Contact Us

Melbourne Water

Melbourne's water
storages are currently

34.5%

River Health Programs

Father and daughter planting

We work with stakeholders and the community to carry out a range of programs that improve the health of our rivers and creeks.

Programs for managing river health:

Rehabilitation and maintenance programs

Our river and creek improvement programs include working with community groups and stakeholders to:

  • create and improve habitat for native animals
  • remove weeds
  • remove fish barriers
  • stabilise river beds and banks
  • replant vegetation along river banks
  • treat stormwater.

Case study:

With assistance from landowners, local residents and other partners we undertake works to maintain the health of our rivers and creeks. These works are important to make sure that:

  • the condition of our rivers and creeks doesn't worsen
  • our assets are protected
  • adequate measures are taken to ensure public safety.

Maintenance activities include:

  • removing rubbish
  • removing silt
  • controlling weeds
  • replacing fences
  • replacing signs
  • repairing structures
  • stabilising river banks.
Regulating urban development

We work with developers, local councils and landowners to make sure that urban growth doesn't harm our rivers and creeks. We have requirements and guidelines for all new developments.

More information:

Managing river flows

Natural river flows vary throughout the year due to the amount, timing and quality of water that flows into them from rainfall and run-off from the land.

This variability is important to a river's health.

River plants and animals need different river flows at different times in their life cycles to survive and reproduce. For example, high river flows can stimulate fish breeding.

More information:

Monitoring, evaluation and research

We undertake a range of monitoring, evaluation and research programs to improve our understanding of rivers and creeks.

More information:

Liverpool Road Retarding Basin - Site of biodiversity significance

We own and manage the Liverpool Rd Retarding Basin, a Site of Biodiversity Significance. It's an important part of the way we protect people and property in the Dandenong Creek catchment from flooding. But it's more than that and we recognise that the community values its open space and wildlife.

In mid 2007, we completed a management plan for the retarding basin through consultation with the local community and site users. Known as the Liverpool Rd Retarding Basin Future Directions Plan, it guides the way we:

  • provide flood protection
  • manage its natural resources
  • manage its lakes and other waterways
  • protect and enhance its significant native flora and fauna.

The plan ensures that people can continue to enjoy using it in ways that help us protect it for future generations.

We're planning a three-year rehabilitation project along the Dandenong Creek and northern edge of the lake to improve habitat values and reduce bank erosion. With help from the community, including the Friends of Liverpool Road Retarding Basin, we’re looking after this special site.

More:

Community Information
Future Directions Plan
Merricks Creek Restoration Project

About $50,000 in grants in 2008/09 to 11 owners of private land beside Merricks, Coolart and Tullum creeks on Mornington Peninsula are helping owners of public and private land to:

  • protect the creeks from erosion
  • improve water quality
  • improve vegetation on creek banks and in the riparian zone
  • enhance the habitat for native birds, animals and fish.

The grants are one of the outcomes of a partnership developed during the Merricks Creek Restoration Project.

Case study: