Read about our 2 major stages of consultation where we asked our community for feedback on Koonung Creek Reserve and the draft concept design.

Stage 1 consultation

We ran consultation in May 2022 to hear our community’s views about Koonung Creek Reserve.

Over 80% of people who answered our survey told us they wanted separate paths for walking and cycling, located next to each other. In our submission to the UDLP, we strongly advocated for separate paths. We have continued to advocate to NELP about this issue.

We also heard about other facilities that are important to our community in the reserve, including the playground and its public toilet.

The community told us that:

  • having toilets in the reserve means people can spend more time there
  • the playground is an important community asset and meeting place for families.

The feedback we received was used to:

  • shape this draft design developed by NELP
  • inform a submission to the North East Link (NEL) Tunnels Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) public exhibition. This UDLP included the design for the North East Link Tunnels from Watsonia to Bulleen and connecting Eastern Freeway upgrades in Bulleen and Balwyn North.

To find our more, you can:

How our community uses Koonung Creek Reserve

Our community told us that Koonung Creek Reserve is important for the variety of activities it offers, and for the positive effect it has on health and wellbeing. This includes the following activities:

How our community wants Koonung Creek Reserve to look and feel

Our community shared their ideas about what they wanted the reserve to look and feel like after the NELP works are complete.

Stage 2 consultation

In September and October 2023, we asked our community for feedback on the draft concept design developed by NELP for the Koonung Creek Reserve. A total of 153 people completed our survey, 36 people attended a pop-up and drop-in sessions and 12 people participated in a facilitated community workshop.

We heard from a range of age groups and genders, with 64% living in Balwyn North where Koonung Creek Reserve is located.

Our community’s feedback on NELP’s draft concept design

Through consultation, we heard:

  • More than 80% of respondents support a mode separated Koonung Creek Trail (KCT) with side by side walking and cycling paths instead of a shared user path. This would improve safety for trail users.
  • 66% of respondents oppose NELP’s inclusion of stormwater management infrastructure in the Koonung Creek Reserve as it would further deplete usable open space and cause issues with stagnant water.
  • 60% of respondents support including a new playground at the western end of the Koonung Creek Reserve and facilities such as BBQ, picnic table and toilets adjacent to the playground area.

There was also community support for:

  • use of the new path network for a 5 km parkrun and 2 km junior parkrun route
  • a fenced dog park
  • relaxation area near the wetland with a new purpose-designed gazebo
  • supporting existing community activities (like tai chi)
  • inclusion of natureplay areas
  • relocation and upgrade of the BMX and mountain bike skills track
  • lighting along the Koonung Creek Trail
  • retention of exercise equipment.

The feedback we received was used to inform:

  • an alternative design for the Koonung Creek Reserve which better reflects the needs of our community and Council. We will share our alternative design with NELP and advocate for them to reinstate the reserve in accordance with Council's adopted concept design
  • a submission to the North East Link Eastern Freeway Upgrades - Burke Road to Tram Road UDLP public exhibition. This UDLP included covers the eastern half of the Koonung Creek Reserve as well as other reserves next to the Eastern Freeway between Burke Road and Tram Road.

To find out more, you can:

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