, will deliver the project.
The rehabilitation project is being done with the cooperation of the Shire of Yarra Ranges, Parks Victoria, the Friends of Colby Drive and the Friends of Monbulk Creek – Belgrave Lake Group.
A number of landowners along Monbulk Creek are participating in Melbourne Water’s Stream Frontage Management Program, which is also helping to protect the health of the creek.
The program provides grants to landholders neighbouring streams, allowing them to take an active role in managing and improving their local waterway.
Measures that landholders can take to support the health of their nearby waterway include controlling weeds on their properties, planting native trees, and installing fences to ensure their pets don’t pose a threat to animals living in the waterway.
Media Contact: Gavin Rainsford +613 9235 1587 +61 (0)400 690 502