Protecting headwater streams: Ideas for Aitken Creek

They are extremely sensitive to their surroundings, yet often not well protected. Urban development has resulted in the loss of many of these headwater streams and their associated green spaces over time.

Melbourne Water (MW) and the University of Melbourne (UoM) joined forces with Water Sensitive Cities Australia (WSCA) to identify real and perceived barriers to achieving better outcomes for headwater streams, using Aitken Creek – a headwater stream in Melbourne’s north – as a case study. A 2-part workshop process drew on multiple disciplines and perspectives to help define the problem confronting headwater streams and identify possible solutions. Presentations from experts in various fields related to headwater stream protection and urban development stimulated discussions and collaborative sessions to brainstorm and refine ideas for Aitken Creek.

Now available, the Ideas for Aitken Creek report outlines these ideas and concept designs, grouped under 2 categories:

• On-ground ideas: specific actions that can protect headwater streams. These ideas challenge conventional water and urban planning practices.
• Enabling ideas: address the broader policy gaps between urban planning and water planning, to ensure more integrated and sustainable outcomes.

The aim of the report is to provoke discussion on alternative ways to plan urban growth in headwater catchments like Aitken Creek, to preserve their ecological, cultural and social values for future generations. Stakeholders are encouraged to consider how these ideas might contribute to mitigating the impacts of urbanisation and promoting resilient, sustainable urban growth within their contexts.