June 23rd, 2026Supporting River Habitats In Melbourne’s West

The state government is boosting native wildlife and creating more parkland along the lower Maribyrnong River and Stony Creek.

Minister Shing joined Member for Footscray Katie Hall at Newell’s Paddock Urban Nature Park to mark the completion of an important wildlife protection and habitat creation project.

The project has enhanced habitat for more than 130 recorded bird species, including the black swan, swift parrot, yellow-tailed black cockatoo, eastern rosella, superb fairywren and little pied cormorant.

Works included the removal of weeds across three hectares and the planting of 6,000 native seedlings.

Over time, the new vegetation will strengthen wildlife corridors and reduce erosion and pollution.

Friends of Cruickshank Park, local schools and other community members planted over 4,000 plants at working bees and community events.

While Friends of Newell’s Paddock and Maribyrnong Valley worked to help clear vegetation and make way for the new fencing.

Urban creeks and rivers are important community assets, they help make our suburbs more liveable.