Barongarook Creek GreenLinks Project
About the project
The project will restore Barongarook Creek, a heavily degraded waterway into a thriving natural and community asset, building on past successful creek restoration undertaken by Council.
The project will remove weeds and re-establish native vegetation across 11.7 hectares of creek frontage, connecting previous restoration sites and remnant native vegetation/habitat.
This project will be transformational for Barongarook Creek and will be a great opportunity to strengthen partnerships with our delivery partners Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and the Central Otway Landcare Network and engage with the community and foster community stewardship through planting days and educational workshops.
What is GreenLinks?
GreenLinks is a $10 million investment to improve habitat, water quality, and provide cool green spaces for communities around our urban creeks, rivers and waterways.
The program aims to fund up to 200 hectares of revegetation projects over 3 years. GreenLinks builds on work underway to protect our iconic urban waterways from inappropriate development and complements the aspirations of Traditional Owners and the community for our waterways.
Project Update - 30/03/2026
Willow removal has commenced, and while the works may appear destructive, they are an important step in restoring the creek. This work is improving water flows and removing Weeds of National Significance, creating the conditions needed for long-term ecological recovery. These works are laying the groundwork for the revegetation of approximately 11,000 indigenous plants along the waterway in spring.
Project Timeline
Initial Woody Weed Works
The first stage of on‑ground works will involve the removal of large Willow Trees (a Weed of National Significance) and other woody weed species. This will require the use of heavy machinery and several weeks of concentrated work.
Herbaceous Weed Works
Once woody weeds have been removed, this creates access to manage smaller but equally damaging herbaceous weed species. Controlling these weeds is important to prevent reinfestation and allow native vegetation to recover. These works are planned to commence in early spring 2026.
Revegetation Works
In early to mid-spring 2026, the site will be prepared for revegetation works. This preparation enables project partners Central Otway Landcare Network and Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation to lead revegetation activities, supporting community involvement and cultural connection to Country, with approximately 11,000 indigenous plants to be established across the site.
Community Engagement
Throughout spring, a series of community engagement events will provide opportunities for volunteers to take part in revegetation works along Barongarook Creek. These activities will include local community members and schools, supporting shared ownership of the project while fostering long‑term land stewardship and stronger connections to the waterway.
Project Completion
The project will conclude in 2027, marking the completion of major on‑ground works. The outcomes will continue through long‑term land stewardship, with native vegetation established and cared for into the future by project partners, volunteers, and the local community.
Ongoing Management
As part of the project, Council has committed to managing the site for two years following project delivery. During this time, volunteers and community members will be invited to be involved in caring for the area, supporting shared stewardship and the long‑term success of the restoration works.
~Coming Soon ~ Spring Events Calendar ~
As spring approaches we look forward to a range of community engagement days, including school plantings, community planting and education sessions, helping establish indigenous vegetation along the Barongarook Creek Riparian corridor