Banyule is fortunate to have many important conservation and wildlife reserves and open 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 is present 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.
Get involved
We can all play a part in the future management of these natural areas.
There are a couple of ways to get involved:
- complete the online survey below
- tell us your ideas for the future of Darebin Parklands and Darebin Creek using the interactive tool below.
Survey
The future of Darebin Parklands and Darebin Creek
What do you imagine Darebin Parklands and the Darebin Creek catchment to be like in 10 years?
Share your thoughts about the future ecology, biodiversity, recreation and general community use of these spaces (max 140 characters).
21 November, 2024
Jack Ellis says:
Darebin Creek and Parklands will be more important than ever as more people live in higher density within Melbourne.
21 November, 2024
Jack says:
at least the same as it is now, hopefully the parklands area extended as purchase of adjacent property on the market proceeds over time
21 November, 2024
SDB says:
A more disciplined approach to keep dogs out of the wildlife areas.
21 November, 2024
Penel says:
Bushy gathering place to connect with nature. Lots of mature trees, clean creek, maintained toilets for all access. Natural habitat for anim
21 November, 2024
Nicole Parker says:
How it currently looks maintained and allowing a beautiful space for exercise!
20 November, 2024
Marcia Giles says:
I hope Darebin Parklands continues to support indigenous plant and bird life, to provide habitat for frogs and fish and picnics.
20 November, 2024
Jyan says:
A beautiful diverse resource that becomes better known bringing people from far & wide to be nurtured by nature.
20 November, 2024
Marion Cincotta says:
Continue re-wilding this beautiful waterway and park for the people in surrounding suburbs. Shade as the heat takes over, bird calls, air!
19 November, 2024
Jude munro says:
A few more plantings. Moreusers as activity centres and Ivanhoe and Alphington become denser in population and building size.
19 November, 2024
HRF says:
Cooperation between the community, the DCMC rangers/staff and councils. A thriving biodiversity corridor with access to nature
19 November, 2024
B. Yoda says:
Rubbish catchments along the creek to reduce pollution in the creek
19 November, 2024
Maria says:
I want my grandchildren to see a diverse open wild space park with a living creek biodiverse with clean water.
Our community is made up of diverse cultures, beliefs, abilities, bodies, sexualities, ages and genders. We are committed to access, equity, participation and rights for everyone: principles which empower, foster harmony and increase the wellbeing of an inclusive community.
Banyule City Council is proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as traditional custodians of the land and we pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past, present and emerging, who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the region’s history.