C. CREEK STORIES

“We spent a lot of time playing down by Moonee Ponds Creek. Before it was all concreted up and the freeway built it was a beautiful creek.” Archie Roach01

01 http://www.theweeklyreview.com.au/spaces/first-base-archie-roach-strathmore-north/#sthash.sJzhbp9k.dpuf

46 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 47 C.01 INTRODUCTION

“The year is 1946. I am 4 years old and my Dad would chop a pathway through the CREEK STORIES parents have put their first payment down on boxthorn hedges and wild aniseed plants to the The story and photograph on the previous page was Such an appreciation promotes greater understanding a 3 small-roomed weatherboard house on a base of the creek, and then roll stones to make provided by Elaine of Strathmore, gathered as part of of both the people and the landscape, and the wide 1/4 acre piece of land with the title on one a crossing to the other side. This was replaced the community consultation for the project. The story range of attitudes towards the creek. Landscape side ending in the creek. Some years later, the after every flood that would run a banker and is an excellent reminder that landscapes are given life architect Anne Whiston Spirn calls this process paddock out the front of the house became finish at our own doorstep. The widening of the and colour by the many different memories and stories ‘landscape literacy’. “ As she describes “....landscape Margaret Street. creek and the footbridge that was built when that are written and rewritten by the people who use literacy is a cultural practice that entails both Strathmore North State School opened made and love the site. Our mail was delivered to the Post Office at understanding the world and transforming it. To be life easier. literate in landscape is to recognise both the problems the bottom of Gaffney Street across from the We call these ‘creek stories’ and they form an in a place and its resources, to understand how they Pascoe Vale Station and our suburb had several Sadly to me, the covering of smooth cement invaluable and intrinsic part of the Moonee Ponds came about, by what means they are sustained, and name changes - Essendon North, Happy Valley with its harsh never changing appearance was Creek. No two stories are the same; they are written how they are related.” 01 and finally Oak Park. We had our own chickens, like Botox on a face that loses its movement. As from different viewpoints and capture the diversity a cow, vegie garden and fruit trees. Our water a small child, my family and our visitors enjoyed present within the site. Everyone’s story is different. This project seeks to enhance landscape literacy supply came from two huge tanks and a spring the freedom and adventures around this around the Moonee Ponds Creek that will help the Importantly for sites like the Moonee Ponds Creek, on the bank of the creek on our land which is untamed country creek, but as the years rolled community come to terms with both the creek’s most of these stories remain invisible to us, an unseen now covered in cement. on a hardworking group joined as ‘Friends of history, as well as develop suitable strategies for the Creek’ to deliver a growing green wardrobe and intangible tapestry of ideas and memories that The natural Farmer’s Market we topped up from improving the creek into the future. that brings colour and wildlife back into my little collectively form the community attitude towards the was found in and around the Moonee Ponds corner of the world.” creek. It is these memories and associations that Previous Consultation Creek. There were eels, yabbies and rabbits and we are interested in, so assist in the development of Landscape literacy is aided by an understanding once a year mushrooms galore. by Elaine of Strathmore. suitable ideas that will strengthen the relationship of how attitudes and ideas towards the creek have between people and the creek. evolved over a period of time. For this reason, we have provided the following brief summary of community Reading The Landscape and stakeholder consultation undertaken as part of An important component of this project is previous projects and studies relating to the Moonee engagement with the community to unearth some of Ponds Creek. Analysing this feedback is useful in these many stories which add detail, character and understanding consistent themes or ideas that have meaning to the creek and to make the people aware of persisted over time, providing a valuable insight into the many, often different and conflicting views that are the attitudes of the community towards the creek. present in the community.

01 Design in the Terrain of Water, Pg 57.

Elaine’s home in Margaret Street, Strathmore looking towards Essendon Airport, circa 1946 48 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 49 C.02 PREVIOUS CONSULTATION

1975 NORTHERN WATERWAYS STUDY Submission by the North West Regional Council For “I don’t think any of us particularly like miles and “At present the Moonee Ponds Creek, its simultaneous upgrading of access, both to and The Northern Waterways Study (1975)02 Social Development miles of trapezoidal concrete channels that just surrounding parkland and open space is not within the open space. represents a ground breaking document in the “The next stage would be the management run along side a roadway.” highly valued by the community as a local Young people particularly believed that the changing attitudes towards urban waterways in of the surrounding riparian habitat to improve resource. Young people and people who never “If you put concrete in, you take the water away community should take an active part in the Melbourne. For the first time, there was a real and conservation and recreational amenity.” use the area have a more negative perception very quickly... It’s dirty, its nasty.” decision making over the future of the creek, palpable sense of urgency to address the deterioration of the creek than adults and people who are “These waterways provide invaluable though in general there was difficulty in of the waterways within the city, and the need to “One should also think of limited acquisition.” using the area. People who do not use the area imagining the creek and its environment in a corridors of open space through the closely see the creek and its environs as dirty, and the explore alternative responses to the pressures of 03 settled northern suburbs. Many of the small “I must say it is very nice to see so many people positive way.” urban development on natural systems. area is widely considered a dangerous place to fragmented open space areas are located in here, but in the context of what I have just said, spend time.” Key issues were identified, including the provision of Importantly, the study was initiated because of close proximity to these streams, therefore any I am sorry there are not hundreds here, there shade, air pollution, noise pollution, access to the bike growing community concern about the treatment management program for these streams would should be hundreds here, and one hopes that The most significant factor restricting the wider track, use of the bike track, access to the creek, site of these waterways. Community involvement in the need to consider their interaction with these over time, more and more people will show an use of the area is seen to be poor access from use, habitat and the involvement of the community. Study was actively encouraged by advertising for open space areas.” interest in this...” nearby residential areas and the quality and submissions in the media and by holding an all day diversity of the path networks within the open Individual Submission (Mr J Walker) The summary recommendations from the Conference public conference in June 1975. space. The facilities available limit the use of suggested involving the community in planning, “It is better by far that a foreigner should come the area by certain sections of the population 03 Moonee Ponds Creek Concept Plan, Board of Works 1992. The thoroughness of the investigation extended to to our city and say, “Hey, Melbourne is an educating the community (especially children) to the especially the elderly and disabled. The existing the inclusion in full of all community submissions and incredible place. They’ve got bush right in the value of the asset and the need for its careful use, facilities are also seen to restrict the range of responses, as well as an extensive summary of the middle of the city, and you can fish in the creek.” judge success in waterway management by the return activities possible. results of the public conference. These responses of past uses such as swimming, plan waterways on a provide a vital clue to the changing attitudes of the Northern Waterways Conference Summary catchment basis, prevent waterways becoming just There are a lack of facilities supportive of time, and the growing environmental awareness Dr. J Franklin from the National Water Programme drains, clean up streams, control the input of pollution passive recreation, despite being the most developing within the broader community. provided the following comments in his opening to waterways, cease concrete lining and exclude common type of use of the creek and its address to the conference - freeways from waterways. environment. The bike track is not seen to be The following responses cited in the 1975 Study suitable as a multipurpose facility and linkage of capture the spirit and intent of the investigation. “We see the basic need to reconcile a variety of 1992 CONCEPT PLAN the track to other path networks is inadequate. requirements, in particular, to prevent flooding, In 1991, the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works The creek itself is not a feature and restricted Submission by the Broadmeadows Environment if you can... but that is only one. At the same (MMBW) and the Moonee Ponds Creek Association or difficult access to the water is considered to Committee time those waterways constitute a valuable jointly sponsored the preparation of the Moonee detract from the area. “We consider that there is a strong case that resource for recreation, for broad amenity Ponds Creek Concept Plan, a strategic framework for Air and noise pollution were a problem for portions of this unique creek valley be set aside considerations, and an important landscape the future development and use of the creek and its people using the creek area in certain sections, for passive recreation.” element...they are quiet places within the urban environs. environment. As such, they are too important and the lack of shade was a significant factor “...construction of concrete channelling with we believe to just be considered as nasty places The first stage of the development of the Concept inhibiting the extended use of the area for cyclone wire fencing is a deplorable move to that flood now and again, and therefore to be Plan was the establishment of a consultative process, passive recreation along the whole creek. make when other alternatives exist to prevent which culminated in a community workshop in May covered up, to be piped so that they don’t flood, The community widely expressed the need for flooding and erosion...” 1991. and to forget them.” more native trees, shrubs and wildlife along the “Special emphasis should be placed on the “If you put concrete channelling in an area “The community consultation is based on creek, and indicated that this would significantly planting of large trees...” where there is flooding, you may simply put the quantitative and qualitative data collected increase their use of the area. It was however floods further downstream and somebody else during February 1991 and represents the evident that tree planting alone would not cops it, and cops it worse perhaps.” direct input of 1137 individuals from along the change the overall pattern of use without a 02 Northern Melbourne Waterways Study: a Report to Moonee Ponds Creek. Northern Melbourne Regional Organisation, Preston Institute of Technology, 1975

