A large crowd gathered on the Merri Creek Trail at Moomba Park in Fawkner on Saturday morning. This was the celebration and opening of a wetlands system that diverts stormwater from Somerlayton Crescent through a series of four ponds before flowing into Merri Creek.
Varied water depth, wetlands vegetation and rocky areas provide ideal breeding areas for a variety of frogs and lizards. This includes the endangered Growling Grass Frog. In February 2024 a frog survey found that Growling Grass Frogs were already breeding at this site. The wetlands system has been in design and construction since March 2021.
The official opening had a Welcome to Country and smokng ceremony by Uncle Bill Nicholson representing the Wurundjeri Woiwurrang, that gave some history, cultural importance of caring for country and respect for all, including the new diverse stories that new people bring and share.
The Mayor Adam Pulsford also spoke on Council sommitment to improve the natural environment. The wetlands system was constructed with $500,000 frunding by Merri-bek Council and $500,000 funding from Melbourne water. The wetlands filters pollution from stormwater that would otherwise flow into Merri Creek, the Yarra River and Port Philip. It also creates habitat for many species including endangered frogs, lizards and butterflies.
Friends of Merri Creek provided watery trays of pond wildlife for people to see.
Local Broadmeadows MP Kathleen Matthews Ward (who represents Fawkner) formerly opened this wetlands system on behalf of the Victorian State Labor Government.
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