LOCAL INTEREST IN CREEK IMPROVEMENT PLANS
11 August 2005
Melbourne Water representatives joined 24 local residents on a walk along the banks of Blackburn Creek last Sunday (August 7) to discuss draft plans to improve a section of the creek.
Beginning at Furness Park and ending at Pakenham Street, Blackburn, the proposed works are aimed at slowing erosion, weed control and the habitat protection.
"This section of the creek has some significant erosion that is undercutting several large swamp gums and yellow box and threatening the stability of sections of the pedestrian path," Melbourne Water Project Manager David Fisher said.
"We've been working closely with the City of Whitehorse, the Blackburn Creeklands Advisory Committee and now the local community in the planning of these works.
"We're in the preliminary planning stages and we wanted to get community feedback before further developing the works program.
"Our current proposal is to remove some of the introduced vegetation and weeds that are currently growing along the creek and inhibits the amount of natural light getting through to the creek and banks, as well as works to repair and stabilise the eroded banks.
"It is really important to protect many of the big old trees growing along this section of the creek. They provide breeding and nesting hollows for possums, rosellas, and other birdlife including the Powerful Owl, which is an endangered species.
"The works will involve the removal of about 80 introduced trees such as willows, cypress and ash trees, and some native trees.
"However we will undertake an extensive planting program of suitable native trees, shrubs and grasses at the conclusion of works, to enhance the creek's environment and provide suitable habitat for aquatic animals."
Megan Short, Chairman of the Blackburn Creeklands Advisory Committee, said that the works would enhance the creek and the parklands and help protect valuable habitat.
"The Blackburn Creeklands Advisory Committee has been working closely with Melbourne Water in the development of plans for these works.
"This area of Blackburn is a valuable public asset and we're pleased that Melbourne Water is taking action to slow the erosion and enhance the local environment."
Noelene Duff, Chief Executive Officer from the City of Whitehorse said: "The proposed works represent another example of a collaborative approach between Melbourne Water and the City of Whitehorse.
"The works will immensely improve the environmental qualities and habitat environs of the Blackburn Creeklands creekline and address risk minimisation throughout and around the creek."
Melbourne Water will continue working with the City of Whitehorse, the Blackburn Creeklands Advisory Committee and the local community in the development of plans for the works. Once finalised, the plans will be placed on noticeboards in the park and around nearby public facilities, and the community will be kept informed of the works schedule.
Residents who would like more information should contact Melbourne Water Project Manager, David Fisher, on 9235 2585.