Project description

Stage 1 of the Monash Freeway Upgrade (MFU) delivered 30 kilometres of freeway widening and upgrade works east of Melbourne from 2016 to 2018. As part of our partnership with Transurban, Landcare Australia helped develop an urban landcare initiative in the vicinity of the freeway upgrade works, between Warrigal Road and Koo Wee Rup Road. The City of Greater Dandenong was awarded a grant, funded through the MFU Project partnership with Transurban, to enhance habitat in a section of Dandenong Creek immediately adjacent to the freeway. The grant contributed to continuing habitat enhancement works already undertaken by the City of Greater Dandenong elsewhere along the creek.

Project aims

Project outcome

A key project outcome was the creation of a nature trail, linking Dandenong Creek to the existing Dandenong Creek Trail, with additional on-ground works undertaken to significantly improve habitat and the nature trail experience. Works included creating information signs about local flora and fauna, and the value of tree hollows. To complement this, Monash Freeway Upgrade staff got involved in the environmental works, constructing nest boxes which were then installed in established trees beside the creek.