Ewen McRae
The transformation of Arnold’s Creek in Melton West is almost complete, with a new waterway attraction set to welcome its first visitors.
The project – the first of a number of ‘Reimagining your Creek’ programs from Melbourne Water, has converted a 1.4 kilometre stretch of Arnolds Creek from a concrete drain into a natural waterway. Paths and meeting places have also been constructed.
The reimagined parkland extends from High Street to the Arthur Westlands Memorial Reserve at Bulmans Road and north to Cambrian Way, near the Wedge Park Primary School.
Melbourne Water’s major projects manager Eamonn Kelly said the local community had been instrumental in the transformation of Arnold’s Creek.
“This project has replaced an existing concrete-lined channel with a more natural waterway and surrounding open space,” Mr Kelly said.
“It now incorporates contemporary urban design and a native vegetation landscape that was what the community told us they wanted for the area.
“We would like to thank the community for their contribution during the design of the new public space and we’re confident that it is now an area everyone can be proud of and will use.”
The next step in the project will be the planting of more than 200,000 native plants, further livening up the parkland.
The project was a partnership between Melbourne Water, state government and Melton council.
Melton mayor Lara Carli said the new park would be a strong addition to the region.
“We’re proud of the city’s parks, open spaces and waterways and we really appreciate the significant contribution made by Melbourne Water through the Reimagining your Creek program,” Cr Carli said.
“This project has brought this part of Arnolds Creek back to nature, and has created a space where the community can connect with the environment and really enjoy the surroundings.”
