The proposed works include:

• Bringing back water - Currently all water is carried in pipes underground. The works will bring slow moving, small volumes of water from regular rainfall events above ground. The fast-moving water from heavy rain will be directed through the existing underground drainage pipes

• Chain of ponds - Creating deep pools to recreate the chain of ponds that may have existed originally

• Native plants - Planting native plants along the re-established waterway and within vegetated channels to help filter the water and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife

• Paths and crossings - Installing rock crossings and walking paths

• Bench seats - Identifying locations for bench seats for installation as a part of this or future projects.

We will aim to implement as many of the above initiatives as possible with the funds available through this project. Any initiatives which are not able to be funded will be implemented at a later date subject to funding.

We are aiming for all these works to occur over Spring/Summer 2027/28.

The draft design has been informed by:

• Flood modelling

• Soil and geotechnical assessments

• Cultural heritage due diligence

• Input from DJAARA members

• Consideration of long-term management and maintenance implications

We do not anticipate that the works will change the likelihood of flooding in the area. High flows from heavy rainfall events will continue to be directed away from the site, through the underground drainage pipes. The native species proposed and the location of the revegetation has been selected to minimise the likelihood of catching debris or creating barriers or blockages.

The potential impact on flood risk is currently being assessed by consultants.

Where possible, existing native trees and vegetation will be retained. There may be some instances where some trees may need to removed due to flood mitigation or safety reasons. There may also be opportunities to undertake ecological thinning. This process selectively removes some trees that are growing too close together, allowing the remaining trees to have better access to light and resources. Any native trees that do need to be removed, will be repurposed as habitat logs either on site or at another natural reserve.

We will be planting a range of native hedges, grasses and shrubs in and around the waterway and scattered trees throughout the site in appropriate locations.

The plants in and adjoining the waterway will help filter nutrients and clean the water. They also provide habitat for native birds, frogs and insects.

The following items are not proposed and will not be delivered as a part of this project:

• Play spaces

• Drinking fountains

• Picnic shelters

• Dog parks

• Anything that will impede the flow of water and increase flooding

Yaram Yaram Bayikina, means “Bendigo Creek - reawakening it” in Djali (Dja Dja Wurrung language).

Yaram Yaram Bayikina is a partnership project between the City of Greater Bendigo, DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation), and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) to restore sections of the Bendigo Creek and its tributaries. This is a $7M project, funded by the Australian Government’s Department Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and is a significant investment in environmental, Traditional Owner cultural and community outcomes for Bendigo Creek.

While this project is about reawakening the creek through a series of planned improvement works, it's also about reawakening people's relationship with the creek. The project is an important milestone in transforming Bendigo Creek and its tributary waterways into healthier, more resilient and more connected waterways. 

The program of works to be undertaken will deliver environmental restoration, creek naturalisation, erosion control, water quality improvements and community engagement activities across the catchment, guided by the Reimagining Bendigo Creek Plan. It is also a once in a generation opportunity to invest in the long-term health of our local waterways, while delivering real environmental, cultural and community benefits.

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Local Environmental Projects Program administered by the Department Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

The Reimaging Bendigo Creek Plan sets out a long-term vision for Bendigo Creek and its tributaries to enhance environmental and cultural values and the community’s connection to the waterway and to nature. For more information visit: Reimagining Bendigo Creek

On ground works

We will undertake naturalisation projects at the following locations as part of Yaram Yaram Bayikina and will be engaging the community through a staged consultation program between August and October:

• Long Gully Creek between Happy Valley Road and Creeth Street (draft concept plan consultation commences in August 21)

• Bendigo Creek between Bay Street and Maple Street in Golden Square (draft concept plan consultation scheduled for late August)

• Back Creek between Carolin Street and Houston Street in Flora Hill (draft concept plan consultation scheduled for late August)

• Ironbark Gully Creek between Arnold Street and Nolan Street (design only) (draft concept plan consultation scheduled for mid-September)

• Gateway Park between Browning Street and Alder Street in Kangaroo Flat (design only) (draft concept plan consultation scheduled for mid-September)

Weed management and revegetation works are also planned at the following locations:

• Tipperary Gully (from Kangaroo Flat Botanic Gardens to Guthrie Street Kangaroo Flat)

• Spring Gully Creek (downstream from the Regional Park boundary – Muldoon Reserve to Mandurang Road and downstream of Mandurang Road to near the Spring Gully Kindergarten)

• Wanyarra Dum - Bendigo Creek, between the Railway Bridge and Knight Street, White Hills

Community engagement and citizen science

The following community engagement activities are also occurring:

• Water monitoring and citizen science led by the North Central Catchment Management Authority

• Landcare revegetation and community engagement projects

Cultural activities

• Involvement of the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners in all projects

• Opportunities for Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners to undertake cultural activities and connect with the creek.

• Development of a plan for cultural interpretation and story telling along the creek.

For more information visit: Yaram Yaram Bayikina