The project to naturalise concrete sections of the Moonee Ponds Creek is set to resume next year and along with a much more attractive environment, there will be improvements for riders and walkers.
Stage 2 of the project through Strathmore and Pascoe Vale will bring the adjacent Monee Ponds Creek Trail up to current design and safety standards.
In Stage 1 the trail was re-aligned and new gravel paths were added closer to the creek.
In this section, starting just north of Pascoe Vale Road, the creek banks are steep and space is short due to the Lebanon Reserve sports oval cribbing space from the creek corridor.
So although the path will not be widened to the typical 3 metres, it will be wider than it is currently, and upgraded from asphalt to concrete.
In addition, along the steep bank the path will now be fenced to prevent the risk of falls.
Pedestrians will also benefit from relocated walking tracks, which will be at a lower level to provide more capacity in the channel for managing flows during flood events.
To achieve a more natural environment, rock work and planting will replace concrete.
Seats will be installed at key viewing locations and along paths for people to stop and rest.
The creek works provide a chance to extend the Wilami Wunmabil Trail, which was implemented in Stage 1, giving community members a connection to the creek through Wurundjeri cultural knowledge.
Melbourne Water is leading the project on behalf of the Chain of Ponds Collaboration Group, in partnership with Merri-bek City Council, Moonee Valley City Council, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
The second stage of the Reimagining Moonee Ponds Creek project is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program and Melbourne Water.
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