50 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 51 2002 RESTING PLACES PROJECT 2011 STRATEGIC PLAN KEEP MOONEE VALLEY MOVING 2015 In 2001, Moreland City Council undertook a project provocative celebration of infrastructure. In 2011, the Moonee Ponds Creek Coordination • improve linkages with other open space areas, In 2015, the undertook an to identify resting places along the Moonee Ponds Committee oversaw the development of the Moonee Integrated Transport Plan07 for Moonee Valley. As • Improved links for residents. community hubs, recreational facilities and and for people to stop, rest, eat, engage Ponds Creek Strategic Plan. The plan involved a residential areas; part of this project, feedback was sought from the and contemplate the creek environment. A number of • Improved links to neighbouring suburbs and review of the 1992 Concept Plan and the development community on a range of transport issues. A number • complete the for the stakeholder workshops were undertaken in which the Moreland networks. of “a revised plan to act as a framework for planning, of comments relate to issues along the Moonee Ponds full length of the Creek; following issues arose as part of this consultation. • Improved links to adjacent public areas. development and management of the Creek Creek, including - environs.”05 • protect areas of natural and cultural “The public perception of the creek’s identity • Improved circuit links (i.e. path on both sides, significance; “The Moonee Ponds Creek trail is really great and character revealed a general acceptance bridges etc.). As part of the development of the Plan, discussions and the path itself has good signage. However • develop cultural heritage and interpretive trails, that the massively engineered concrete regarding potential development or aspirations it’s difficult to know where you are...“ • Better access for elderly and disabled. highlighting both Indigenous and European materiality of the creek is its unique character.” were held with a range of key stakeholders and • Better access to water’s edge. heritage sites with relevant information; “ Can more lighting be added to such areas of 04 community groups. These groups “shared a number the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail?“ • Improve safety of paths (pedestrian/ bike of common aspirations that were disclosed during the • continue to return areas to the north to “There is a position amongst stakeholder that conflict eg. speed traps, speed humps, consultation process: indigenous vegetation parkland; “ Extremely dangerous area for cyclists and the concrete channel provides a provocative segregated paths). • protect and enhance indigenous vegetation, walkers. Frequently encounter dogs off leashes canvas for exploration of, and public education • at key stopping/rest points along the Moonee • habitat and biodiversity along the Creek on these corners.“ about, ecological issues.” Improve safety of path and resting structures. Ponds Creek Trail, construct water fountains, Corridor; • Improve safety for users (social considerations, toilets and park benches; “ Blind corners, narrow path, no lighting makes Other issues raised in the consultation include - • create biolinks; informal surveillance, emergency phones). • develop a cultural heritage trail/interpretive trail, for a dangerous part of a cyclists commute.“ • Interventions must respond to specific • Improve safety of path and resting structures highlighting both Indigenous and European • support ‘naturalisation’ of the Creek. In “Updating this wooden bridge to be concrete environmental context in a sensitive manner. (management and design). heritage sites with relevant information; particular, seek reduction in the extent of and much wider with better visibility around the concrete channelisation in the southern section • Interventions should defer to better water and • Incorporate overall management cohesion • identify a strategic location for a daytime café at corners would be fantastic (SAFER).“ of the Creek; ecology quality. consolidating water, trail and facility outcomes. a key destination point. Seek to utilise existing facilities if available; • identify responsibilities for Friends Groups, “ Trees/bushes are not regularly pruned along • Celebrate the specific character of Moonee • Strategy must be implemented, ‘unlike arts Local Government and State Government for the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail.“ Ponds Creek as different to Merri Creek. strategy’. • continue to return areas to the north to native implementation of the Moonee Ponds Creek “ Gravel and sand gets washed onto the path • Strategy should represent and inform existing • Integration with other strategies such as the art parkland; Strategic Plan components; here when its rained. The corner is also a blind ecological and historical environments. strategy. • develop short walking trails/loops from car • encourage adjoining landholder and corner and very narrow. I’ve had a big crash parks including the Woodlands precinct and • The engineered environments could be • Define dog ‘on / off’ lead areas. stakeholder interest in the Creek and here.” incorporated into the strategy to indicate Docklands precinct.” • All elements must be highly robust or participation in revegetation and other projects.” Following this feedback, a workshop was organised to 06 “ Blind sweeping corner. Very narrow. High replaceable. guide the development of the final plan. The workshop potential for accidents.“ 04 Moonee Ponds & Merri Creek Resting Places Strategy, reiterated the previous aspirations and identified a “ Moonee Ponds Creek Trail - pitch black at Aspect, for the , 2002, pg 45 number of further aspirations, including- night.“ 06 2011 Strategic Plan, 2011 • create an integrated plan for the entire length of “ There are issues with the shared path with the Creek; regards to separating cyclists and pedestrians.“

05 Moonee Ponds Creek Strategic Plan, Land Design Partnership Pty Ltd, Urban Enterprise Pty Ltd, Golder Associates Pty Ltd (for Moonee Ponds Creek Co-ordination Committee), 2011 07 Keep Moonee Valley Moving, Integrated Transport Plan, Issues & Opportunities Paper, 2015

