The restoration of Blind Creek and Lewis Park, at the base of the Dandenong Ranges, is now in full swing. State Minister for Water, Harriet Shing, recently inspected progress on the Reimagining Blind Creek project, which received $2.5 million in funding as part of the Government’s Integrated Water Management Program.
The Minister commented, ‘We are co-investing in priority projects across Melbourne and regional Victoria, such as the Blind Creek corridor, to boost our water security and improve the liveability of our cities and towns. The project will complement the significant investments being made onsite by both Knox City Council through the Lewis Park Masterplan and the Government to support the creation of a community hub.’
Reimagining Blind Creek is transforming the existing underground drain and retarding basin at Lewis Park in Wantirna South, thus significantly improving the waterway and environment for the community to enjoy. A 1.65km section of Blind Creek is being transformed into three wetlands, two harvesting ponds, a range of paths, a boardwalk and other assets like park benches and stepping stones.
The project will create an open space for community activity and wellbeing and will improve waterway health into Dandenong Creek and Port Phillip Bay and Dandenong Creek. It will also provide opportunities to harvest and irrigate local sports ovals with treated stormwater.
Construction started in early 2023, and the main delivery of the works will be staged over three summers to minimise risk of unfavourable wet weather conditions. The project is a collaboration between the Victorian Government, Melbourne Water, Knox City Council, and Traditional Owners.
It is part of Melbourne Water’s Reimagining Your Creek Program, which transforms stormwater drains and concrete channels into natural waterways and open spaces. The program has transformed sections of Tarralla Creek in Croydon, Arnolds Creek in Melton West, and an upstream section of Blind Creek in Boronia.
Editor: Readers of Gully News may remember John Ford’s entertaining account of his search for the source of Blind Creek in 2016. (See archive edition of No.47 page 25, December 2016).
