Creek critters set in stone

Brimbank Mayor Margaret Guidice with one of stone statues.

By Tate Papworth

Native animals are proudly adorning the Kororoit Creek Shared Trail.

Five rock sculptures have been installed along the trail, just upstream of Buckingham Reserve in Sunshine West.

Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice said the sculptures showed off local wildlife and helped share an important message.

“The five rock sculptures highlight the local animals that inhabit this section of the creek,” she said.

“The animals include an eastern long-necked turtle, growling grass frog, Cunningham skink, kingfisher and echidna.

“It’s important, as part of our habitat corridors project, that we are revegetating, and installing habitat elements like rocks and logs to provide shelter and nesting sites for native animals in key areas along Kororoit Creek.

“To protect and conserve our natural habitats, we are asking residents to contact council if they see any of these animals in the area.

“We are committed to protecting and assisting in the long-term survival of local species.”

The sculptures were created by artist Joe Pratt, who carved the animals from local basalt rock.

In addition to the wildlife protection initiatives, Cr Giudice said there were also plans to improve the region’s flora – and the community can help.

The council is inviting community members to help re-introduce beautiful wildflowers to the Kororoit Creek corridor during a planting day on Sunday, August 19, from 10am to noon.

The planting day will start from 2A Buckingham Crescent, Sunshine West.