11 November 2009
MONBULK CREEK UPGRADE FINISHED
Thousands of new native plants now grace the banks of the Monbulk Creek in Belgrave, marking the completion of a $250,000 upgrade to the waterway.
Melbourne Water started a project to restore almost 2 kilometres of the creek between Belgrave Lake Park and Bellbird Street in June this year.
General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said invasive weeds including tree tobacco, sweet pittosporum, and willow had been removed, which would help to improve water quality and flow of the creek.
"The dense canopy of willows, invasive roots and heavy leaf fall can smother our waterways and lead to reduced habitat and food for fish and platypus," Mr Chesterfield said.
"Exotic plant species have been replaced by almost 5,000 native plants more suited to the area. This will improve the health of Monbulk Creek and create a better environment for wildlife."
The project has been delivered by the Waterways Alliance – a partnership between Melbourne Water, Ecodynamics, Fulton Hogan and SMEC.
Melbourne Water would like to thank residents along Monbulk Creek for their cooperation during the project.
A number of landowners along the creek are also participating in Melbourne Water's Stream Frontage Management Program, which is helping to protect the health of the creek.
The program provides grants to landholders living adjacent to streams, allowing them to take an active role in managing and improving their local waterway.
A resident neighbouring Monbulk Creek, Doug Kinnear, said he's interested in the program because he understands that everyone, particularly people living near rivers and creeks, can play a role in protecting the health of their local waterways.
Landholders can support the health of their nearby waterway by 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