52 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 53 C.03 PROJECT CONSULTATION

CONSULTATION STRATEGY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TOOLS Postcards Moonee Ponds Creek Collaboration Group The aim of consultation is to engage people to A number of different technique were deployed to Postcards with project information were created and The Moonee Ponds Creek Collaboration Group was participate with a project and to discuss their ideas gather information and discuss the project with distributed at the local libraries, bringing awareness of established in 2016, by Melbourne Water in response and experiences in a positive, constructive manner. the community and stakeholder. The following is a the project. to the growing concerns from Council that the Effective consultation helps to guide everyone, summary of the consultation methods undertaken as overall health of the creek and environs was further Festival Installation Event including the community, stakeholders, Council part of the project. deteriorating due to the impact of infrastructure and consultants, together through this journey of This was an opportunity to reach a broad range of projects, development and management within investigation and discovery and to arrive at a shared Graphic people during the 2016 and 2017 Moonee Valley the catchment. As an urban waterway, the creek understanding. The development of a unique graphic identify for Festival and inform the community about the project, had yet been established as a priority, however it’s the project that was based on a combination of the web site, as well as to solicit thoughts on the role in the proposed Arden Macaulay precinct and Central to every project is a strong community the background scientific reports and historical creek. the development of the Chain of Ponds document, engagement strategy, which underpins the investigation of the Moonee Ponds Creek. The provided the much need impetus to focus on We developed a captivating and engaging installation development of the project ideas. In considering graphic identity flows through different components of the waterway, bringing together a wide variety of including a historical chronology of the Creek. We consultation for the project, two ideas emerged. the project, helping to create a unique and identifiable stakeholders, interest groups and landowners to the also created a large aerial image to scale (1:2000) of marker for the project. discussion. Idea 01 - Female Friendly the site and wider important areas that was 5.45 lineal What does a female friendly city look and feel like? Project Web Site metres in length . The Collaboration Group has embraced principles of In 2015, Lucy Turnbull called on city planners and A project specific web site containing information the Chain of Ponds document, recognising a need Final Community Exhibition designers to make building female-friendly cities a about the project was developed as a one stop for coordinated approach to this asset. The group This final community consultation event is yet to core component of urban renewal. ‘If the city is female shop. It contained all information about the consists of 17 stakeholders groups. The development be undertaken. The purpose of this consultation is friendly, it is friendly to everybody’. project. Importantly, the website also housed a key of Memorandum of Understanding, agreement to very clear - it is an opportunity to confirm with the consultation activity in the form of an Interactive undertake Planning Controls and mapping have been Idea 02 - Child Friendly community that ‘we have got it right’ - that we have Map. The role of this Map was to seek feed back from some of the ongoing catchment wide initiatives that investigated the broad ideas of what the Creek could ‘The UNICEF Child Friendly Cities project defines a typically ‘time poor’ individuals who are keen to voice have developed from this group. be in relation to the physical realities and constraints city as a local system of good governance committed their ideas via the convenience of their personal digital of the site. This will be a point in time bringing to fulfilling children’s rights to influence local decision device (phone, ipad or computer). -making, walk safely on streets on their own and meet together of the very intensive Creek analysis, the friends and play. Children are recognised as citizens Site Billboards regulatory requirements for the Creek and what this with needs for spacial spaces that planners need to These A3 sized colour billboards distributed along means for the re-invigorated creek. consider at all levels of government.’ How do children the creek at key access points. They were intended The exhibition will be the final Chain of Ponds participate in their communities and neighbourhoods? to bring awareness to the project to people using the document in a ‘display format’. We see the work we creek, directing people to the project specific web site are developing for the Moonee Ponds Creek as a for further information including the opportunity to manifesto into understanding how our city is meeting add a spot on the interactive web site. the demands and issues we are facing. Stakeholder Workshops Incidental Observation A number of workshops were held over the course of This consists of regular site visits and attending the project. Each workshop was designed to solicit related community events and stakeholder meetings. information and feedback from a wide range of It provides a useful insight in to how the Moonee stakeholders during the development of the project. Ponds Creek environment engages with the minds and lives of people.

54 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 55 STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP NO. 01 Environment Social Economic Governance Anything Else? Held early in the project (February 2016), the first “Improve the water quality of the creek, “Respect the and other cultural “Identify and develop quantifiable economic “We need a clear governance structure.” “Don’t lock out future options - we may want to stakeholder workshop was designed to identify key ecological health, and biodiversity of the creek heritage of the Creek” and financial value to the open space and go higher than the bar we have set”. “Provide an advocacy document for key principles to guide the development of the project. and adjacent landscape and public open space” associated services along the creek.” “Develop an identifiable linear park connecting stakeholders that will help protect and manage “The basic point: restore/recreate natural creek; The workshop was attending by a wide variety of “Reduce storm water runoff into the creek” Moonee Valley to the inner city to the outer the creek and environments into the future.” naturalisation”. people and organisations, including City of Moreland, suburbs of metropolitan Melbourne.” , City of Moonee Valley, Melbourne Water, “Promote efficient and sustainable water “Facilitate ongoing dialogue, collaboration and City West Water, the Friends of the Moonee Ponds management throughout the creek catchment” “Enhance urban livability by improving public coordination across multiple local governments, Creek, Moonee Ponds BUG (Bicycle User Group), amenity, activities and functions” state government agencies and community “Protect the creek corridor from inappropriate interested residents, as well as professionals from the stakeholders.” project consultant team.08 urban and infrastructure encroachment.” “Innovative, opportunities for artwork” “Adjacent land to be suitable zoned and “Creating and restoring wetlands.” “Create recreational opportunities that This workshop was dynamic and fun, with people acquired to complete the linear corridor” working in a respectful and collaborative manner. encourage a healthy and happy community that People were identified by their first name only, so that more regularly use and enjoy the creek.” people were not necessarily aware of which particular “Improve access from adjoining organisations each person represented, allowing neighbourhoods & activity centres by promoting individuals to more freely express their thoughts. pedestrian & bicycle connectivity along the Consequently, the workshop was not dominated by creek.” the ‘professional voice’. “Improve access & signage from adjoining A number of ‘butcher paper’ panels developed around neighbourhoods and activity centres” particular themes and principles where produced, identifying a range of issues raised during the “Resolve flood risk through innovative and workshop. At the end of the workshop, people were holistic design solutions.” invited to rank issues according to importance and meaning. The following is a summary of these results showing particular ideas that received higher than 5 ‘votes’.

08 33 people attended the workshop

56 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 57 PRINCIPLE 08

Provide an inspiring advocacy document for key stakeholders that will help protect and manage the creek and environments into GUIDING PRINCIPLES the future.

Based on the feedback gathered from the first stakeholder workshop, a set of guiding principles were developed to reflect the objectives of the project. These principles were further refined and have since been used to assess the development of the plan. They recognise the many different and often competing demands on the creek.

