Question details
Stony Creek
(2815) It is a great privilege to work in an electorate whose residents are prepared to advocate so passionately to protect the environment. I want to congratulate and commend two passionate young constituents, Chris and Lennon from All Kids Junior Landcare. They have launched a petition to clean up a section of Stony Creek which borders two critically endangered grasslands and threatened species habitats. Their petition was signed by 400 residents and was tabled at Maribyrnong City Council on 18 August, specifically requesting that council work with Melbourne Water to improve a neglected part of Stony Creek between the Matthews Hill Reserve and Braybrook grasslands by arranging a clean-up of accumulated litter; assessing and appropriately managing invasive weeds obstructing the creek; investigating the persistent offensive odour, poor water condition and possible sources of pollution; and improving ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation of this section of the creek.
The petition is backed by a 2022 RMIT study for Melbourne Water, which identifies this area as a litter hotspot and recommends assessing a litter trap at Matthews Hill and Braybrook grasslands. While existing Stony Creek plans identify litter control, better access, habitat restoration and ecological links as priorities, plans to treat contaminants and trap litter have not been progressed by Melbourne Water. Melbourne Water have advised that the rubbish needs to be removed professionally, as it is unsafe for a community to clean up. The Sunshine superhub project affects the adjoining rail corridor, and Chris and Lennon have rightly summarised that with works yet to commence there is a narrow window to improve access to the creek, remove the rubbish, control the litter and restore the ecological link between the two grasslands.
I congratulate Chris and Lennon for spearheading this action. It is great to see our next generation of young activists taking the lead to better their community. With the monstrous NextDC data centre threatening the creek’s health downstream in West Footscray, we need people-powered conservation more than ever. So the action I seek is that the Minister for Water direct Melbourne Water to liaise with Maribyrnong council to undertake the necessary works to restore this neglected section of Stony Creek.
I thank Mr Ettershank for raising the concerns of his constituents about Stony Creek and I also commend the work and strong advocating undertaken by All Kids Junior Landcare, including Chris and Lennon and the local community.
Stopping litter and improving the health of our waterways is a collective responsibility that requires everyone working together, from individuals to organisations.
Melbourne Water recognises the importance of Stony Creek to the community and has a scheduled maintenance program in place that consists of litter removal every two months, weed management four times per year (January, March, September and November) and routine inspections aligned with its maintenance programs. I am advised that Melbourne Water will be reviewing the existing litter removal regime at this location to ensure it is appropriate.
Melbourne Water has confirmed that it is currently working with and will continue to work with local councils’ and other stakeholders to appropriately manage Stony Creek.
This is a good reminder that litter and rubbish, dropped on our roads and in our parks and gardens, ends up in our local waterways through the stormwater system when it rains. Melbourne Water works with councils, other agencies and the community to stop litter at the source and drive positive behaviours, as well as investing in litter clean ups and education.
Melbourne Water is committed to the long-term recovery, rehabilitation, and future protection of Stony Creek through a collaborative approach with its partners, that is evidenced through the Stony Creek Rehabilitation Plan 2019 – 2029.
The plan and the report of actions can be found at: Stony Creek Rehabilitation Plan 2019 – 2029
Hon Michaela Settle MP
Minister for Water
22 October 2026
12 October 2026