By Bridie Byrne
SEVEN years ago, the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek (FOLKC) viewed the major waterway as an unkempt and hazardous drainage reserve.
Now the group has helped to develop the creek as a biodiversity corridor and at their head is Hobsons Bay’s very own Captain Planet.
FOLKC president Geoff Mitchelmore is determined to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of Kororoit Creek and its surrounds.
The group hosted a National Tree Planting Day event at the creek last Sunday. Mr Mitchelmore said those who attended planted more than 1500 indigenous trees and shrubs.
“We have been involved with the National Tree Planting Day for five years and it’s always a big celebration,” he said.
“It was a fun day and people felt like they were actually doing something to help the environment.”
Along with 150 green thumbs, Australian Football League legend Alex Jesaulenko, Edvardo and his accordion, and the Melbourne Fire Brigade were present.
Since the group’s creation in 2001, FOLKC have planted in excess of 20,000 trees, shrubs and understory plants along the creek between the West Gate Freeway and McArthurs Rd. Their environmental achievements were recognised at the Australian Banksia Environmental Awards on 18 July. The awards are regarded as the most prestigious in Australia. FOLKC won because of its commitment to protect the natural character of Kororoit Creek for future generations and to allow access for people and animals via a network of shared trails and native vegetation along the creek.
“Winning the award really put a feather in our cap,” Mr Mitchelmore said.
“This award has really put us on the map and people now can recognise what we do as a group.
“In 2000 I was working on building a bridge across the creek and in a publication the council referred to the creek as a drain.
“After this happened I wanted to do something about changing that perception.”
Local businesses, ethnic communities, school children and the government have all contributed to this objective.
Through FOLKC initiatives, plans are being set in place that will see the Kororoit Creek develop as one of the major waterways in the west of Melbourne.
Some of these moves are:
• A draft strategy for the Kororoit Creek for the Department of Sustainability;
• A landscape master plan for the creek within Hobsons Bay, developed in partnership by FOLKC and the city council;
• The incorporation of the shared trail along the creek corridor with the recently opened $4.5 million Barnes Rd Bridge in Altona North.
To get involved contact FOLKC at info@folkc.com.au.
