Lending a hand to enhance Dandenong Creek

Council to help with $6m environment project

Knox Council is part of a working group for a new $6 million project to enhance one of Melbourne’s best known waterways.

Melbourne Water and the Environment Protection Authority are working in partnership with local government to improve the health of Dandenong Creek through four different projects known as ‘Enhancing our Dandenong Creek’ (EODC).

The five-year project features works to protect the Dandenong Creek from urban pollution, improve its natural amenity, create new habitat, provide a breeding program for freshwater fish and mitigate against uncontrolled sewage spills.

Knox Mayor Peter Lockwood said Council was privileged to partner with neighbouring Maroondah City Council as part of the EODC working group to provide recommendations and source community ideas in order for Melbourne Water to deliver the project.

“Council is pleased that it can contribute as part of the working group to enhance Dandenong Creek,” Mayor Lockwood said. “Dandenong Creek literally provides two-thirds of Knox’s municipal boundary; which we share with the City of Maroondah. It starts in the Dandenong Ranges and flows through the foothills of The Basin, through Bayswater, Wantirna South, Scoresby and Rowville.
“As part of the EODC working group, Council’s key responsibilities include participating in workshops and generating project ideas together with the community, to improve both the natural creek environment while adding broader community benefits locally.”

The five-year program, to be delivered by Melbourne Water, will benefit the natural amenity of the Dandenong Creek and its floodplain.

“Council hopes its involvement in the EODC will contribute to Melbourne Water’s effort to provide the local community with an improved Dandenong Creek Catchment for all to enjoy,” Mayor Lockwood said.

Council will attend the final workshops as part of the EODC in February this year.