PRINCIPLE 06 GOV PRINCIPLE 01 PRINCIPLE 04 Quantify the value of the open space along the GOVERNANCE Improve the ecological Resolve ­ood risk creek to better advocate GOALS health of the creek and through innovative and for protection and biodiversity within the holistic design solutions. improvement. creek corridor.

PRINCIPLE 09

Facilitate ongoing dialogue, ENV collaboration and coordination SOC ECO across multiple local governments, ENVIRONMENT SOCIAL ECONOMIC state government agencies, land GOALS GOALS GOALS managers and community stakeholders.

PRINCIPLE 05 PRINCIPLE 07 PRINCIPLE 02 Acknowledge and celebrate PRINCIPLE 03 Support the economic and social Promote innovative water the Wurundjeri and other vitality of the communities and management throughout cultural heritage of the Develop a vibrant and well businesses located along the creek to the creek catchment that Creek. connected linear park that help protect the creek from reduces stormwater runo supports a happy, active and inappropriate urban and infrastructure and improves water quality. healthy community within a encroachment. rapidly growing city

58 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 59 POSTCARDS “The north is good. Best part is Moreland Road Concrete Channel Revegetation & Biodiversity Open Space & Activities Planning, Governance & Maintenance To help create awareness for the project, as well as to Kelvin Thomson: “Remove the concrete”; “Improve natural part of the creek. More trees, “Areas to engage the general community”. “Setback of buildings, roads” offer further opportunities for feedback and ideas, a Reserve up to the Western Ring Road”; plants to bring more birds and animals” “Go back to old creek - unfortunately to go back “Remove or reduce back fences to remove “Stronger development controls” postage paid postcard was created and distributed to “The whole creek is awesome! No favourites”; will not happen. Perhaps beautify the creek a bit “The natural environment should be reinstated some blind spots and make the environment of key locations through the community. This included “A commitment to make large changes to some better. Maybe make the water in it a bit deeper”; to the full length of the creek. Enhanced with the Creek larger”; local libraries throughout the City of Moonee Valley “All of it”; sections from all stakeholders & large funding additional native vegetation for the specific and the City of Moreland. “I feel the fact that the creek is paved/cemented “Increase open space”; opportunities to do so” “Anywhere that does not have concrete lining area.” drastically reduces wildlife and habitat that The postcard invited people to share their stories of the creek”. “Separate bike track”; “Cleaned and maintained all year around” would naturally reoccur. Un-pave the creek so “Restore or create a natural environment of the Moonee Ponds creek, and specifically to answer The second category of responses reflects the overall that birds + plant life can return”; traditional park space, especially at the mouth two questions - “Update the bike track”; “Clean up all rubbish along the banks” frustration at the poor quality of the creek- of Ormond Road” “Force the government to do what they paid for What is your favourite spot along the Creek? “Pathways for walkers/runners”; “Clean up near flats + racecourse Road” “Nothing - it is just a big drain it is so ugly”; and return the concrete channel (that is jokingly “Trees planted along the graffiti covered side If you could choose one thing to improve the called Moonee Ponds Creek) to a natural creek”; fence you see as you come back from Brosnan “Widen, strengthen, improve the shared path so “None. Concrete, graffiti, neglect and near “Not scenic”; creek and it’s surrounds what would it be? Crescent to Margaret St. Either side looks lovely there is less conflict between the various people Docklands junk in the water. Not a walk, not a “Naturalise the concrete sections of the creek”; using & enjoying the creek corridor“ creek.” “No favourite spot along the Creek”. with all the tree planting” There were 25 responses to the first question and “I wish to see the awful concrete removed!”; “Market gardens/community gardens” “Improve ugly areas that have more hope of 62 responses to the second question. This suggests If you could choose one thing to improve the creek “Revegetation” remediation” the community values the creek and see future “Undertake work that changes people’s and it’s surrounds what would it be? “Bird friendly plantings to link some of the good “More rainbows - a nice rainbow mural at improvements as beneficial and worthwhile. perceptions of the creek as a concrete drain to a Responses overwhelmingly related to the following patches that exist” the gateway to Moonee Valley - council “No rubbish, no signs of vandalism.” valuable waterway corridor”; What is your favourite spot along the creek? two topics; collaboration with LGBTIQ group”; “Plant more diversity within garden beds” Connections, Access & Safety “Remove all the concrete channels”; Responses to this question largely fell into two distinct “Remove the concrete channel.” “Sunshade over playground at Strathmore “Improve connections”; categories. The first displayed great affection for the “Work together to get good outcomes” Football Oval + more seating in shade. “Turn it into something other than concrete creek despite it’s problems, and is reflected in the “Revegetate the creek corridor.” Sunshade over the swings;” “Improve access and signage to the creek from drain - with a flourishing ecosystem - something “Improve habitat linkages” following types of comments - main roads”; This reflects two ideas that have consistently emerged to enhance the lives + recreation of the local “More playgrounds for toddlers, adventure “More trees” “The more ‘natural’ areas to the north”; in all community consultation since 1975. inhabitants”; obstacles for toddlers to climb on” “Remove the freeway and restore the floodplain “Trees” of the creek”; “Convert sections of the creek back to a Stormwater Management waterway as opposed to concrete channel”; “Make the creek accessible and safe for walks”; “More habitat creation” “Concrete stormwater / floodwater structures are ugly and there are better ways to deal “Remove concrete lining”; “More planting of appropriate vegetation” “There are some blind corners that create a with floodwaters that have positive outcomes. collision risk”; “Transform the creek back to a natural creek “More shady indigenous trees” Encourage ecology” rather than the drain it has become in the last “Improve safety”; 30 years”; “More trees for wildlife” “Distributed flow and stormwater management” “Signage every 100m painted on the track “Remove concrete”; “More re-vegetation. Otherwise fine as is” “Improve water quality” indicating dogs need to be on leads on & within 10 metres of the creek”; “Mitigate extensive concrete sections through “Turn it into a wildlife corridor with trees and ‘naturalisation”; shrubs. Plenty of nest boxes.” “Signage & lighting”

“Reduction of concrete.” “Greenery + shade + ducks + peace” “Natural wetlands”;

“The value of nature translating into natural elements like re-vegetation”.

