FRIENDS
OF THE MARIBYRNONG VALLEY INC.
Reg No. A10136
Aims, Achievements & Grants
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::NEW:: MELBOURNE WATER COMMUNITY GRANTS ::NEW::
Community Groups such as Landcare
and Friends Groups can apply to Melbourne Water for works on public lands
adjacent to creeks and rivers. Project grants support the implementation of
projects that address natural resource issues. Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley
is engaged in one such project - Maribyrnong River Riparian Woodland Project.
Stage 1 of the Melbourne Water Community Grant has been completed along the
riverbanks at Avondale Heights. The site extends from Steele's Creek upstream to
the Canning Street Tea Gardens, and takes in sections of the remnant Poa
escarpment. Stage 1 saw the planting of 900 indigenous trees and shrubs. As part
of the project, ‘Sentree’ a rabbit and wallaby deterrent has been trialled along
with other guarding techniques. Results will determine best practice for the
site.
A comprehensive weed control/removal program was undertaken, targeting weeds
such as boxthorn, peppercorn, briar rose, blackberry, artichoke thistle, fennel
and prickly pear. Large piles of boxthorn can be seen from the walking track and
these are to be burnt by Parks Victoria in 2009. Some sections of boxthorn have
been left as habitat for animals but will be removed over the next five years.
FMV has coordinated the project from start to finish, in partnership with
Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria and Basaltica Natural Resource Management and
FMV has applied for 2009 funding from the MW Community Grants Program that will
enable further weed control/removal and the planting of another 1200 indigenous
trees and shrubs.
Please click on the images to view the Grant Coordinators report:
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FMV Aims
- To raise public awareness of the potential of the Maribyrnong River and its valley as a natural and recreational resource.
- To try to safeguard this natural asset from over-development, noxious and introduced vegetation, pollution and further loss of indigenous plants and animals.
- To prevent misuse and degradation of the Maribyrnong Valley and assist in its rehabilitation.
- Communication with councils and government departments on environmental issues and development proposals in the area including the north Maribyrnong Defense Site. Representation on consultative and advisory committees. and liaison with other environmental and land care groups within the area.
- Participation in community activities including “Clean-up Days”, festivals and fairs.
- Tree plantings—from the bush to the bay, outings—river sight seeing cruises, visiting locations of interest, special projects—preparing leaflets and other promotional material including our bird book, video and heritage signs.
FMV Notable Achievements
- Canning Street Escarpment - Over a period of three years, a volunteer taskforce from FMV has transformed a section of the Canning Street Escarpment, between the sports oval and the Tea Gardens. They have almost cleared the area of Boxthorn, English Broom, Scotch Thistle and Fennel and have replanted the site with a variety of shrubs that enjoy conditions on the riparian slope. With special aftercare watering and weed control the plantings are now well established and soon going to transform the appearance of the whole area. This is an ongoing project and new volunteers to help with future activities here.
- Birds of the Maribyrnong Valley—this beginners guide to local birds and their habitat was produced by the group with funds from the Department of Conservation & Environment.
- The Other River (1989)—an educational kit comprising of a 24 minute informative video and a teachers guide.
- Heritage Signs—with illustrations and text depicting historic places and events in Keilor, Sunshine, Footscray and Essendon, these signs were designed in collaboration with the local historical societies and are located along the river.
- Grimes Flemming Bicentenary—a re-enactment of the first navigation of the Maribyrnong River by Grimes and Flemming in 1803 was staged in collaboration with Living Museum of the West.