Elwood Canal Planting Project

The Elwood Canal is an important green corridor that connects Port Phillip Bay with parks and natural areas further inland. It provides habitat for local wildlife and helps keep the Elster Creek catchment healthy.

This project will help improve the canal by:
•    Planting more than 20,000 indigenous plants over two years, including about 5,000 plants in Year 1.
•    Removing invasive weeds.
•    Creating better habitat for local wildlife.
•    Connecting existing planting areas.

The area is home to a range of wildlife, including native birds, bees, frogs, bats, reptiles and small mammals. Planting more indigenous vegetation will provide food, shelter and nesting areas for these animals and help them move more easily through the corridor.

The project forms part of the broader Elster Creek Water Quality Improvements Program and works alongside other projects designed to improve the quality of water flowing into Elster Creek and Port Phillip Bay.

Over time, these improvements will create a greener, healthier and more connected environment for wildlife and the community to enjoy.

Year 1 works are expected to take place between mid-August and completed by October 2026.

During construction, the community may experience:
•    Temporary changes to pedestrian and cyclist access near work areas.
•    Reduced access to small sections of reserve during planting activities.
•    Contractor vehicles and equipment operating within the reserve.
•    Minor noise associated with landscaping and planting works.

Access to surrounding open space and shared paths will be maintained wherever possible, with temporary traffic and pedestrian management measures in place as required.

Following construction, temporary protective fencing will remain around newly planted garden beds for approximately six months to allow plants to establish and protect them from accidental damage.

These short-term impacts will deliver long-term environmental benefits including improved habitat, increased indigenous vegetation and enhanced water quality outcomes.

The project will:
•    Plant more than 20,000 indigenous plants over two years.
•    Remove priority weed species.
•    Increase indigenous vegetation along the Elwood Canal.
•    Improve habitat for local wildlife.
•    Connect existing planting areas.
•    Support better water quality.
•    Create a healthier and more resilient natural environment.

These works will provide more food, shelter and nesting opportunities for local wildlife, including birds, bees, frogs, reptiles and small mammals that live in and around the Elster Creek corridor.

Additional planting will also help improve water quality by filtering pollutants and reducing erosion along the waterway.

Together with other projects under the Elster Creek Water Quality Improvements Program, these works will create a greener and healthier canal. They will support local wildlife, improve the environment and make the area more enjoyable for the community.