60 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 61 PROJECT WEBSITE INTERACTIVE MAP Analytics - Quantity Analytics - Age In recognition of the scale and length of the study An important component of the project website A total of 110 ‘spots’ were received on the Interactive A range of different age groups were identified area, and the fact that the creek represents an has been the creation of the Interactive Map, an Map, providing a wide range of information across the including - important boundary between municipal areas, a on-line community engagement and data collection five areas of interest. These include - • 14 -17 age group 2 dedicated project web site was established. The tool. Utilising the CrowdSpot technology09, the • Environment Spot 25 comments website (www.ourcreek.com.au) becomes a ‘one stop Interactive Map is a customised interactive map • 18 - 24 age group 3 shop’ for information about the project, providing a deployed through the project website that allows • Transport Spot 31 comments • 25 - 34 age group 11 central resource for all things related to the project. It people to contribute input on geographic locations • History Spot 13 comments provides a convenient and central portal for people to along the creek. The Interactive map was active for • 35-49 age group 30 access information and updates on the project. The approximately two months, from late January until • Attraction Spot 15 comments • 50-59 age group 28 website is designed to be accessible from all digital early April 2016, and was advertised in a variety of • Idea Spot 26 comments • 60-69 age group 28 devices, including mobile phones. locations. Most people who responded indicated they are • 70-84 age group 12 Structure Purpose accessing the creek on a weekly basis. • Unknown age group 6 The structure of the project website is as simple as Given the length and size of the study area, it is possible with direct access to a range of information, recognised that the issues affecting people along the including the interactive map, chronology display, and creek may vary considerably based on their location. consultation feedback. As the project has evolved, the Consequently, the Interactive Map was considered website has been incrementally updated to reflect the an important tool to capture a wide range of issues growing body of work around the master plan. and attitudes towards the creek, based on five key topics; environment, transport and access, history and Analytics stories, attractions and ideas. Since the project website was launched in December 2015, there has been over 1,200 visitors to the site, Furthermore, the visibility of feedback through the representing over 60 hours of engagement time. The interactive map was considered important, allowing website has also allowed people to register for project people to view, as well as respond to, the range of updates. To date, over 100 people have registered. comments and ideas being generated. This method of on-line consultation becomes an efficient means for the Community to contribute to a broad discussion, and for the project team to gather vital information and feedback from the community to inform the master plan.

The Interactive Map also incorporated a short survey designed to capture important information about the respondents, including age breakdown, methods of accessing the creek, frequency of use and so forth.

09 www.crowdspot.com.au

62 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 63 INTERACTIVE MAP FEEDBACK Environment Spots Transport Spots History Spots Attraction Spots Idea Spots Results from the Interactive Map are best viewed on The responses to this topic focused on the importance Many comments focused on the disconnection Range of interesting stories and facts that shed light Role of community gardens. Role of the Friends group. the project website (www.ourcreek.com.au) where of the creek as a wildlife corridor, as well as supporting between the shared path and the surrounding on how the creek used to be. Co-sharing of community assets. Returning more land to ‘natural state’ for the results can be cross referenced against the access to the water. neighbourhoods, and the overall very poor quality of Importance of halting concrete lining. recreation and wildlife. geographic locations along the creek. An overall the shared path itself. Favourite spots (incl. for picnics, dog walking) “Importance of community / Friends group in summary of the responses is provided here. Preserve remnant historic plantings. Paths on both sides of the creek. undertaking planting.” “Informal water crossings are important.” Amazing graffiti. Need for more historic plaques. More native plantings, particularly to support “Call for more revegetation and planting, as well “Parking pressures posed by activities located Varying opinions about some of the birdlife. as introduction of wetlands;” along the creek (e.g. Men’s Shed, sports ovals).” infrastructure. More crossings. “Limitations of the concrete channel in “Resolve conflicts between dogs off lead areas More seating. supporting wildlife.” and bikes.” Improved interfaces with local parks. More activities including barbecues, skate “Need for more revegetation, particularly “Better lighting.” parks, tennis courts, guided walks. More seating. understory to support biodiversity.” Poor quality of shared path and adjacent Weed and rubbish removal. “Importance of access to water.” landscape. Unpaved tracks on opposite side of creek for “Observing wildlife, incl. birds, eels.” Difficulty in accessing the shared path in areas. dog off leash areas.

“Need for creek crossings.” Solve Vanberg disconnection. More community gardens.

“Need to celebrate graffiti.” Resolve steep sections of path. Better underpasses and creek crossings.

“Need for greater litter and weed management.” Resolve sharp corners / bends. Less concrete.

Better signage. Running water.

“More footbridge connections.” More secluded walking tracks.

“Riding on the concrete drain at Travencore More parkland. good.” More separation between bikes and “There’s a sort of elegant pedestrians. Resolve the Vanberg disconnect. beauty to this area where Remove concrete and restore to a natural state. overpass and creek “A series of interesting Create more ponds. “Recreate ponds along intersect. This spot is spaces linked by the water the creek - create habitat, Resolve conflicts between dog off leash and especially beautiful during which can ‘perform’ in a shared trail. enhance ecology, daylight hours. When variety of ways to enhance Provide access to the waters edge. opportunities for the “Clean, free of rubbish there is sunlight shining recreation, increase Stop freeway widening. water to return to natural through, I find a calmness “New pondage creating habitat and resolve issues with lots more birdlife, “A green creek, not a systems of evaporation in the scale of this space an attractive water feature, of bike path, acquire land if wildlife, plants, trees - a paved one.” and hydrating the earth.“ in between.” habitat, biodiversity” required.” green oasis!!” 64 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 65 MOONEE VALLEY FESTIVAL DISPLAY People attending the festival had the opportunity to What places along the Creek are a ‘no go area’ The annual Moonee Valley Festival was held in review the information, contribute ideas and discuss for you? Queens Park in late February 2016 and 2017. An a range of issues and opportunities with project team How do you make the Creek a valuable important component of the community consultation members, Council staff and Friends of the Moonee destination? for the Our Moonee Ponds Creek project was the Ponds Creek. installation and display of a wide variety of information What is your favourite place along the Moonee The display was designed as a ‘conversation starter’, about the creek and it’s history, represented as a Ponds Creek? to explore the nature of the creek and to create thematic chronology and a large map table. greater awareness of the creek as an important asset Describe in words or images what the Creek Chronology Display within the urban environment today. The display was means to you. consistently busy across the entire day with curious The chronology was developed to better understand and animated people, and extensive and valuable What would you like the Creek to be in 50 years the history and evolution of the creek. Many people feedback was received, which has been crucial to the time? Are there any places along the creek studied the Chronology very intently, both individually development of the project. where noise is a problem? or with a companion. It created much discussion and evoked many memories. Painting the Creek How do you encourage more people to love the Moonee Ponds Creek? Anna Lanigan from the FoMPC created a series of A large table was also provided for people to paint captivating ‘before and after images’ of particular a response, and this attracted a very steady and What are your five wishes for the Moonee locations along the creek, highlighting the extensive enthusiastic crowd of drawers, painters and mark Ponds Creek? changes that have occurred. Many people were makers. The painting table was predominantly What can be done to improve the Moonee particularly interested in these captivating images of attended by children (and parents), and it revealed Ponds Creek? the creek. the strong relationship and curiosity children have with the natural environment and that it is ultimately How should we look after the Moonee Ponds Aerial Table Cloth the children who have a keen understanding of the Creek? Accompanying the chronology was a large aerial importance of the natural environment and the need photograph of the entire study area, with a property to look after it, as evidenced in many of their paintings What animals would you like to see more of cadastral overlay and a thin line of blue indicating the and depictions. along the Moonee Ponds Creek? creek. This was laid out horizontally as a table cloth Ideas for the Creek Paint or draw how you would best describe the which people could annotate and markup. The water tools and linear park components were Moonee Ponds Creek ? This offered an interesting counterpoint to the presented at the 2017 Moonee Valley Festival to What words best describe the Moonee Ponds chronology display, allowing people to establish showcase the number of initiatives and opportunities Creek for you? their geographic location to the creek. People were related to the Moonee Ponds Creek. An interactive interested in finding where they lived and the path water bug display engaged the imagination of young What part of the Moonee Ponds Creek should they take to get to the creek, or how they may get to people and watery environments were created we show to international tourists? work along the creek. Movable pictures of particular through various modelling materials. areas and question prompts offered people a very How do we protect the Creek from further interactive experience. The map really generated a We Asked These Questions freeway expansion in the future? informal conversation about the creek. ‘Post it’ notes How do you get to the Moonee Ponds Creek? Do you use the shared path along the Creek as a were added to the map as the many conversations How do you make the Moonee Ponds Creek thoroughfare for commuting or as a destination? progressed. Most of the public seemed to like their more visible? comments recorded, rather than write the comment themselves, was an interesting observation.

