Funds flow for ongoing Bendigo Creek renewal

THE City of Greater Bendigo has been allocated $160,856 as part of round two of the State Government’s Green Links Grants Program, an initiative intended to improve the health of Victoria’s urban rivers and creeks and create habitats for the wildlife that live around them.

The City is currently engaged in its Reimagining Bendigo Creek plan, an initiative aimed at revitalising the waterway and its surrounding environment.

It seeks to transform the creek into a healthier, more connected and culturally significant space that fosters community engagement and respect.

Significantly, the plan will be ongoing for 50 years, with gradual changes, according to the City.

Round two of the program granted a total of $2 million to 10 recipients, which will result in over 1800 native plants being placed in urban areas.

Other allocations included $350,000 to transform a section of Barongarook Creek through Colac and almost $300,000 to weed and plant 6000 seedlings across 17.5 hectares of woodland alongside Darebin Creek, which will be incorporated into the future Bunjil Nganga Parkland.

“Our urban waterways are important to our communities’ health and wellbeing, along with providing vital habitat for native wildlife,” Minister for Water Gayle Tierney said.

“Green Links grants are empowering local communities to protect their local waterways and create greener open spaces in urban areas for more families to enjoy.”

For further information, visit the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website.