Award for construction to Aqua Metro
Working together, we’re finding smart ways to actively manage and improve the health of Monbulk Creek for our community and the environment as part of the Monbulk Creek Smart Water Network program.
The program is being delivered by Melbourne Water in partnership with the University of Melbourne, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, South East Water and Yarra Ranges Council.
We will install new equipment to actively and remotely release water flows across the Monbulk Creek catchment area. Supported by The Platy Patch, a statewide initiative, these works aim to restore urban waterways, reduce stormwater impacts and protect the homes of the endangered platypus and other aquatic life.
Why we’re doing this project
Monbulk Creek provides a vital refuge for one of the last remaining platypus populations in the Dandenong Creek catchment. Facing growing threats from stormwater and climate change, their survival demands immediate action.
This collaborative project is a crucial step towards their long-term protection and the overall health of Monbulk Creek. By bringing together leading experts and the local community, we are implementing smart water management solutions. This includes retrofitting urban lakes and installing 'smart' rainwater tanks with real-time monitoring in areas like Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Lake and even at individual homes.
This project aims to improve creek health and resilience, directly safeguarding the platypus, reducing flood risk, and providing non-potable water for residents – addressing the urgent need for waterway protection.
What’s happening
From late April until July 2025, we’ll be upgrading the two ponds at Birdsland Reserve, Mount Morton Road in Belgrave.
These works involve installing new pipes with remote-controlled valves, water sensors, and solar-powered controls. There will also be:
- some minor vegetation removal
- excavation for new pipes, followed by pipe laying and backfilling
- installation of new technology, including flow meters, level sensors and a control cabinet for remote operation
- installation of a solar power system
- testing and activation of the new water release system.
After these works are completed, we will reinstate areas affected by our work activities, including re-grassing. This will be undertaken in accordance with re-vegetation and reinstatement plans approved by Yarra Ranges Council.
During this time there will be changes to the way you get around the area and we thank you for your patience while these works are completed.
What to expect
While we work, you may notice temporary disruptions in the area, including:
- Noise: There will be a short-term increase in noise in the area, but we will do as much as possible to reduce the construction noise. We will actively monitor noise levels throughout the project to ensure strict compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thresholds.
- Traffic, parking, bike riders and pedestrians: From late April to July 2025, a portion of the Platypus Lake Walk and the pedestrian bridge near the ponds will be temporarily closed. During this time, visitors will need to retrace their steps to return to the car park. The footpath and bridge will reopen on weekends when works safely allow.
We will make every effort to minimise the impact of these works on the local community and the environment.
Working hours
We will be working Monday to Friday, 7am to 5.30pm and on Saturdays, 7am to 1pm. Dates and times may change subject to weather conditions.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during these essential works.
Project timeline
November 2024
Late 2024
Early investigations
Early 2025
Detailed design at Birdsland Reserve finalised
April 2025
Site establishment and commencement of works
July 2025
Completion of works at Birdsland Reserve
TBC
Detailed design for Belgrave Lake finalised
Late 2025
Site establishment and commencement of works at Belgrave Lake
Early 2026
Project completion
How to get involved
For more information on the Monbulk Creek Smart Water Network's Tanks for Platypus program visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Sustainable-communities/Healthy-Waterways/Tanks-for-Platypus or to discuss whether your property is suitable to participate, contact Yarra Ranges Council on 1300 368 333 or [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Monbulk Creek Smart Water Network project?
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This exciting project is a partnership between Melbourne Water, the University of Melbourne, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Yarra Ranges Council and South East Water. We're using innovative 'smart water' technology to actively manage water in the Monbulk Creek catchment to improve its health, protect the threatened platypus, and reduce local flooding.
- Why is this project needed?
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Monbulk Creek is a vital waterway facing pressure from stormwater runoff and climate change. It's home to the last remaining platypus population in the Dandenong Creek catchment. This project aims to address these challenges and ensure a healthy future for the creek and its wildlife.
- What are the main goals of the project?
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Our key goals are to:
- Protect and enhance the habitat of the threatened platypus.
- Improve the overall health and water quality of Monbulk Creek.
- Reduce the risk of localised flooding in the community.
- Demonstrate innovative 'smart water' management for urban waterways.
- Who are the key partners involved?
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This is a collaborative effort between Melbourne Water, the University of Melbourne, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Yarra Ranges Council and South East Water.
- Where is the project taking place?
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The project focuses on the Monbulk Creek catchment, particularly upstream of Birdsland Reserve to Belgrave Lake, and involves residents in surrounding suburbs like Upwey, Tecoma, Belgrave and others.
- What upgrades are happening at Belgrave Lake and Birdsland Reserve?
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We are retrofitting infrastructure at Belgrave Lake and the two ponds within the Monbulk Creek Retarding Basin at Birdsland Reserve to enable the active and remote release of water into Monbulk Creek for environmental flows.
- How will these upgrades improve Monbulk Creek?
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These upgrades will allow us to strategically release small volumes of water during dry periods to maintain base flows, improve water quality and enhance habitat for platypus and other aquatic life.
- Will there be any disruptions during the project?
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We are working to carefully plan and manage any works to minimise potential disruption to the local community. For your safety, the Birdsland Reserve Platypus Lake Walk and pedestrian bridge adjacent to the car park will be temporarily closed from April until July 2025. Before work begins at Belgrave Lake, we will provide nearby residents and the community with advance notice of significant work activities through letterbox drops, project webpage updates and signage.
- What are 'smart' rainwater tanks?
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These are rainwater tanks equipped with technology that allows them to automatically release water into the stormwater system based on weather forecasts and the flow of Monbulk Creek. This helps manage stormwater and supplement creek flows when needed.
- How do 'smart' tanks benefit the community?
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'Smart' tanks can help reduce localised flooding by creating storage space before rain events. Participating households also get a free rainwater tank to use non-potable water, potentially saving on their water bills.
- How do 'smart' tanks help the platypus and the creek?
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By strategically releasing water, 'smart' tanks help maintain more consistent flows in Monbulk Creek, especially during dry periods, which is crucial for platypus habitat and the health of the aquatic ecosystem.
- Can I get a 'smart' tank installed at my property?
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We are currently working with residents in specific areas of the Monbulk Creek catchment.
For more information on the Monbulk Creek Smart Water Network's Tanks for Platypus program visit http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Sustainable-communities/Healthy-Waterways/Tanks-for-Platypus
If you live nearby and are interested, please contact Yarra Ranges Council on 1300 368 333 or via [email protected] to learn more about eligibility.
- Is there any cost to homeowners for a 'smart' tank?
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No, the installation of the 'smart' rainwater tank is at no financial cost to eligible homeowners who participate in the program.
- How will the community be kept informed about the project?
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We are committed to keeping the community updated through various channels, including local newsletters, project updates on the Melbourne Water and partner websites, community information sessions (if applicable), and signage in the project areas.
- How can I provide feedback or ask questions about the project?
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You can provide feedback or ask questions by calling Melbourne Water on 131 722 or emailing us at [email protected].
- What are the long-term goals for the Monbulk Creek Smart Water Network?
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We aim to create a sustainable model for managing urban waterways that can be applied to other areas across Greater Melbourne and beyond, potentially addressing various objectives like flood protection and the preservation of other environmental values.
Further information
If you have feedback or would like more information about this project, contact us.
Community bulletins
Acknowledgement
Melbourne Water acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of this land.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, Melbourne Water, the University of Melbourne, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Yarra Ranges Council and South East Water. The Urban Rivers Platypus Recovery Initiative, The Platy Patch, is a statewide project restoring urban waterways for platypus habitats and aquatic life.
