Melbourne Water has awarded community group, Friends of Laverton Creek a $6,000 grant to continue their efforts to rehabilitate the waterway and transform it into a key community asset.
Building on Melbourne Water’s program of works, the group has begun weed removal activities, and from May, will start planting native plant species – including tussock grass, wattle and saltbush – along a 50-metre stretch of the creek.
Melbourne Water’s West Region Manager Cameron Howie said the creek was in better shape due to the combined efforts of the Friends of Laverton Creek and Hobsons Bay Council.
“Once considered a degraded site, the creek and its surrounds are now home to a range of exotic birdlife and provide a popular recreational corridor for runners, dog walkers and cyclists. This is a great outcome for everyone involved,” Mr Howie said.
“Everyone has invested significantly over five years to improve the health and social value of this creek. The Friends of Laverton Creek have motivated many locals to do their bit to sustain the health of this community asset,” he said.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Councillor Sandra Wilson, said the collaboration had been central to improving the health of the creek.
“We’ve worked really well with Melbourne Water and the Friends to do some great work in this valued habitat over the past five years. It’s a tradition we’d like to continue.”
Since 2011, through Melbourne Water’s capital works program, more than 4,200 trees and shrubs have been planted along Laverton Creek. This adds to the reconstruction and replanting works carried out along six kilometres of creek, from Caroline Springs to Lawrie Emmins Reserve in Melbourne’s western suburbs, since 2008.
Mr Howie said the council had supported the work by running a range of litter prevention and education campaigns.
“We have all worked hard to transform Laverton Creek into a thriving waterway and public space for all to enjoy,” Mr Howie said.
Friends of Laverton Creek spokesperson Mike O’Brien said collaboration had been the key to improving the creek, and new members were always welcome.
“Together we are making a real difference to Laverton Creek and its surrounds. We could always use an extra set of hands to help us out,” he said.
