The exciting Reimagining Moonee Ponds Creek project, led by Melbourne Water on behalf of the Chain of Ponds Collaboration, aims to transform a section of Moonee Ponds Creek into a more natural form. The project aims to create a more appealing waterway, activate open space, enhance opportunities for recreation along the creek, and improve overall waterway health. The project will focus on a 700-metre section of the most northerly concrete section of the Moonee Ponds Creek, in Oak Park and Strathmore.

Community Engagement was undertaken in May and June this year during which the community was asked to provide their insights on what they love about this section of Moonee Ponds Creek and surrounds, how they currently use the area, and what would make them use the area more. Five themes were tested during this round of engagement including environmental sustainability, accessibility, safety, recreation and community connection. These themes
will be used to inform the development of the designs for the creek.

While in person engagement was initially planned, all face to face engagement had to be cancelled due to Victorian government restrictions. To ensure the community had adequate time to provide their feedback, engagement was extended for an extra week. Online Zoom meetings were held on 2 June and 4 June, with approximately 65 people attending the sessions. 212 individual comments were received on Melbourne Water’s YourSay page, with at least two thirds of these being positive and supportive of the project. Some of the most popular comments and suggestions included converting the concrete drain into natural creek, creating separate paths for walkers and cyclists to improve safety and accessibility, increased lighting along the trail, and more recreational space for picnics and BBQ areas. The community also expressed a desire to be involved in the project, including asking for input from local Indigenous communities and involving local schools for educational opportunities. More detail on the engagement findings can be found on the Melbourne Water Your Say Page and will be available during phase 2 engagement.

Three potential concept designs are currently in development, which will be presented to the community for feedback during the next round of consultation. This engagement, including online engagement sessions and family activities, will occur between 9 and 29 August. The YourSay page will again collect feedback from the community.

Contact: Jacqueline Novoselac, Melbourne Water