66 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 67 SUMMARY OF RESPONSES Attitudes Towards the Creek concrete in some portions.’ ‘More educational signage - interpretive signage Connections, Access & Safety Bike Issues Overall there was significant interest in the creek and ‘Make people love the creek.’ about how aborigines used the landscape.’ ‘Wouldn’t run along creek due to safety.’ ‘Bike path west side of the freeway.’ ‘The concrete is good - it does a job you can’t its future. There were 109 comments aerial table cloth ‘It is a disgrace - a testament to many mistakes.’ remove it all’ ‘More Wurundjeri totems.’ ‘Night time - what happens with back lit areas ‘Bike go too fast along the path next to the with many red dots locating people homes, paths and ecology issue.’ creek.’ of travel, interest spots and activity locations. The ‘A hugely important asset, which is completely ‘Used to build bonfires.’ following is a summary of the responses, organised under used.’ ‘Need to create the link along the creek to ‘Cyclists don’t dismount where sign indicate to Revegetation, Wildlife & Biodiversity ‘Used to go down to creek before freeway with thematically. bypass Vanberg St even if it is on Pylons.’ do so because of corners and blind spots.’ ‘This person thinks it is all good.... good bike ‘Planting more indigenous growth in the flood slug guns.’ track’. ways.’ ‘Better connections over pass through to park.’ ‘Cyclists ride too fast & disregard other creek path users.’ ‘The creek is not a destination.’ ‘Any greening is good greening.’ ‘Access to school via Kelvin Thompson Park.’ Open Space & Activities ‘Lack of bike path network access.’ ‘Never go down to the creek, nothing to see.’ ‘Want it to look like a natural corridor.’ ‘We love this park with swings.’ ‘It is a bit scary at night.’ ‘Concrete is the smoothest to ride on.’ ‘I like it the way it is - preserve it.’ ‘Planting trees everywhere to make green.’ ‘Make the boardwalk wider and remove the dangerous blind corners.’ ‘Zero bike access from Pascoe Vale Road’ ‘Definitely something needs to happen along ‘It would be good to hear the Kookaburras like Planning, Governance & Maintenance the creek.’ you can along the Merri Creek.’ ‘We want to go to the creek.’ ‘ I used to work for Melbourne Water and we ‘A better bike track to get to the creek would be had to clean the creek....they do not seem to good.’ ‘Like the urban concrete jungle.’ ‘Enjoy the ducks and wildlife.’ ‘I walk past the creek to the train station.’ clean it enough now.’ ‘Dangerous corners on the bike path.’ ‘Creek near Cross Keys Reserve is very nice.’ ‘We do not get Kookaburras.’ ‘I ride to Strathmore along the creek’ ‘Chocked with weeds.’ ‘Path needs more maintenance.’ ‘We have not really seen the creek.’ ‘60 years ago platypus in 5 mile creek.’ ‘I live around here and the parks are great.’ ‘Signage and lighting.’ ‘It’s a disgrace - clean the bike path.’ ‘ I have seen an echidna near in Hope Street.’ ‘Use it to run, which is fantastic.’ ‘Bridges and under passes are a major problem.’ Concrete Channel ‘More varied planting types.’ ‘A pedestrian bridge here would provide ‘More bins for people to put rubbish in.‘ ‘ I have been trying to get rid of the concrete for improved access to playground.’ 30 years...... ’ ‘More trees.’ ‘Too much rubbish.’ ‘Pedestrian footbridge would be great to ‘I remember when the community stopped more ‘More planted areas to support smaller Moreland.’ ‘People throwing rubbish in the creek - bottles, concrete going in.’ woodland birds.’ supermarket trollies etc...’ ‘Need more activities & destinations to ‘End of the concrete - start of a beautiful creek.’ ‘Highlight beautiful trees.’ encourage people to the creek, like cafes.’ ‘Neglected rubbish dumping ground in some ‘More planting along the creek.’ areas.’ ‘Remove concrete channel.’ ‘Urban space needs to be diverse - needs an overhaul’. ‘How to change from a big drain into a creek?’ ‘Clean it - filthiest creek in Melbourne.’ ‘More divergent paths making journey more ‘Changing people’s perception critical - too Stories and Histories ‘Noise & fumes from airport when wind in interesting.’ many people see it as a drain not a creek.’ ‘The creek is so rich in stories - tell it.’ wrong direction.’ ‘More rock crossings.’ ‘Remove concrete channel.’ ‘I grew up along the creek, lizard hunting, mushrooming, smoking near the dam, walking ‘Make it better more amenity, nicer.’ ‘Get ride of the concrete and slow the flow of Water Management along the creek, I don’t go to the creek now, I go water.’ to Maribrynong instead.’ ‘Needs more parking at Essendon Station.’ ‘Can the Racecourse be used for flood retention?’ ‘Shame about the drain.’ ‘Make people aware of what is at the end of the ‘I like the track on the MVCC side.’ street’. ‘It is a storm water catchment.’ ‘Looks like a drain - don’t think of it as a creek.’ ‘The creek is more of a track.’ ‘Historic plaque to commemorate the Essendon ‘When it rains it is amazing to see it 3/4 full of ‘Concrete is good in places for urban fun & ‘Planned graffiti with artist commission under Primary school.’ water.’ skateboarding, but would be good to remove bridge - make attractive.’ 68 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 69 OTHER SUBMISSIONS “Improve bike track access to the creek.” should be incorporated in the design to ensure “My idea for the Moonee Ponds Creek would be “I live close to the creek in Pascoe Vale and I “I also note that potential walkway and/or The following is a summary list of other submissions reasonable water quality is maintained. It’s to establish an all weather walking track, where use the path all the time for running as it’s a cycling area could be possibly developed on the “Remove concrete barriers where possible.” received in response to the project. important that they do NOT become sewers possible, along the East side of the creek, and great way to stay off the roads. But it would be Eastern side via suitably connected by walkover “Our past Mayor Jan Chantry had a vision of like Queens Park and the puddle outside the then making it an off leash dog walking zone. even better if the path design took into account type bridges wherever possible. These could be Stories an avenue of Flowering Gums along Mascoma Boathouse befouled by water birds.” No cyclists would be allowed on this side, and runners as well as cyclists.” possibly used to separate for exclusive cyclists “I’m also keen to know any Indigenous culture Street‐Boeing Reserve Strathmore Heights‐ there would be no need as the cycle path runs or walker only pathways sections where speed “Improve rain-garden options to minimise Open Space & Activities around the creek - local names and significant many have survived!!!! & are currently in along the west side. Track would not need to safety is required.” stormwater flow to creek.” “Spaces for bush kinder play - in association places... ” magnificent flower‐ & the Rainbow Lorikeets be wide, a metre or so would do, and could be with local kindergartens, for children to spend “In creating a vision I would consider a slightly love them. Thankyou Jan More flowering bird “This photo taken during one of our driest pounded gravel or screenings. Some of the Concrete Channel all day along the creek once a week or so. elevated and parallel boardwalk