City West Water Joins Action Group to Revive Maribyrnong River

24 April 2012

An unprecedented multi-million dollar project promises to revitalise Melbourne’s Maribyrnong Valley.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith MP, launched the $3.6 million project while visiting the river and meeting with the project partners.

The initiative, which brings together 10 government and industry bodies as well as an estimated 200 local landholders, is the largest ever collaborative environmental project in the Maribyrnong Valley.

Project co-ordinator Tim Bloomfield, from the Port Phillip and Western Port CMA, said the collaboration is a vital ingredient for the success of the project.

“The Maribyrnong River is a Melbourne landmark, but unfortunately, like any urban waterway, it has sustained damage from pollution, pest species and agriculture,” Mr Bloomfield said.

“It’s been a real achievement to get 10 partners working together on this project. The more people we get to contribute, the greater success we will have in preserving this river and its surrounds.”

The project will boost existing pest plant and animal control being undertaken by the agencies and complement Melbourne Water’s ongoing waterway improvement works on the Maribyrnong.

Over two years, the project will fund fencing along the river, revegetation, rabbit and weed control and planning for a multi-use trail from Brimbank Park to the Organ Pipes National Park.

The work will be undertaken along 82 kilometres of the river and on 32 hectares of adjoining land.

City West Water Managing Director Anne Barker said the Maribyrnong River was an important waterway in Melbourne’s west and City West Water was pleased to be involved in the project.

“It is extremely encouraging that this challenge is being tackled by a group of stakeholders who will work collaboratively to achieve sustainability of the Maribyrnong and its tributaries,” Ms Barker said.

Ms Barker also welcomed planning to link up trail networks and improve open space along the river.

“It is well known that healthy green spaces create more liveable suburbs, a cleaner environment and contribute to improved community health.” Ms Barker said.

“In this way, the future vision of the Maribyrnong Valley project closely aligns with City West Water’s own vision for a healthy urban habitat in the western suburbs.”

The project – titled ‘A Meeting of the Minds to Manage the Maribyrnong’ - involves the Victorian Government, City West Water, Brimbank City Council, Port Phillip & Westernport CMA, Hume City Council, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, City of Moonee Valley, Melbourne Airport and Maribyrnong City Council.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment has provided $1.04 million through its Vision for Werribee Plains initiative with the other $2.5 million of funding coming from the project’s partners.