Enhancing Our Dandenong Creek

Description

The Enhancing Our Dandenong Creek (EODC) Project is an innovative and efficient approach to addressing the risks and impacts associated with wet weather sewer spills. It is providing an alternative to capital-intensive conventional augmentations through community-led decision making that has resulted in improved water quality, habitat, biodiversity, natural aesthetics and storytelling.  

Phase 1 saw engagement with both Bunurong and Wurundjeri Traditional Owners to ensure an appropriate history and cultural heritage of the creek was presented via the development and installation of interpretive signage.  

As the Communications lead during Phase 2, Comacon's consultant has been developing all communications collateral including graphics, online communications, social media, key messages and reports for both external and internal stakeholders.

Approach

The Enhancing Our Dandenong Creek project was developed in partnership with local councils, businesses, community groups and state agencies. By undertaking a deliberative engagement approach to meeting sewage containment obligations, it created an opportunity to do things differently and achieve greater outcomes for the community.

Successes

The program has been recognised for excellence in leadership, innovation and engineering and has been the recipient of the following awards:

•      2019 Engineering Excellence Awards, Victoria - Excellence in Public Works Project, Winner

•      Stormwater Victoria Awards 2019 - Excellence in Infrastructure, Highly Commended

•      Victorian Water Awards 2018 - Program Innovation Award, Winner

•      Victorian Water Awards 2019 - Program Innovation Award, Winner‍

In addition to this industry recognition, and the strong community engagement outcomes, the project is also continuing its innovative QRMA research to address the risks and impacts associated with wet weather spills.

Contact

Coral Reynolds, Executive General Manager and Principal Consultant

Image by Credit