Recovery update

Stony Creek artists impression.jpg

Published on 29 November 2019

Maribyrnong City Council is currently developing an update to the 2011 Stony Creek Future Directions Plan. The new masterplan will address the length of the Creek as it passes through the city and incorporate a masterplan for Cruickshank Park.

The Draft Future Directions Plan 2019 suggests further improvements to the creek corridor, with a vision to see rain gardens and wetlands developed to improve water quality in the creek and make it a safe, accessible and welcoming network of public open space.

The draft plan builds on earlier engagement conducted regarding Cruickshank Park and extensive community input since the 2018 Tottenham warehouse fire and the recommendations outlined in Melbourne Water's Stony Creek Rehabilitation Plan.

Some of the key actions the plan aims to address are:

  • a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities to encourage them to connect with nature
  • improved habitat and biodiversity
  • stormwater treatment incorporated into the landscape for improved water quality and cooling
  • increased vegetation and tree canopy cover
  • a wide variety of active and informal recreation activities
  • improved public access and connections along the creek and linkages between neighbourhoods

We are seeking your feedback to ensure we meet the priorities and expectations of our community. We invite you to view the draft plan and share your thoughts via an online survey or attend one of our drop-in sessions.

Visit Your City Your Voice for details and to complete the online survey and to see details of other engagement opportunities.

Works update

WorkSafe Victoria has enforced the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 to directly oversee the removal of waste chemicals that remain at the fire site. WorkSafe stepped in after elements of notices issued by EPA and WorkSafe were not met.

EPA and Melbourne Water have commenced remediation work in sediment deposition areas along Stony Creek, downstream of Paramount Road. The key areas being desilted are Cala Street ponds, Waratah Street, Somerville Road and Adaleigh Street dog pond. Melbourne Water staff will be coming into direct contact with the creek, so you may notice them dressed in full protective gear whilst completing the clean-up. This protective gear is a precaution based on advice from EPA when coming into direct contact with the water.

Desilting activities will be carried out along the creek from now through to early 2020 and regular inspections will continue to monitor conditions in Stony Creek.

Assessment of materials remaining at the 420 Somerville Road, Tottenham fire site are published on EPA’s website. Water and sediment data collected on 25 October have been assessed and reported on EPA’s website. Results are consistent with recent samplings the levels of chemicals are stable with most meeting guidelines.

EPA’s ongoing advice is:

  • Avoid contact with the water in Stony Creek
  • Don’t walk along the edge of Stony Creek
  • Don't let pets swim in the area or drink the water
  • As a precaution avoid eating fish from Stony Creek
  • Seek medical help if you feel unwell
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