[On-screen text: Waterways of the West – Melbourne’s Community Vision]
Speaker: Our vision is for healthy, diverse and sustainable waterways throughout our West. As a diverse community we care for its interconnected rivers, creeks and landscapes.
Respectfully acknowledging and embracing the cultural values of the Bunurong, Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Peoples, we walk together to care for Country. The Bunurong, Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Peoples cared for Country in many different ways and for all living things. Working collaboratively, the people of the West protect and celebrate these unique and interconnected waterways.
The Maribyrnong and Werribee rivers, and their surrounding creeks and tributaries, run clearly. They're filled with abundant life. Their banks teem with native plants and animals. Crystal clear in the forested hills, the water flows through volcanic grassy plains under big skies. It seeps into and sustains wetlands, travels down through farms, between homes and into internationally recognised salt marshes, ending its journey in Port Phillip Bay.
Along these waters we see birds, like Reed Warblers and Rainbow Bee-eaters, nesting along the creek banks. Migratory birds from as far as Alaska and Siberia stop and rest in the salt marshes. Tawny frogmouth chicks are spotted by passers-by and the air is filled with the chorus of Growling grass frogs and Pobblebonks.
We respect and value what the waters provide us, the food they help us grow, and the places that nurture our wellbeing, whose beauty we enjoy.
It's where we meet and gather, reflect, run, walk and play.
WoW! It's the emotion evoked by the waterways of the West.
Page last updated: 22/11/23