What we’re doing
Approximately 660 metres of new drain will be built alongside the existing drain, including:
- a new bigger outlet and pier at Elwood Beach
- a new drain inlet in Elsternwick Park
- a diversion structure in Elster Creek
- maintenance pits.
Tree and vegetation removal
We understand the importance and value of trees and plants to local communities. That’s why we’ve gone through a careful design process to avoid impacts to significant native vegetation.
This includes:
- Australian native Port Jackson Figs in Head Street Reserve
- River Red Gums in Elsternwick Park.
Tree protection zones will be put in place to protect significant trees and other native vegetation.
Some trees require permits from City of Port Phillip and Bayside City Council.
Replanting and landscaping
Once works are complete, we will replace lost vegetation by replanting in the local area and rehabilitate disturbed areas in accordance with plans approved by City of Port Phillip and Bayside City Council. More information on tree planting and landscaping works will be shared with the community as the project progresses.
Minimising community impacts
To improve community outcomes and the experience of residents living close to construction, we’re focusing on:
- talking to people face-to-face
- being transparent about the nature of our works and impacts
- seeking community input
- identifying, managing and mitigating community and stakeholder issues and impacts
- ensuring we are aware of the issues that cause disruption to the local community and residents where we’ll be working
- establishing clear expectations about how much disruption communities should expect.
We will work closely with construction teams to mitigate impacts where possible and where impacts are unavoidable, we will be fair and reasonable in reaching agreements with stakeholders and residents.
We’ll be reaching out to have more detailed conversations with directly impacted residents, businesses, sports clubs and community groups over the coming weeks.
Why this project is important
In Melbourne, rain, storms and floods are a natural part of our weather cycle. As our city and suburbs grow, we face more challenges than ever to ensure the rainfall that falls on the ground, flows through the landscape and is safely carried away from built up areas into rivers and creeks.
This project was developed from an investigation into flood mitigation options in and around Elsternwick Park, which was a key initiative under the Elster Creek Catchment Flood Management Plan (2019-2024).
Frequently asked questions
The City of Port Phillip has developed a masterplan for the Elwood foreshore to ensure it meets the demands of a growing community and a changing climate. This will be implemented over the next decade.
We’re working in partnership with the City of Port Phillip to ensure our projects are integrated and achieve the best possible outcomes for the community.
It is likely that the Elwood Main Drain Duplication project will be completed before the implementation of the Elwood Foreshore Precinct Masterplan begins.
For more information on the masterplan, visit the City of Port Phillip website.
Bayside City Council is transforming the former Elsternwick Park golf course into a natural oasis to bring nature back into the urban area, providing refuge and tranquility for both wildlife and visitors. The new wetlands and water bodies will improve the quality of water flowing into Port Phillip Bay and provide a diverse habitat that, along with new trees and vegetation, will encourage native wildlife back to the area.
Melbourne Water and Bayside City Council are working closely together on the planning and design of a new wetland system (southern area of Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve) to ensure our projects are integrated and complement one another.
For more information on the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve project, visit Bayside City Council's website.
Ask a question
If your question hasn’t been answered on this page, submit it to the project team below.
