This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program and Melbourne Water. The project is part of Melbourne Water’s award-winning Reimagining Your Creek Program.
We are reimagining almost 2 kilometres of Eumemmerring Creek into a natural waterway from Doveton Avenue, Doveton through to Lace Street, Eumemmerring.
Melbourne Water is leading the design and delivery of the project in partnership with the City of Casey, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and with support from Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
Why is this project important?
In Melbourne, our rivers and creeks are essential to our way of life. That’s why we’re transforming a section of Eumemmerring Creek into a natural waterway. Eumemmerring Creek is currently an underground drain with concrete sections and grass channels. Our project will transform it into a more desirable open space, where native wildlife can thrive and communities can come together in a cooler, greener place.
This project has been identified as a priority within Melbourne Water’s Reimagining Your Creek Program. Stage 1 of the project is valued at $28 million, with $18 million committed from Melbourne Water and $10 million in funding secured from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust via the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program. Additional funding from the City of Casey will support the delivery of community infrastructure, with project details to be confirmed.
What are the benefits
Reimagining Eumemmerring Creek will provide many benefits to the community. It will:
- Transform approximately 2km of underground drain and concrete channels creating a more natural waterway
- Revitalise 2.4 hectares of open space, increasing shade and cooling to create a more resilient environment
- Enhance biodiversity and habitat for birds, frogs, insects and other local wildlife
- Expand public open space for the Doveton and Eumemmerring communities Deliver new community infrastructure to strengthen connectivity and promote liveable spaces
Get involved
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. 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 informed by local knowledge, community values and priorities.
Through Let’s Talk, we’ll soon share opportunities for you to contribute your vision and ideas, helping to shape concept designs that bring this transformation to life.
Future construction plans
Due to the project scale, the program of works will be delivered in two stages:
- Stage 1 (783m): Doveton Avenue to Frawley Road (funding approved)
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Stage 1 will include developing the concept designs for both stages, ensuring a comprehensive approach.
- Stage 2 (1100m): Frawley Road to Lace Street (funding and timing to be confirmed)
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The area incorporates Waratah Reserve and the Olive Road Sporting Complex which is a highly valued active recreational facility that provides an excellent opportunity for the local community to meet and be engaged in a variety of both formal and informal community wellbeing activities.
August 2025
Initial engagement: We are asking the community vision and ideas to Reimagine Eumemmerring Creek.
November 2025
Community review concept designs. There will be an opportunity to review concept designs created.
Mid to late 2026
Stage 1 works commence
Early 2028
Stage 1 works completed
About the 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 Tarralla Creek in Croydon, Arnolds Creek in Melton West, Moonee Ponds Creek in Oak Park, and a section of Blind Creek in Boronia and Lewis Park.
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.
Contact us
If you have questions or feedback on the project, please get in touch with the project team: