Council Adopts New Policy to Secure Future of Darebin Creek and Merri Creek

Great news! Our long-standing partnerships with the Darebin Creek Management Committee (DCMC) and the Merri Creek Management Committee (MCMC) will continue beyond 2026. Darebin Council has formally adopted a new exemption within the Darebin Procurement Policy (link to Council meeting minutes) that facilitates these partnerships.

This decision acknowledges Council’s unique and long-standing relationship with these organisations. It means DCMC and MCMC can continue to provide essential environmental services without interruption.

Your Feedback Made a Difference

This outcome was directly shaped by your feedback. You helped us recognise the unique value of these partnerships, the need for long-term stability, and the risks of disrupting these successful programs.

What's Next?

This is a major step in securing the future of our local natural environment. We’ll continue working closely with DCMC and MCMC to deliver services that reflect our shared community and ecological priorities.

For more details, you can find the full Council meeting minutes online.

Thank you for sharing your feedback

on the future management of Darebin Creek and Darebin Parklands.

Engagement Summary

Community Engagement Summary

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback and participated in the Future Management of Darebin Creek and Darebin Parklands consultation from May - June 2025.

Please see the community engagement summary and what we heard section below or view the full Community Engagement report.

  • 598+ community members participated in online and face-to-face activities

  • 448 online surveys were completed

    2 Written submissions

  • 110 community members attended face-to-face sessions

  • 6 small group discussions with local community groups and Darebin Community Committees

  • 76% of respondents were frequent park visitors

    82% of respondents were Darebin residents

What we heard from the community

  • Satisfaction with Current Management

    • Strong support for DCMC's ecological stewardship
    • 60% of respondents expressed high satisfaction with current management
    • 83.6% said the relationship between the community and land managers is very important

  • Most Valued Component of Land Management

    • Care for natural features (46%)
    • Well-maintained paths and facilities (13.5%)
    • Visible and supportive park staff (12%)
    • Educational programs and engagement (9%)

  • Top Priorities for Future Management

    • Preservation of native habitats and biodiversity
    • Management of ponds and Darebin Creek waterway
    • Onsite presence and support of park rangers
    • Quality and maintenance of walking/cycling trails
    • Climate resilience and sustainability efforts

  • Preferred Management Model

    • Community-based (37.8%)
    • Not-for-profit (32.8%)
    • Locally based (15.8%)
    • Commercial entity (0.7%)

Project Background

Darebin Creek and Darebin Parklands are an important natural space that is home to a thriving community of plants and animals. It is an important recreational place for members of the Darebin community.

Council has a proud history and ongoing role in actively caring for and enhancing the Parklands' natural environment and protecting the health of its native biodiversity. In many instances, this is achieved in partnership with various community organisations.

We spoke to the community from 12 May - 8 June about your values and priorities for the land management approach and care of Darebin Creek and Darebin Parklands over the next 10 years. We are currently analysing your feedback and will provide updates in the near future.

To find out more about how Darebin Creek and Darebin Parklands are currently managed, and to learn more about Council's role in supporting this natural space, please read the FAQs on this page.

Location of Darebin Creek and Darebin Parklands

Community Survey