Public called on for ideas to clean up polluted Stony Creek after West Footscray fire
The future of a waterway in Melbourne’s northwest devastated by toxins from a factory fire has been put in the hands of the community, with Melbourne Water calling for input from locals.
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It could take months to begin just a basic clean up of Stony Creek after the waterway in Melbourne’s inner-west was flooded with toxins following the West Footscray fire last year.
Melbourne Water launched its Your Say online feedback portal earlier this month to help develop the Stony Creek rehabilitation plan.
Stony Creek runs through the western suburbs of Sunshine, Tottenham, Brooklyn, Footscray West, Yarraville and Spotswood.
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The plan will address damage to the creek since the West Footscray fire last year.
Friends of Stony Creek president Steve Wilson said while the portal was a great idea, it could take “months and months” to do a basic clean up of the creek.
“I’d love to hear what people want to see done there,” he said.
“The creek was trashed by the (West Footscray) fire. All life in the creek was killed.”
Mr Wilson said vegetation on the edge of the creek was destroyed from run-off and pollutants from the fire.
Melbourne Water regional manager Emily Phillips said the process would help identify the key priorities for the rehabilitation plan, which will be released publicly by July.
“We will continue to collaborate with the community, Maribyrnong City Council, Environment Protection Authority Victoria and other relevant government agencies to ensure the rehabilitation plan aligns with the community’s expectations and values,” Ms Phillips said.
People will be able to share their feedback online and in person at a number of community events in February and March. The portal is open until March 11.
All feedback submitted will be shared with Maribyrnong Council, the EPA and other government agencies to create the Stony Creek rehabilitation plan and the council’s Cruickshank Park masterplan.
The portal can be accessed at yoursay.melbournewater.com.au/stony-creek-rehabilitation.
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