What are we doing?
The project includes:
- naturalising 1,650 metres of Blind Creek. The section of “creek” currently has an underground low-flow pipe which will be removed through the project, and a grassed high-flow channel which will be ‘naturalised’
- three wetlands for stormwater treatment and harvesting
- 65 metres of boardwalk through the new wetlands system for community access
- two harvesting ponds
- 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
- community infrastructure assets such as viewing platforms, a pedestrian bridge, stepping stone crossings and seating.
Comprehensive flood modelling has been undertaken to ensure that there will be no increased flooding risk to the local community or downstream users as a result of this project.
Timing and location of works
Construction started in early 2023, with major works expected to be complete in mid to late 2024.The project is being delivered in two main stages with multiple work zones. Please refer to the project map for the location of work zones.
- Stage 1.1 (completed)
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January 2023 – August 2023
Works for this zone are complete! More than 200 underground pipes were removed and a natural waterway created in their place (what we refer to as ‘daylighting’). Landscaping and revegetation were completed, along with seating overlooking the creek. This stage also saw the renewal of a 450 metre section of the Blind Creek Trail which was widened and replaced with concrete, and a new gravel path was created on the southern side of the creek for people who would like to wander at a slower pace and enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterway.
Thank you to Eco Projects who delivered the works in this zone on our behalf.
The first stage of Reimagining Blind Creek at Lewis Park is complete! - Stage 1.2 (completed)
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March 2023 – September 2023
Works in this zone are complete! This stage also involved the daylighting and naturalisation of Blind Creek, the renewal of a section of Blind Creek Trail which was widened and replaced with concrete, and construction of a gravel path next to the waterway. Landscaping and revegetation was also completed.
Thank you to State Plant Hire for delivering these works on our behalf.
Aerial view of Stage 1.2 works zone with a natural flowing Blind Creek, new shared paths and revegetation - Stage 1.3 (completed)
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February 2023 – November 2023
Works in this zone have involved the construction of new wetlands and gravel paths, and planting of vegetation in and around the wetlands. The new wetlands will play an important role in improving water quality in Blind Creek, which flows into Dandenong Creek. The wetlands act as a filtering system, removing sediment, nutrients and pollutants from the water.
We thank State Plant Hire for completing these works on our behalf.
The new wetlands and gravel path loop which can be used by pedestrians and for maintenance vehicles - Stage 2.1 (in progress)
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October 2023 – mid to late 2024
Works in this zone started in October 2023 and are being delivered on our behalf by EcoProjects. This is the biggest and most exciting stage of the project and includes the daylighting and naturalisation of Blind Creek, boardwalks around new wetlands, new shared paths, a footbridge and stepping stones over the creek, and lots of native plantings. We expect that the major construction works in this zone will be completed in mid 2024, with other minor works such as landscaping expected to be finished by the end of 2024.
This zone will be closed to the public while works are underway to transform this space, but you’ll still be able to use the Blind Creek Trail around this area.
- Stage 2.2 (in progress)
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Mid - Late 2024
New shared path:
- Renewal of the Blind Creek Trail will commence late July. Works will take approximately 12 weeks to complete.
- Construction of the approaches to the shared use bridge over the creek will commence mid August.
- From Monday 19 August to Monday 30 September 2024:
- The carpark at the end of Bridgewood Court will be closed to vehicles. Pedestrian access through the carpark will be maintained via a detour.
- Temporary detours on the Blind Creek trail will be in place.
- Refer to the project map below.
- Please follow the marked detour signs and adhere to all instructions to ensure cyclists and pedestrians safely navigate around our work areas.
- Be cautious of construction vehicles and equipment.
- We thank the community for your patience and understanding for these short-term inconveniences as we work to improve your shared path network.
Blind Creek Trail detours - Monday 19 August to Monday 30 September 2024 Revegetation:
- Planting will continue until late August, with aquatic planting to occur in spring.
What to expect
- Pedestrian and cyclist detours: While we renew sections of the Blind Creek Trail, signed detours will be in place to ensure cyclists and pedestrians are able to safely navigate around our work areas. We thank the community for your patience and understanding for these short-term inconveniences as we work to improve your shared path network.
- Construction vehicle traffic: There will be an increase in large vehicle movements in the local area as materials and equipment are delivered for the works. Traffic management will be in place to ensure access to local streets and properties is maintained at all times throughout the project.
- Noise: Some noise and minor vibration is expected from trucks and heavy machinery during construction.
- Work hours: Works will be undertaken between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday to Friday, and 7:00 am to 3:00 pm most Saturdays. Quiet work may be undertaken outside of these times.
- Services: There will be no impacts or interruptions to your water or sewerage services while we undertake the works.
Project benefits
Naturalising Blind Creek will result in:
- a more appealing space where people can interact with nature in a cooler, healthier environment
- improved waterway health by slowing water flows and establishing aquatic and riparian vegetation
- greater flood mitigation
- activation of open space for the community to use
- enhanced biodiversity and habitat for native species.
The project will boost water security for a growing population by harvesting around one hundred Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of stormwater a year that can be used to irrigate local sports ovals and community gardens. Water harvesting will reduce water pollution to Dandenong Creek and reduce the use of potable water from the water supply network.
The series of wetlands will treat over 250 megalitres of stormwater for irrigation use on local sports ovals and community gardens, and to improve water quality in the creek.
The project will enhance recreational opportunities and community health and well-being through the construction of new sections of shared path and a new bridge to improve active transport connections in the area.
This will also improve the quality of water flowing through to Dandenong Creek by removing 764 kilograms of nitrogen from the water.
Reimagining Your Creek Program
Melbourne Water’s Reimagining Your Creek Program works collaboratively with councils, communities, Traditional Owners and local residents to transform stormwater drains and concrete channels into natural waterways and desirable open spaces.
The program has seen the transformation of sections of Taralla Creek in Croydon, Arnolds Creek in Melton West, and an upstream section of Blind Creek in Boronia. Works are also currently in progress along Moonee Ponds Creek in Strathmore and Oak Park.
More information
For enquiries about the Reimagining Blind Creek at Lewis Park project, please contact the project team:
[email protected]
1800 875 344
For more information about Knox City Council’s Lewis Park Masterplan, visit the webpage or contact Knox City Council:
Community bulletins