LOCAL INTEREST IN CREEK IMPROVEMENT PLANS
18 October 2005
Over 60 members of the Rosanna community joined Melbourne Water representatives and design consultants at a community meeting on Thursday, to view and discuss plans for proposed works along a section of Salt Creek in Rosanna.
Project Manager for the works, Terry Mullane, said that the response to the open-invitation meeting, held at the Banyule Nets Stadium in Macleod, and the level of community interest in the project demonstrated how much the local community value the creek and how important it is to protect and improve it.
“We were really pleased with the level of interest in these proposed works and the feedback we received from the local community.
“Our discussions with local residents and park users will help us to develop a more detailed plan for the works that will be in keeping with the views of the local community,” Mr Mullane said.
Melbourne Water has proposed the works for the section of Salt Creek within the Rosanna Parklands, between Carwarp Street and Lower Plenty Road, in Rosanna.
The proposed works will stabilise sections of the bank that are being eroded and undercut in some places as well as control invasive weeds that are threatening to smother native and other significant vegetation along the creek valley. Sections of the creek will also be revegetated with plants that are native to the Rosanna area.
Community feedback was also sought on a proposal to restore a former meander of the creek into a shallow billabong style wetland.
“This section is already home to a significant population of frogs and other aquatic life that would benefit from this small wetland area,” Mr Mullane said.
Melbourne Water will continue working with the local community, Council and environmental groups in the development of a more detailed plan, which will be made publicly available upon its completion.
Melbourne Water invests $26 million a year on protecting and improving Melbourne’s rivers and creeks.