The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the delivery of improved water quality in the Bendigo Creek.

As part of the $14.1 million dollar Integrated Water Management Grants program we’re investing $583,000 towards the Bendigo Creek Ecological Restoration Project.

The work will contribute to the Reimagining Bendigo Creek vision, with partner agencies collaborating to rehabilitate a 170m section of the creek and remove 4000 square metres of contaminated silt that has built up in the creek.

“The Bendigo Creek project is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together to build cooler, greener, more liveable communities," Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP said.

It will recreate a natural chain of ponds that existed prior to colonisation while also enhancing and celebrating Djaara cultural values.

The project will create aquatic habitat, improve water quality and reduce flood risk. It will also create a beautiful and engaging landscape around the creek.

The project will also support Djaara to heal Country. This includes providing direct employment of Djandak staff to manage and deliver the required works and enabling Djaara Elders to shape the site’s design and express a cultural narrative for the site.

The total cost of the project is $783,000 and it is being jointly led by City of Greater Bendigo and Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung) and supported by North Central CMA. It is expected to be completed by January 2024.

The Labor Government’s Integrated Water Management program, established in 2017, considers how the delivery of water, wastewater and stormwater services can contribute to water security, public and environmental health and urban amenity.