30 July 2010
One-off $300,000 Contribution for Mordialloc Creek
Melbourne Water has committed a one-off $300,000 contribution to Kingston Council to help maintain boating access this summer in Mordialloc Creek.
The contribution is part of a request by Melbourne Water for the council to review its arrangements for the longer term recreational management of the creek.
Boating access is being affected by the build up of sediment in the creek, and Melbourne Water has committed to working with the council to investigate a sustainable way of maintaining the creek for recreational purposes.
The areas of responsibility for managing rivers and creeks in Melbourne are intricate but clearly defined. Melbourne Water is responsible for flood protection and waterway health of Mordialloc Creek, while Kingston Council is responsible for recreational boating.
Manager of Waterways (South-East region) David Norman said Melbourne Water’s mandate for managing greater Melbourne’s 8400km of waterways, including Mordialloc Creek, was to use rates paid by Melburnians to manage flooding and environmental health.
“Our obligation to ratepayers is to remove a build up of sediment if it poses a flood risk or degrades the health of the creek,” said Mr Norman.
“As it stands, our investigations so far show that the sediment build up is not having an impact on flood levels or the creek’s health.
“We understand the community’s frustration regarding boat access, but it’s not sustainable for Melbourne Water ratepayers to fund sediment removal for primarily recreational purposes.
“While the creek’s health and flooding isn’t being affected, we’re supporting the council to maintain boating access in the short term and find a sustainable outcome in the long term,” he added.
Mr Norman said Melbourne Water was investing significant funds and resources to reducing the amount of sediment that flowed in from surrounding land.
“We’re currently investing about $6 million to build water quality treatment systems in the Mordialloc Creek catchment, which includes sediment removal,” he said.
“We spend $240,000 a year on removing sediment and debris from drains and existing treatment systems in the catchment.”
Melbourne Water has submitted its proposal to Kingston Council for its consideration.
Media Contact: Nicolas McGay +613 9235 2278 +61 (0)438 981 836