Local communities are encouraged to get involved with the development of the Stony Creek Rehabilitation Plan, with consultation now open on the draft rehabilitation plan.
This consultation will help shape how the final plan will restore, enhance and protect Stony Creek in the aftermath of the West Footscray fire on 30 August 2018, which devastated a 5km section of the creek.
The draft plan has been developed through significant community input and consultation activities from February and March – and includes actions that were developed and prioritised during collaborative workshops.
The local community will continue to be instrumental to finalising the proposed approach and developing long-term actions around recovery and rehabilitation of the Stony Creek and its surrounds to achieve a ‘healthy and clean natural community asset that consistently supports a thriving ecosystem’.
Melbourne Water is leading the development of the plan, in partnership with Maribyrnong City Council, EPA Victoria and the community.
The plan also identifies key actions for delivery over the next ten years and complements Maribyrnong City Council’s ‘Stony Creek Future Directions Plan’.
Consultation will be open until from 3 July to 31 July with feedback used in the preparation of the final plan later this year, to ensure it aligns with community expectations, values and aspirations.
The Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $1 million to restore Stony Creek, including pumping 70 million litres of contaminated water out of the waterway, installing equipment to contain the contaminants and removing impacted wildlife.
This includes $700,000 for removal, disposal and remediation works at Cruickshank Park, Golf Course to Hyde Street, Paramount Road to Geelong Road and Francis Street to Golf Course, and $350,000 for water sampling, testing and monitoring by the EPA to determine the impact of the fire on the waterway. These findings will inform the final recovery plan.
For more information or to have your say, visit: yoursay.melbournewater.com.au/stony-creek-rehabilitation
Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown the Hon. Melissa Horne MP
“Stony Creek is the lifeblood of local communities, which is why we’re putting the locals at the forefront of planning for the rehabilitation for this site.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall MP
“This plan is a crucial step in helping to restore Stony Creek to good health, while also planning how we manage and protect this beloved local area over the next 10 years.”
Media contacts: Claire Rowe (9399 9022) and Hannah Brown (9689 4283)
