Lower Werribee Waterway Amenity Action Plan

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About the Plan

The Plan has been co-designed by a collaborative partnership including representatives from:

Bunurong Land Council; Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning; Melbourne Water; Parks Victoria; Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation; Werribee Open Range Zoo; Werribee River Association; Western Melbourne Tourism Inc.; Wyndham City Council

Learn more about the Plan below.

Key Themes

The Plan is structured around the following key themes which will improve aspects of amenity, access and activation. Actions will achieve multiple benefits, also contributing to other environmental and economic outcomes, such as integrated water management initiatives which provide sustainable water use as well as urban cooling and amenity benefits. Actions were identified which addressed one or more of these themes.

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Connectivity & Access

Trails and shared paths are the most popular facilities used for informal recreation and exercise, and are vital to the community’s ability to walk, jog and cycle in open space and connect to the river corridor. Paths link points of rest, beauty and interest and encourage people to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of being physically active and immersed in nature. Access to the waterway via paths, platforms, ramps and launches is vital for people’s ability to connect with the water and participate in on-water activities such as kayaking. The growing demand for recreation on and along the waterway will continue with population growth.

~ link | loop | launch ~

Recreation & Activities

Park facilities such as picnic spaces, seating, playgrounds, and associated amenities allow for community use and enjoyment of open space. There is growing demand for a variety of activities to be offered and supported in open space through flexible and multi-use facilities.

Quality, accessible facilities and well-designed spaces make parks feel welcoming and safe, thereby attracting more diverse park-users and encouraging higher levels of outdoor activity. Spaces for gathering and exercise in open space are critical to health and wellbeing, especially in the wake of Covid-19, and support community building and connection.

~ gather | relax | play ~

Nature & Cultural Amenity

The distinctive character of Wirribi Yaluk, from its remarkable remnant trees to stunning red clay formations at K Road Cliffs and unique salt marsh estuary, provides a beautiful landscape for learning, escape and relaxation. The opportunity to see a diversity of flora and fauna (and maybe even a platypus) offer pleasure and excitement. Aspects which can impact negatively on natural amenity include pollution and litter. A lack of vegetation and cooling shade can also limit use and enjoyment of open space. The rich aboriginal heritage of the ancient Wirribi Yaluk and post-colonial history also contribute to the amenity of the river corridor through educational and interpretive stories to increase cultural heritage awareness and appreciation.

Prioritisation of environment and cultural flows is also critical to Bunurong and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners involvement and management of the waterway.

~ embrace | immerse | protect ~

Engaging Community

Open spaces and waterways are well-loved and protected when active community groups are involved in their planning, creating a strong sense of ownership. And in turn, locals who participate in community action enjoy an improved sense of wellbeing and belonging.

Supporting community organisations and groups, drawing on their knowledge, skills and commitment, results in collective impact, beyond what government agencies can achieve alone. Their efforts and activities also contribute to the safety and attractiveness of spaces, as well as a richness of experience, knowledge and history of the local area.

~ consult | support | empower ~

Tourism & Visitor Experience

Increased visitation and activation of open space through tourism can have many positive flow-on effects for a community including: increased safety and perceptions of safety; enhanced community pride and reputation; attraction of increased government support and funding; boosts for local economy, businesses and jobs. Enhanced facilities can also be enjoyed by local community members, encouraging them to spend more time being active outdoors and appreciate their local environment.  Our post-pandemic economic recovery can also be aided by building on visitation and activation of the river and parks.

~ invite | include | expand ~

The Lower Werribee Area

The LWWAAP encompasses the Wirribi Yaluk corridor and adjacent public open space (current and future) from the western edge of the future Werribee Township Regional Park to the river mouth at Nerm (Port Phillip Bay). The area encompasses urban and rural landscapes, shifting from a wooded riverine corridor upstream, to a broad, open estuary at the river mouth. Much of the surrounding area has been cleared of natural forest and has been developed for residential or agricultural activity. These uses have contributed to a level erosion, increased nutrient levels, and loss of habitat for aquatic life. Challenges for waterway health include the impacts of urban growth and the need to balance environmental and economic outcomes, given the high water demands for agriculture. Streamflow is a major issue, given the catchment’s comparatively low rainfall, and reduced flows are worsened by the impacts of climate change.

Click on the thumb nail images on the right to get more information and take the tour.

Overview

The Lower Werribee Waterway Amenity Action Plan encompasses the Wirribi Yaluk corridor and adjacent public open space (current and future) from the western edge of the future Werribee Township Regional Park to the river mouth at Nerm (Port Phillip Bay). The area's landscape character can be explored using the toogle below to tour the region.

Davis Creek Reach

~ Suburban Character ~

Future Regional Park Reach

~ Developing Character ~

Manorvale Reach

~ Suburban Character ~

Werribee Township Reach

~ Urban Character ~

Riverwalk Reach

~ Developing Character ~

Tourism Precinct Reach

~ Peri-Urban Character ~

River Regional Park Reach

~ Open Space Character ~

River Mouth Reach

~ Agricultural Character ~

Overview

The Lower Werribee Waterway Amenity Action Plan encompasses the Wirribi Yaluk corridor and adjacent public open space (current and future) from the western edge of the future Werribee Township Regional Park to the river mouth at Nerm (Port Phillip Bay). The area's landscape character can be explored using the toogle below to tour the region.

