- Published:
- Wednesday 15 June 2022
The Andrews Labor Government is helping to restore a large section of Blind Creek, at the base of the Dandenong Ranges, improving the health of the waterway and creating more green space for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville today announced $2.5 million in funding to rejuvenate 1.6 kilometres of Blind Creek as part of the Integrated Water Management program.
The project is one of 11 metropolitan and 17 regional projects receiving a funding boost under the first round of the $14.1 million program.
The Blind Creek naturalisation works will create three new wetlands, a range of paths, a boardwalk and other amenities for the community to enjoy.
The works will harvest around 250 million litres a year of stormwater that can be used to irrigate local sports ovals and community gardens. There will also be an improvement in the quality of water flowing through to Dandenong Creek.
The Blind Creek corridor forms an environmental ‘spine’ through the City of Knox, providing vital amenities for the community, connecting green spaces and providing active transport options.
The Integrated Water Management grants also include a stormwater harvesting system in Carlton, to irrigate Curtain Square, while reducing flood risks for over 200 local properties. There is also funding for stormwater harvesting at Monbulk and Moonee Ponds that will irrigate local sporting fields and keep waterways clean.
Projects in regional Victoria include a wetland development in Bairnsdale to treat storm water and improve water quality in the Gippsland Lakes, a recycled water upgrade in St Arnaud to water local parks and gardens, rooftop water harvesting in Hamilton and upgrades to the Echuca Aquatic Reserve.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“We are co-investing in priority projects across Melbourne and regional Victoria, such as the Blind Creek corridor, to boost our water security and improve the liveability of our cities and towns.”
“With climate change and more extreme climatic events, as well as the expected near doubling of Victoria’s population by 2051, we need to do more with less water.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor
‘This is going to give our waterways back to community where they belong and unlock green open space for locals to enjoy, all while making our local waterways healthier and cleaner”.