Recovery update
Published on 22 February 2019
Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) continues to advise people to avoid coming into contact with water from Stony Creek. Seek medical help if you feel unwell.
Water and sediment results from the 17 January sampling have been received and assessed, and the results are now available on the EPA website.
Melbourne Water has so far removed 70 million litres of water and 170 cubic metres of contaminated sediment from the creek. They have also recently completed works to remove affected trees and other vegetation, including large weed species such as willows.
Melbourne Water plan to remove at least another 500 cubic metres of contaminated material in the coming weeks. By removing the willows within the creek corridor, there has been improved access for completing these works as efficiently as possible.
Melbourne Water continue to monitor conditions in the creek twice a week and EPA continue to carry out regular inspections of the fire site to monitor compliance with statutory notices, ensuring appropriate risk controls are in place.
Two community ‘pop up’ information events will be held in key locations in Cruickshank Park on Sunday 24 February, 9am-12pm, and Tuesday 26 February, 3pm-5pm. Community members can share their stories, ideas and priorities for the rehabilitation of Stony Creek in person at one of these events. The events will be attended by representatives of Melbourne Water, Maribyrnong City Council and EPA to answer any questions that the community may have about different aspects of the recovery and rehabilitation stages.
A two-day community workshop will also be held in late March 2019. The purpose of the workshop is to further understand what the community values about Stony Creek and their ideas and aspirations for rehabilitation, and to identify a set of desired outcomes, key priorities and actions. To register your interest, apply online.
Melbourne Water’s M102 Water Main Project
Works have progressed further along Charlotte Street (east) and are almost at the intersection with Julian Street. Access to Julian Street has now been closed and residents have been provided with a number of alternative car parking locations in other local streets.
The affected areas of Cruickshank Park have been hydro-seeded, with fencing around these areas to allow the new grass to grow. Access through the park has been reinstated, with all project equipment and fencing across walking paths now removed. Charlotte Street (west) has been rehabilitated with resurfacing and reinstatement of concrete curbs.
More information on the project’s progress is available on the Melbourne Water website.