Chain of Ponds - Moonee Ponds Creek Plan

Future vision of the Moonee Ponds Creek

Imagine the Moonee Ponds Creek, not as a barren concrete drain, but as a natural waterway running through lush green parkland.

Moreland and Moonee Valley Councils have jointly developed and endorsed the Chain of Ponds, an action plan for the Moonee Ponds Creek.

This plan reimagines the Moonee Ponds Creek as a healthy, vibrant destination which supports native plants and animals, provides green space for leisure and recreation, and helps prevent flooding.

Work has already started on implementing this Plan:

• Recreational access and activation of the creek: Merri-bek Road to Hopetoun Avenue, Brunswick West
• Naturalisation, feasibility study and business case, Margaret Street to Herbert Street, Oak Park (see funding announcement below)
• Revegetation, access and drainage improvements, JP Fawkner, Oak Park
• Access improvements at Bass Street, Pascoe Vale
• Revegetation works at Kernan Street, Pascoe Vale
• Access improvements, Esslement Reserve, Pascoe Vale
• Revegetation at Holbrook Reserve, Brunswick West
• Revegetation at Union Street Escarpment, Brunswick West

Moonee Ponds Creek Naturalisation Report

A key project priority for the Chain of Ponds Collaboration has been the naturalisation of a 600m section of the Moonee Ponds Creek next to Brosnan Crescent, Strathmore and between Herbert and Margaret Streets in Oak Park.

The final report is now available for the Moonee Ponds Creek Naturalisation Project from consultants E2 Design Lab and Realm Studio, which includes the concept plans, cost-benefit analysis and business case. The report recommends a mix of naturalisation interventions (See options images below) which includes some ponding, opportunities to connect with the waterway, improved path connections, elevated shared paths over the waterway and vegetation and concrete boring to stimulate successional naturalisation.

The report also highlights the positive social, environmental and economic outcomes arising from the proposed works through a detailed cost benefit analysis. The project is estimated to cost between $6.5 and $8.5 million to deliver, but the project partners are exploring an adjustable program of works that could be delivered to maximise benefits in line with funding opportunities.

In June 2020, the State Government announced that they will contribute $5 million towards the project. Merri-bek City Council will continue to work closely with Moonee Valley City Council, the Friends of Moonee Ponds Creek and the State Government (DELWP) through the Chain of Ponds Collaboration to take the next exciting step of moving from concept plan to implementation.

Get involved - Chain of Ponds Collaboration

In October 2018, fifteen organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing to the ‘Chain of Ponds Collaboration’, an historic new agreement that will help transform Moonee Ponds Creek.  

The collaboration includes representatives from local and state government, community groups, not-for-profits, water authorities and research organisations — all with a strong interest in improving the Moonee Ponds Creek.

For more information, visit the Chain of Ponds Collaboration website or if you would like to participate in the Chain of Ponds Collaboration, then please contact the Project Lead by email or join our next meeting.

View the Chain of Ponds Plan

Download the Chain of Ponds - Moonee Ponds Creek Plan.

Executive Summary (PDF 1Mb)
A. Introduction  (PDF 3Mb)
B. Chronology  (PDF 2Mb)
C. Creek Stories  (PDF 288Kb)
D. The Creek Today (PDF 49Mb)
E. Water Investigations (PDF 8Mb)
F. Linear Park (PDF 17Mb)
G. Base Plans (PDF 30Mb)
H. Implementation Plan  (PDF 1Mb (PDF 1Mb))
I. Appendices & Credits (PDF 1Mb)

Further information

If you require further information, email the Open Space team or contact Council on 9240 1111.