Banyule City Council is reviewing the delivery of land management services for Darebin Parklands, including Rockbeare Park, and the Darebin Creek catchment. The review will support Council to meet its Integrated Water Management obligations, enhance the ecology and biodiversity of Darebin Creek and surrounding areas, and determine whether Council’s current funding and management arrangements are helping to protect and enhance these natural areas.

Banyule has partnered with Darebin Creek Management Committee (DCMC) for over 40 years on the management of the parklands, and DCMC and community have been responsible for its restoration from what was once a weed infested and neglected area, into what it is today.

This review is being led by Banyule City Council in collaboration with the key funding partners. We are also working closely with DCMC, Traditional Custodians and local community groups as part of this process.

Community engagement

Thank you to everyone who took part in engagement activities from November 2024 to January 2025.

We received excellent feedback, with 671 contributions from people with an interest in the management and sustainability of Darebin Parklands and the Darebin Creek Catchment area.

Next steps are to share the findings with you, and for Council officers to brief and work with key stakeholders and councillors to draft a model for future management and funding.

View the full findings report or take a look at the 'What we heard' highlights below.

What we heard

Banyule is fortunate to have many important conservation and wildlife reserves and green spaces that support our local flora and fauna. Our community feels connected to these places and cares about how they are managed and protected.

One place of significance is Darebin Parklands. The reserve has natural bush, a country feel and is enhanced by Darebin Creek. The area was once home to a dairy farm, vineyard and quarry. There are many areas to explore and numerous options for walkers, cyclists and picnickers.

Review of land management and catchment coordination

Banyule City Council is reviewing the delivery of land management services for Darebin Parklands, including Rockbeare Park, and the Darebin Creek catchment. The review will support Council to meet its Integrated Water Management obligations, enhance the ecology and biodiversity of Darebin Creek and surrounding areas and determine whether Council’s current funding and management arrangements are helping to protect and enhance these natural areas.

Banyule has partnered with Darebin Creek Management Committee (DCMC) for over 40 years on the management of the parklands, and DCMC and community have been responsible for its restoration from what was once a weed infested and neglected area, into what it is today.

Along with the Cities of Yarra, Darebin and Whittlesea, Banyule City Council contributes funding to DCMC. Banyule and Darebin also provide funding to DCMC to manage the Darebin Parklands, on behalf of both Councils.

DCMC is a not-for-profit organisation that receives around 60% of its funding from the four council partners, and 40% from various other government and non-government sources. All of the funding received by DCMC is used for the delivery of management and projects in the parklands and along the creek, including supporting and working with volunteers and groups to improve the Creeks' ecology and biodiversity, protect cultural heritage and enhance the health and wellbeing of community.

View the DCMC current area of management and Darebin Creek catchment maps.

Banyule City Council funding to DCMC in 2025 will be $250,812.80 (Banyule funds $80,270.46 to DCMC for Darebin Creek catchment coordination and $168,022.37 for Darebin Parklands land management coordination).

This review is being led by Banyule City Council in collaboration with the key funding partners. We are also working closely with DCMC, Traditional Custodians and local community groups as part of this process.

We can all play a part in the future management of these natural areas.