Replenished section of Sandy Creek
On the outskirts of the township of Riddells Creek in Macedon Ranges, a dedicated group of volunteers have for more than a decade worked to improve the health of a 5-kilometre stretch of Sandy Creek.
The volunteers, who are neighbours with sections of the creek that flow through their property, are being supported by Melbourne Water through the Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways (LCLW) grant program.
The scrubby and winding Sandy Creek builds from run-off and streams in the local hills, before flowing into Jacksons Creek which runs south towards Gisborne, before reaching its confluence with the Deep Creek to form the mighty Maribyrnong River.
Sandy Creek volunteer Gill Williams said the group received advice and support from Melbourne Water on approaches to bush regeneration, livestock fencing and pest control.
“We’ve planted 25,000 shrubs and seedlings in the last two years alone, the creek looks beautiful and it’s satisfying to know that being at the Maribyrnong River headwaters, our work has benefits downstream.”
“It made sense for us to apply to the Melbourne Water grant program with our neighbours, so we got everyone together and agreed to take part,” Mrs Williams said.
You can manage the project yourself or take a hands-off approach and leave it up to your contractors; it’s up to you.”
Unlike the waterways in urban areas, many headwater streams and smaller creeks like Sandy Creek are on private property so landholders play a key role in protecting their health, through replanting vegetation or putting in fencing to exclude livestock.
Works to protect headwater streams and small rural creeks support the waterway’s ecology by protecting the waterbugs that feed the smaller fish which support bigger fish further downstream.
“Any sediment that gets into the catchment at the very top will pick up speed and bring more along with it as it travels downstream, which can worsen erosion and impact water quality,” said Trent Griffiths, Melbourne Water Manager, Service Partnerships.
“The work at Sandy Creek benefits us all, and it is an incredible example of what we can achieve when agencies and community members work together.”
The LCLW grant program is open for applications to new participants throughout the Port Phillip and Westernport region, which includes the Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Dandenong, and Westernport catchments.
“We are especially looking for participants at Upper Deep Creek Catchment and Mansfield, Romsey, and Mickleham townships.”
“These are areas where there are a lot of streams and creeks on private property that are really important to the health of the Maribyrnong catchment overall.”
LCLW is a vital part of how communities can contribute to the Healthy Waterways Strategy; a 50-year vision for the health of waterways in the five major catchments across Port Phillip and Westernport region.
Learn more about LCLW and apply: Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways Program | Melbourne Water
