The Friends of Merri Creek are opposing a proposal by Melbourne Water to sell public-owned land along the creek in Thomastown.
An industrial landholder, whose property is adjacent to the public-owned land at 115 Trawalla Avenue, his expressed interested in buying the site and rezoning it for private use.
The Friends of Merri Creek secretary David Gifford said the group didn’t want the creek to be encroached upon.
“Our primary interest is essentially the creek, making sure that it can be taken care of especially for its natural benefits, ecology, the habitat and the creek waters itself and the lands alongside it,” Mr Gifford said.
A Melbourne Water spokesperson said the organisation understood community concerns and recognised the importance of Merri Creek.
“Melbourne Water had a role to determine whether the land was needed for essential services. After a thorough assessment we deemed the land could be declared surplus,” the spokesperson said.
“We have confidence that the sale conditions, such as the landscaping plan which will be prepared by the purchaser, will minimise impacts to the Merri Creek riparian zone. This plan will also ensure Melbourne Water can continue our role to manage and protect the area.”
Mr Gifford said the sale was of “no public benefit” and the friends group will continue to fight it for as long as it can.
The group reached out to Planning Minister Richard Wynne, who has referred the matter to the Government Land Standing Advisory Committee to provide him with independent advice.
Friends of Merri Creek have made a submission to the committee, which is holding a hearing on June 16 to consider the issue.
Mr Wynne said he would make a decision on the matter once he’s received a report from the committee.
