By Tate Papworth
A stalemate surrounding the Upper Stony Creek rejuvenation project continues.
Work on the $11 million project to transform a concrete drain back to a natural wetland hit a standstill earlier this year after costs blew out because of asbestos contamination.
The council has been calling on both the state and federal governments to come to the party with funding to help complete the project, however no money has been forthcoming.
Earlier this month, students at neighbouring St Albans Heights and Albion primary schools shared their hopes for the future of Upper Stony Creek through art projects.
They drew pictures of what they hope the site will look like and presented them to Brimbank mayor Lucinda Congreve.
Cr Congreve said it was great to see young residents take an interest.
“It’s fair to say the impact of stopping work at the Upper Stony Creek Transformation Project goes well beyond the surrounding cyclone fence,” she said.
“Since works to rehabilitate the 1.2-kilometre stretch of Upper Stony Creek came to a standstill in July we’ve been talking to the community about the importance of the project.
“We’ve visited primary schools near the Upper Stony Creek site and spoken to students about the project and what it would achieve for the environment and the local community.
“It’s great to see the next generation show such passion for an important local issue by putting their support – and art skills – behind this campaign.”
Work on the project began in April 2018, bringing together all three levels of government.
Cr Congreve said it was vital that the spirit of co-operation was once again shown for the community and local students.
“We need to show them their future – and place they call home – is important,” she said.
“We’ll be delivering these drawings, along with our community petition, to the Victorian government as we continue our efforts to ‘Save Stony Creek’.”
To support the campaign, Brimbank council has set up a Victorian Parliament petition which can be accessed via Brimbank.vic.gov.au/savestonycreek
