The City of Greater Bendigo is seeking community feedback on concept plans to naturalise and improve sections of Bendigo Creek between Bay Street and Maple Street in Golden Square and Back Creek between Carolin Street and Houston Street in Flora Hill.
City of Greater Bendigo Climate Change and Environment Manager Michelle Wyatt said both projects will bring nature back to each site and improve the community’s experience of each area.
“Draft concept plans have been developed for both projects that take into account maintenance needs, Dja Dja Wurrung cultural values and how we imagine the community could make better use of the area for recreation and to connect to nature. Community feedback will inform final concept designs that will include flood modelling to consider flood risks," Ms Wyatt said.
“Both the Bendigo Creek and Back Creek projects will aim to remove the existing concrete channels, creating a chain of ponds and improving habitat with revegetation with native plant species.
“The City is also seeking feedback from residents on design only projects for Gateway Park between Browning Street and Alder Street in Kangaroo Flat and Ironbark Gully Creek between Arnold Street and Nolan Street to ensure these projects are ready to go when funding is available.
“We are really keen to engage with the community to find out what they like about the plans, if they have any concerns or think we have missed anything, or if they have any other feedback.”
All projects are part of the Yaram Yaram Bayikina Bendigo Creek Reawakening partnership between the City of Greater Bendigo, DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation), and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) to restore sections of the Bendigo Creek and its tributaries.
Yaram Yaram Bayikina is funded by the Australian Government’s Local Environmental Projects Program.
Residents can also attend the following information sessions:
- Drop-in sessions at Galkangu Bendigo Gov Hub, Lyttleton Terrace Bendigo:
- Thursday September 10, 10am – 12pm: For Bendigo Creek and Back Creek
- Tuesday September 15, 10am – 12pm: For Bendigo Creek, Back Creek, Ironbark Gully and Gateway Park
- Other information sessions:
- Saturday September 12, 9am – 12pm: Bendigo Creek drop-in session at Bendigo Creek Trail - Bay Street, Golden Square
- Sunday September 13, 9am – 12pm: Back Creek drop-in session at Spring Gully Trail - Carolin Street, Flora Hill
Yaram Yaram Bayikina, means 'Bendigo Creek - reawakening it' in Dja Dja Wurrung language.
Weed management and revegetation works are also planned at several locations and scheduled to commence in spring 2026.
Other initiatives underway as a part of Yaram Yaram Bayikina include water monitoring with volunteers and through schools as a part of the North Central CMA’s WaterWatch and River Detectives Program and involvement of the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners in all aspects of the program.
To view the concept plans, or to have your say, please visit: