By Laura Michell
Brimbank council has called on the state government to fund the remaining works on the Upper Stony Creek Transformation Project.
In 2019, council successfully advocated for the federal and state governments to recommit and recommence work on the Upper Stony Creek Project after works stalled.
The project, which aimed to transform a concrete chanel and grassed detention basin back to a natural creek and wetland, hit a standstill in early 2019 after costs blew out because of asbestos contamination.
While no additional funding was provided, council’s advocacy ensured that works on a revised scope project re-commenced and were completed in 2020.
The Upper Stony Creek Project includes a new functional wetland with a gravel circuit path that is accessible to the community. More than 10,000 plants have been planted around the wetland, with the circuit path connecting to Gilmour Road, Cary Street and Camperdown Avenue.
However, the concrete chanel still need to be transformed into a natural waterway and contaminated soil at the site needs to be remediated, council said.
As such, council voted at its June 23 meeting to write to Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio requesting commitment and funding to complete the project to its full scope.
Cr Virginia Tachos said the works needed to be completed to cool the area and improve liveability for residents.
“Our community deserves more funding to complete the Upper Stony Creek project to its original intended scope, which will help transform the existing concrete channel back to a natural state with more walking paths, wetlands and vegetation, creating a great open space for generations to enjoy,” she said,
Mayor Jasmine Nguyen said the works complete to-date had transformed a portion of the area into a cool and shady place.
“Brimbank council continues to advocate for this project, and would welcome more funding from the federal and Victorian governments to create a natural waterway that creates a bigger, cooler green space,” she said.
A state government spokesperson said the government has invested over $7 million in the project.
“Any application for new funding or projects would need to be considered in future budgets,” the spokesperson said.
The Upper Stony Creek Project was developed and funded through a partnership with Melbourne Water, Development Victoria, State Government’s Department Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Greenfleet and Brimbank council, with the federal Government being the main funder for the project.