style walkway attracting natives please to be included in the hottest summers shows the beginning of my eastern sections in Strathmore north are already Places could include Fraser Reserve, Cross overlooking and parallel to the creek possibly “I would like to see the original setting of the Urban Plan for MP Creek Thankyou” dream to return stormwater to Boeing parklands popular with dog walkers, but become very Keys Reserve, Government Rd and other for walkers, where practical and commercially creek returned to that’s format. I remember the as it makes its way into the Moonee Ponds muddy in mid winter.” “Shrubs versus Graffiti …. SHRUBS WIN” suitable spots along the creek.” viable. Particularly in safety areas whereby area near Travancore park being wild and over Creek. The current overflow pits capturing “Sections of the path that have a steep cross- cyclists use the bitumen and/or hard surface run but far more attractive that the “drain” the storm water from Essendon Fields and are “Boundaries shared with parkland and open slope/camber – there are several of these “My wife and I frequently use the MPC area by areas so neither party can unexpectedly wander council turned it into in the past years. It is now providing much needed moisture to our space protected by shrubs to make it harder sections, particularly near Strathmore North walking our dogs daily between our home in in each other’s pathway. Boardwalks could not only unattractive but dangerous. My wish parched parklands‐‐the green strips are where for vandals to tag. We must remember, taggers Primary school (but to varying degrees along Hutcheson Street, via Salisbury Street, Fanny also provide significant visual improvements, is to have it beautified and made natural once the overflow spills occasionally, the dry areas want to be noticed, therefore we should not give the whole length of the path). This is really bad Park, MPC (western side) walkway and exit via resting and viewing areas for integrated again to encourage wild life to that area .” are what the entire park would be like without them the opportunity.” for runner’s feet and legs (can cause injuries). Gordon Street through Montgomery Park and native vegetation and history walks that blend the overflow pits. How wonderful would it be for Revegetation, Wildlife & Biodiversity It would be great if this could be addressed Albion Street to Hutcheson Street” seamlessly, as has been done in many national “Councils to support and encourage home the vegetation birdlike & environment to have all “Many years ago, with funding from Councils, a as part of upgrade works (while still meeting park areas...” owners to allow shrub plantings along their the storm water captured in underground tanks “The shared walkway between cyclists and local friends group Strathoak Planters and the drainage requirements).” property boundaries.” connected to distributor lines & use the natural walkers is typically fine, creates colour, Moonee Ponds Creek Coordination Committee slope of the land to provide much needed water “My main use of the path is for running. I would movement, community vibrancy and a greater (MPCCC), decided to plant a site in Oak Park. “To create a great environment to welcome to our parched park& as well provide a natural love for sections of the path to be constructed feeling of personal safety for potentially more wildlife back to the city that we all have a right They planted shrubs along the outer boundaries filter for the storm water as it slowly seeps with a gravel/lilydale toppings, like sections of vulnerable walkers such as females.” and responsibility to share.” down gently into the creek‐eliminating the flash the trail and the Tan. This surface of properties adjacent to the creek. MPCCC “The shared walkway also has some safety “Funds that are continually being wasted on flooding that usually occurs.” is much easier on runner’s bodies and would carefully selected shrubs rather than trees to challenges even for mutually responsible avoid problems associated with large trees cleaning up graffiti to be better spent on plants attract more runners to the creek.” Planning, Governance & Maintenance users. This is on blind corners and entry/exit being planted close to homes. One home owner and education.” “One thing that really attracts runners to use an points such as Montgomery Park boardwalk on this particular unit development requested “Ensure city link developments to do not “SUCH A SIMPLE SOLUTION …. PLANT area for their workouts is a gravel circuit with and Gordon Streets. One significant safety that their boundary be kept free of plants. damage creek environment.” SHRUBS TO DISCOURAGE UNWANTED distance markers. There are several potential problem is near and under the Albion Street Over the years, these shrubs have grown and TAGGING. I am hoping my request here will Connections, Access & Safety locations along where a short (1-3 km) circuit bridge. Cyclists build up significant speed when are now quite dense. They look gorgeous and encourage MVCC and other councils to plant “Bridge over creek needs better lighting” could be constructed, with the creek path acting travelling either way and I believe that its is provide a great habitat for local wildlife. What is along shared boundaries to avoid further as an access point. I am thinking something only a matter of time before a nasty accident(s) “Resolve conflict between shared path cyclists very obvious in the attached photo, is that, along vandalism.” similar to Princes Park and the Tan (but there and/or altercation(s) occurs around this area. and people crossing bridge through better site the boundary that was requested to be kept are other more local examples such as Gilpin I also think that some cyclists in places where Water Management lines and signage” clear, the tagging is rampant. This is just one Park in Brunswick). Ideally there are distance speed and safety is an issue need permanently “I’d like to see a series of mini lakes created fixed slow down engineering solutions such of many examples of evidence of this problem “Remove blind corner with pedestrian crossing posts at about 250 m intervals and drinking using weirs and a series of rills or runs between as humps, chicanes and similar devices as along the Moonee Ponds Creek.” at the Cross Keys” fountains and (potentially) lighting. With a bit them which could be used to aerate the water of creativity these circuits could include nature those successfully implemented over time for “Provide bird/frog/possum/owl/insect spotting and, to filter and clean the water, collect rubbish “Footbridge/bike path where there was recently areas, existing bridges and existing parts of the road users. Even the most responsible find sessions with local kids and community to and debris. The lakes could become places a very serious accident” path to augment/lengthen the circuit.” themselves in a hurry at times and become identify and monitor health of the creek and where locals could congregate for leisure, impatient.” “Get rid of the dangerous hairpin bend at wildlife and to engage residents with the wildlife and encourage wildlife, birds and the bigger Dean street it an accident waiting to happen. It they live nearby.” ones could even be stocked with fish. Systems detracts from the pleasant ride.”