Davis Creek Reach

~ Suburban Character ~

Established housing to the east fronts onto the linear open space which is mostly mown grass with some new tree planting but few facilities. It is a popular spot for locals to go down to the river edge. The trail runs parallel to the street while a generally narrow vegetated strip hugs the river banks, including majestic remnant River Red Gums. Just downstream of the Riverbend Historical Park, the Diversion Weir creates a wide open pool in the river suitable for canoeing.

Future Regional Park Reach

~ Developing Character ~

This area includes land to be acquired for the planned Werribee Township Regional Park (WTRP). The open, cleared land surrounding WTRP is planned for residential development subject to Precinct Structure Plans. To the south of WTRP is the existing Presidents Park, the largest open space in Werribee catering to a variety of active recreation and dog off-lead areas. The river is shallow below the Diversion Weir and widens to include a series of wooded islands.

Manorvale Reach

~ Suburban Character ~

Between Heaths Road and Cottrell Street, the river flows through the Manorvale area where established housing backs onto the linear open space, creating areas of poor surveillance, but also some high quality natural experiences. The open space contains mostly mown lawns. The path network in this area is well connected, with trails on both sides of the river, and is popular with local walkers.

Werribee Township Reach

~ Urban Character ~

The township lends an urban character with some buildings starting to address the river, which flows through an incised valley with rail and road crossings above. The recently upgraded Wyndham Park is a hub for a great range of open space activities, connected to the town via pedestrian bridges. Further along, Chirnside Park is a historical home of sporting activity and includes Bungey’s Hole; the site of the historic Werribee Swimming Pool and a spot with great potential for an enhanced river experience.

Riverwalk Reach

~ Developing Character ~

Downstream of Chirnside Park the river is shallow, flowing between riffles, with well vegetated banks. Before the Princes Freeway the trail climbs the east escarpment to meet the Federation Trail and pipe bridge. A corner of light industry on the east side creates a poor interface to the river, with opportunity to improve fencing and landscape treatments. The large area of suburban development under construction at Riverwalk Estate will provide future open space and access (Yannyeweann Park) on the west side of the river.

Tourism Precinct Reach

~ Peri-Urban Character ~

South of the Princes Freeway, the Tourism Precinct contains popular destinations including the Werribee Open Range Zoo, Mansion and Rose Garden. The area combines visitor facilities and the surrounding agricultural character, with limited connection to Wirribi Yaluk. Extensive revegetation and majestic River Red Gums characterise the river flats through this reach. Just downstream the stunning K Road Cliffs, provide elevated views over the winding river, and are a popular destination for birdwatching and fishing.

River Regional Park Reach

~ Open Space Character ~

On the east side of Wirribi Yaluk, the Werribee River Park entrance road, carpark, and trails feel remote. Dramatic open views to the south are revealed upon approach to the escarpment where a ramp connects down to a bridge crossing to the Tourism Precinct. Trail connections further south are limited by the adjacent Western Treatment Plant, which contains vast fields and treatment lagoons as well as Ramsar listed wetlands. The river is inaccessible in this section although some bird watching is allowed by permit.

River Mouth Reach

~ Agricultural Character ~

The South Werribee irrigation district is dominated by flat agricultural fields with little tree canopy. The river edge is not accessible as it transitions from the high escarpment at K Road Cliffs to the low salt marsh downstream. The wide estuary at the river mouth offers stunning views to the You Yangs and out over Nerm. The spot is popular for boating and fishing with good park and picnic facilities at JD Bellin Reserve. Fragile wetlands at Graham’s Reserve support abundant birdlife.

Action Plan

Find out about the all the action in the plan through the interactive map below. You can view the actions that apply to each precinct or across the whole study area. Actions can be filtered by theme, and are colour-coded to indicate their priority.

LWWAAP Interactive Actions App - see below or upper right corner of App to open in separate browser window

Resources

Lower Werribee Waterway Amenity Action Plan (LWWAAP)

Meet me by the River – A Guide to the Wirribi Yaluk (Werribee River)

This river guide was developed by the Werribee River Association to fulfill action A6 in the LWWAAP. The guide is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in exploring this beautiful and culturally rich area. As well as providing information about key sites it provides itineraries for tailored experiences such as a family day out, on the move, and a food and art trail.

Progress Snapshots

How to get involved

If you wish to collaborate with us and support our coordination and advocacy agenda, please get in touch. Our working group have a passion for sharing the vision of this exciting initiative and for meaningful partnerships. We need increased investment from other organisations to transform lower Wirribi Yaluk. If you are interested in one of the actions, or want to learn more about the Wirribi Yaluk or the Plan, please get in touch.

Contact us for more information or to find out about getting involved

LWWAAP@melbournewater.com.au