We’ve been working with councils, communities, Traditional Owners and local residents to reimagine a number of creeks across Melbourne.
By working together, we’re transforming stormwater drains and concrete channels into natural waterways and desirable open spaces, where people can interact with nature in cooler, healthier environments. This approach means that the people most likely to use the creek and its open space have influenced the designs to meet their needs and preferences. And, designs are informed by local knowledge, community values and priorities.
Comprehensive flood modelling is always undertaken to ensure that there will be no increased flooding risk to the local community or downstream users as a result of these projects.
Current projects
Eumemmerring Creek, Eumemmerring/Doveton
We are reimagining almost 2 kilometres of Eumemmerring Creek into a natural waterway from Doveton Avenue, Doveton through to Lace Street, Eumemmerring. We’re committed to reimagining Eumemmerring Creek in a way that reflects the needs and aspirations of your community - and your input is essential to making it happen.
To find out more, visit Reimagining Eumemmerring Creek. Through Let’s Talk, we’ll share opportunities for you to contribute your vision and ideas, helping to shape concept designs that bring this transformation to life.
Future projects
Tarralla Creek, Croydon
We're transforming a section of Tarralla Creek into a more natural and enjoyable community space.
The Reimagining Tarralla Creek project site extends for almost two kilometres from Dorset Road to Eastfield Road, Croydon. The project started in 2018, where all stages were co-designed with extensive feedback from our partners and the community.
In 2022, Stage 1 construction has been completed which is a section of the creek between between Vinter Road and Norton Road, Croydon. Based on the success of Stage 1, we are planning to commence the construction of Stage 2 which continue to improve the liveability, health, wellbeing and amenity for the local community in Maroondah, located in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
To find out more, visit Reimagining Tarralla Creek.
Stage 2 Moonee Ponds Creek, Strathmore and Pascoe Vale
We’re excited to announce that there will be a second stage to transform another section of the Moonee Ponds Creek, following the successful delivery of the initial project. This is thanks to a $11.4 million investment from the State Government into Melbourne Water’s Reimagining Your Creek Program, and $5 million from the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program. Continuing from the initial project site which is the most northerly concreted section of the Moonee Ponds Creek, a further section of the creek in Strathmore and Pascoe Vale (up to the Pascoe Vale Road bridge) will be transformed into a more natural, enjoyable community space. This will be achieved by:
- Removing the concrete panelling along both sides of the creek and replacing this with rockwork
- Covering the base of the channel with rockwork to create a meandering creek with low flows and giving it a more natural look and feel
- Planting native trees and shrubs
- Making improvements to shared paths.
Early planning and investigations work for this next stage is already underway, with delivery expected to take place in 2027-28.
Completed projects
Blind Creek and Lewis Park
The Reimagining Blind Creek and Lewis Park project was part of Knox City Council’s bigger plan to turn 40 hectares of Lewis Park into the green heart of Knox, and improve its connection with some of the busiest community hubs.
Completed in late 2024, the project included:
- naturalising 1,650 metres of Blind Creek, by removing an underground low-flow pipe and naturalising a grassed high-flow channel
- constructing three wetlands for stormwater treatment and harvesting
- installing 65 metres of boardwalk through the new wetlands system for community access
- constructing two harvesting ponds
- creating 6,300 metres of new shared paths (concrete and gravel) for community recreation and access along the creek
- 677,000 plants for improved biodiversity outcomes
- 1,700 trees for improved shade and cooling
- installing community infrastructure assets such as a viewing platform, a pedestrian bridge, stepping stone crossings and seating.
The project offers a wide range of benefits to the community and environment, including:
- a more appealing creek where people can interact with nature in a cooler, healthier environment
- improved waterway health by slowing water flows and establishing plants in and next to the waterway
- increased flood mitigation by adding an extra 40,000 cubic metres of flood storage in the retarding basin
- activation of open space to enhance community recreation and health and wellbeing, including stepping stones
- enhanced biodiversity and habitat for native species, with families of ducks making the area their new home
- boosted water security by harvesting stormwater that can be used to irrigate sports ovals and community gardens
- improved active transport connections in the area through new sections of shared paths and a bridge
- improved water quality flowing through to Dandenong Creek by removing 764 kilograms of nitrogen from the water.
To find out more, visit Reimagining Blind Creek and Lewis Park.
Moonee Ponds Creek, Strathmore and Oak Park
We’ve recently completed the transformation of a 360-metre section of the concrete-lined Moonee Ponds Creek in Strathmore and Oak Park. We did this by:
- removing the concrete walls along both sides of the creek and replacing this with rockwork
- covering the concrete base of the channel with rockwork to create a meandering creek, to slow down flows and give it a more ‘natural’ look and feel
- planting 43,000 native trees and shrubs
- creating new shared paths and a new bridge
- constructing a pond and terracing near Oak Park Reserve.
Melbourne Water led the delivery of the project on behalf of the Chain of Ponds Collaboration Group and in partnership with Merri-bek City Council, Moonee Valley City Council, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
Cultural immersive trail - Wilami Wunmabil Trail
A Wurundjeri-led experiential trail - called the Wilami Wunmabil Trail in Woi-wurrung language - was also created along this section of creek. The unique trail highlights the cultural and natural values of the waterway, and celebrates Moonee Ponds Creek as a place owned, lived in and celebrated by Wurundjeri people. Using a mix of signage, art and digital media, the cultural elements invite the community and trail users to learn from Elders and knowledge holders about aspects of Wurundjeri culture and history, and encourages people to become better connected and care for Country. The trail is proudly supported by the Victorian Government’s Port Phillip Bay Fund that supports self-determination for Traditional Owners.
The re-naturalisation works have resulted in:
- a more appealing creek-side environment where people can interact with nature in a cooler, healthier environment
- improved water quality and waterway health by slowing water flows
- improved biodiversity and habitat for native species
- activation of open space and better active transport connections for improved community use and recreation in the area.
To find out more, visit Reimagining Your Moonee Ponds Creek.
Arnolds Creek, Melton West
in 2021, we completed works to reimagine a 1.4 kilometre section of Arnolds Creek in Melton West. The project included removing the concrete channel and existing stormwater pipe to create a natural waterway, and planting native plants.
As part of the design we adopted contemporary urban design and landscaping ideas and incorporated suggestions from the community.
Blind Creek, Boronia
In 2021, we completed works to transform a section of Blind Creek from Manuka Drive to Scoresby Road in Boronia and Ferntree Gully. The project included 'daylighting' and naturalising a 650-metre section of Blind Creek which was previously an underground, low-flow pipe with a grassed high-flow channel.
The project also included the construction of community infrastructure assets such as shared paths, viewing platforms, stepping stones and a footbridge over Blind Creek. The project was jointly funded between Melbourne Water and Knox City Council.