Community grant funds Merri Creek regeneration
Local habitat community group Friends of Merri Creek is accelerating its restoration of the much-loved Merri Creek with Yarra Valley Water’s support. 
Stretching more than 50km from north of Wallan through Melbourne’s northern suburbs and into the Yarra River in Abbotsford, Merri Creek is a focal point for many local communities and volunteers.
Friends of Merri Creek secretary David Gifford said the Merri Creek community is looking forward to seeing the positive impacts of the grant.
“Our volunteers have successfully delivered revegetation and ecological restoration projects along Merri Creek and its tributaries for more than 30 years. The grant allows us to continue this vital work and encourage more community members to play an active part in restoring and protecting this important urban waterway,” Mr Gifford said.
Friends of Merri Creek, a volunteer group that has been protecting and restoring the creek and its tributaries since 1988, has been awarded one of Yarra Valley Water’s 14 community grants to continue its important environmental and community work.
The grant will fund habitat restoration and community connection at the confluence of the Merlynston and Merri creeks. This will be led by the Friends of Merri Creek – Coburg Lake and Surrounds subgroup in collaboration with local councils and the Merri Creek Management Committee.
The work includes professional weed removal and planting 2000 grasses and herbs, 1000 shrubs and 50 trees to create habitats for small birds and insects. The grant will also help the Friends of Merri Creek and its subgroups promote their work and encourage greater community participation.
Member of Friends of Merri Creek Committee Claire Weekley said the funding was a huge boost for the volunteers who care for the creek.
“Our weekday working bees are all done by volunteers, so resources and financial support have always been tight,” Ms Weekley said. “With this funding we’ll be able to host additional planting events and engage even more community members in the care of the creek.
“The work will also activate the space for greater appreciation by the local community. It will help educate the local and wider community about water health and waste reduction and build greater recognition of the creek and habitat.”
Yarra Valley Water’s General Manager Strategy and Community, Tiffany White, said Yarra Valley Water was proud to support local organisations like Friends of Merri Creek.
“The restoration work done by the Friends of Merri Creek and its subgroups shows great care for Country and respect for the local ecosystem and the creatures who live in it,” Ms White said. “This will deliver a lasting positive impact for the community and the local environment, and we’re delighted to be able to help such dedicated community volunteers in their work to improve the Merri Creek habitat.”