70 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 71 C.04 WURUNDJERI DISCUSSIONS

CULTURAL VALUES RECORDING of a walk along different sections of the creek within Interpretation Of Cultural Heritage In some instances where Aboriginal cultural heritage In July 2016, a Cultural Heritage Values Recording the study area with six Wurundjeri elders, as well as The Elders expressed several concerns around is highlighted, there is a lack of accompanying (CHVR) was undertaken by the Wurundjeri, as an members of the project team. The following notes are the way in which cultural heritage is currently explanation. Elder Alice Kolasa highlighted the three 01 important part of the development of the plan. The contained in the Cultural Values Recording which interpreted in the study area. There is a general lack related sculptures which together form the series purpose of the recording is to identify and understand forms an important document within this plan. of interpretation of Aboriginal cultural heritage in entitled ‘The Totems’ (Glenn Romanis, 2003. Made traditional and contemporary cultural values and the study area. Where interpretation is present this from River Red Gum sourced from the Murray River, During the walk, the main categories under which the meanings held by the Indigenous community focuses on natural rather than cultural heritage. the sculptures are intended to tell the story of the Wurundjeri expressed attachments or concerns were associated with the creek corridor, and ways in which history of the waterway. Aunty Alice was of the as follows: The interpretation that is present lacks coordination. these values can be interpreted in a meaningful and opinion that the sculptures were confusing without The interpretation panels at Strathnaver Reserve were practical way. any accompanying story or other information. cited as an example. These are of different vintages The recording was organised with the assistance of but repeat much of the same information. Importance of Water 01 Moonee Ponds Creek - Cultural Values Recording, Ian Ian Travers (Extent Heritage Pty Ltd), and took the form The Elders expressed the opinion that it was good Travers (Extent Heritage) for the City of Moonee Valley, 2016 to see the water flowing as this implied a healthier environment.

Elder Bobby Mullins related that traditionally when the wattle blooms (‘when nice and yellow’) it would be the right time to catch crayfish, and that you would do so by looking for their white pincers (their blue bodies being camouflaged). He related that the fish species likely to have populated the creek would have included brim (genus Acanthopagrus) and blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), and that to catch them Aboriginal men would have used spears or fishnets, first laying rocks and banging on the water with sticks to drive them into the nets.

However, Uncle Bobby pointed out that the channelisation and introduction of basalt rock rapids had made the creek flow faster (as was the intention to improve drainage), and the water was now too fast for many of the Indigenous species. The Elders felt it needed to be slowed to encourage the return of these species to the study area.

‘The Totems’, Glen Romanis (2003) in Travancore Park, Travencore (left) and Boeing Reserve, Strathmore Heights (tight), as inspected during the recording. 72 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 73 Erosion/Revegetation It was observed that a number of older (although cultural routes, songlines and landmarks. But The Elders were keen to see further erosion of the not remnant) trees had been felled recently in the agricultural and then urban encroachment have creek banks prevented – for example through the rock study area, in particular along the section of creek left the watercourse largely concealed from work and netting being employed at the Five Mile paralleling Mascoma Street in Strathmore. Signposts major thoroughfares behind residential and other Creek Reserve. Aunty Alice Kolasa was keen to see for the latter works point to them being undertaken development, and the pronounced gully in which such measures employed to prevent loss of vegetation under a ‘Nation Building Project Economic Stimulus the creek runs through most of the study area often and exposure of tree roots. Revegetation was seen as Plan’ of the Commonwealth Government, and this means that it is even invisible from the adjacent an ideal approach to preventing erosion. suggests that there may be some overlap, and reserves. This is completely the reverse of the pre- thus possible contradiction, between management contact situation. The Elders felt revegetation along the lines of the programs. vegetation along Mascoma Street, near the basalt ford Opportunities should be taken to ‘open’ the in Strathmore, would be appropriate, and the denser Refuse/Water Quality environment around the creek - for example by vegetation along the inaccessible section of creek at The Elders felt strongly that the water quality of the establishing views into and along the corridor. Primrose Street was also considered favourably. creek needs to be improved, and measures should Future planning should seek to raise the profile of be taken to reduce the amount of refuse entering the creek and assert its previous role within the There was recognition that the pre-contact the creek. Reduction of stormwater ingress was landscape, both by establishing physical connections environment could not be recreated, but that considered an important factor in achieving these and disseminating information. the reintroduction of Indigenous species would goals. nevertheless improve the health of the environment Remnant Trees And Other Vegetation and facilitate cultural strengthening amongst the The Elders would welcome any measures that could The Elders were in favour of retaining remnant Aboriginal community. recreate the slower and more interrupted conditions vegetation wherever possible, but generally no of the pre-contact creek, and thus more suited to specific occurrences were identified as of particular Wurundjeri ecologist Fiona McConachie commented Indigenous species e.g. brim, blackfish and crayfish significance. The exception was a very large tree on that the recently introduced Indigenous revegetation that would have drawn Aboriginal people. at Boeing Reserve was fairly generic and typical of private property 50m from the creek at 97 Fenton the mix of species employed by Melbourne Water in Anonymity of the Creek Street, Ascot Vale, which the Elders estimated to be similar situations. She commented that it was difficult A particular concern for the Wurundjeri Elders was around 300 years of age. to source Indigenous species because of the cost of the extent to which the Moonee Ponds Creek is Holistic, Long Term Management maintenance and supply, but that it would be good anonymous in the modern urban environment of the The landscape and waterway should be managed to get more local suppliers. It was suggested that a study area. There is some recognition of the Aboriginal holistically. There is a need to establish a consistent change in mindset regarding Indigenous species is use of the study area in the vicinity of the creek –for plan and approach for the long-term. Within this, it is required, and that improved supply would establish example the naming of the nearby Myrnong Crescent vital to keep channels of communication open with the a positive cycle promoting further expansion of the in Ascot Vale, but this is currently very low profile. corpus of species employed. Aboriginal community. The creek was a focus for Aboriginal people prior Aunty Alice expressed a wish to see native food plants, to European colonisation and would have been including murrnong, cultivated in the study area. understood within a wider landscape containing

Stormwater outflow into Moonee Ponds Creek at Hopetoun Avenue, West Brunswick 2016

74 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 75 C.05 COMMUNITY THEMES

THEME 11 THEME 04 “Provide a clear governance THEME 08 structure facilitating ongoing THEME 02 “More planting and “Upgrade the shared path dialogue between “Recognise the revegetation for people and and provide a range of path stakeholders.” recreational use of some wildlife (improve types and options.” sections of concrete.” biodiversity).”

THEME 07 THEME 10 THEME 03 “Improve management of THEME 06 “Improve connections “Reinstate the ponds and the creek, including “Provide a wider range of between the creek and THEME 09 allow greater access to the THEME 05 maintenance and rubbish activities along the creek.” surrounding “Improve safety along the THEME 12 THEME 01 water.” “Improve stormwater removal.” neighbourhoods.” creek and shared path and “Continue to engage with the “Remove the concrete management and water resolve conicts between community and help change channel and ‘naturalise’ the quality.” dierent users.” people’s perceptions of the creek.” creek.”

76 | Chain of Ponds Creek Stories | 77