Community celebrates the new Moonee Ponds Creek
Locals and visitors to Moonee Ponds Creek turned out on Saturday to celebrate the end of the first stage of works to transform the waterway into a natural and enjoyable community space.
Attendees were treated to activities for all ages, with live music and entertainment, face painting, educational activities, and an adventure hunt.
The area is now abundant and inviting, with 43,000 native trees and shrubs, new shared paths, a new bridge, and terracing.
“From the water bubbling on the banks and splashing ducks, to birdsong and rustling leaves, the creek is singing again,” said Chain of Ponds Collaboration First Nations Lead, Troy Pedersen.
Planning has already begun on the next section of the creek, promising more exciting developments as part of Melbourne Water’s award-winning Reimagining Your Creek program.
“Further works by Melbourne Water are planned at Moonee Ponds Creek to build on the success of this site and secure this place as a must-see destination for Melbourne's west,” said Melbourne Water Executive General Manager, Service Delivery, Sue Jackman.
“Moonee Ponds Creek is a great example of how we can improve our city by working together.”
The naturalisation works completed by Melbourne Water involved replacing the old concrete channel with rockwork and a new, meandering design and slowing the flow of water.
“This project is not just about improving the waterway—it’s about restoring a natural ecosystem and celebrating the cultural importance of this place," said Merri-bek City Council Mayor, Helen Davidson.
Melbourne Water's Reimagining Your Creek Program aims to turn stormwater drains and concrete channels throughout our city into natural waterways and appealing open spaces where communities can engage with nature in a cooler, healthier environment.
Melbourne Water has already concluded works at several sites around the city, including Arnolds Creek in Melton, Tarralla Creek in Croydon, and Blind Creek in Wantirna South, Knoxfield, and Boronia.
Saturday also marked the opening of the Wilami Wunmabil cultural trail, which was officially unveiled as a new destination for visitors to the area. The trail features a mix of signage, art, and immersive digital media and is the first of its kind in Narrm.
“Moonee Ponds Creek runs through the heart of our city and this reimagined space makes community connection with nature even easier,” said Moonee Valley City Council, Mayor, Ava Adams.
“The creek is a vital part of Country, and Moonee Valley City Council is proud to celebrate and learn from the Wurundjeri people’s custodianship of this land.”
Melbourne Water led the delivery of the first stage of works at the creek on behalf of the Chain of Ponds Collaboration Group, in partnership with Merri-bek City Council, Moonee Valley City Council, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.