Merri Creek Management Committee Incorporated is an integrated environmental management agency formed in 1989 to achieve the shared vision for the Creek of the stakeholders in the Merri Creek Catchment. It is an incorporated association whose members, since 2003, are all the municipalities in the catchment, namely: the Darebin, Hume, Moreland, Whittlesea and Yarra City Councils plus Mitchell Shire Council, the Friends of Merri Creek and, from 17 August 2006, the Friends of Wallan Creek. Representatives of these member groups form a Committee of Management which guides MCMC's activities.

MCMC's Purposes:

The primary purpose of the Merri Creek Management Committee (MCMC) is to ensure the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and the ecologically sensitive restoration, development and maintenance of the Merri Creek and tributaries, their corridors and associated ecological communities. More on MCMC's Statement of Purposes

MCMC's Mission Statement:

MCMC respects and honours the spirit of the land and its peoples, indigenous plants and animals, and works with the community to preserve, restore and promote the Merri Creek, its catchment and neighbouring region as a vital living system

Merri Creek Shared Vision:

To achieve a healthy living stream flowing through an attractive environment which provides habitat for native animals and is valued by the community as a peaceful, passive open space haven. To protect the natural and cultural features of the Merri Creek corridor though sensitive management which will provide a lasting benefit for the community. (From the Merri Creek and Environs Strategy)

Merri Creek, Galada Tamboore, (Wurundjeri language for Stream Waterhole) Thomastown and Campbellfield.

The Merri Creek Management Committee (or MCMC) is well known locally for planting and managing indigenous (local native) grasses, shrubs and trees at more than 80 sites along the Merri Creek, in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.

Less well-known is that MCMC does some revegetation works on other sites in nearby catchments and also provides planning advice to Councils and environmental education to the community. In addition, MCMC coordinates the policies, works and activities of member groups, as well as the Waterwatch program of water quality monitoring for the Merri and Moonee Ponds Creeks.

Since 1989 there has been a consistently high level and quality of work which has contributed enormously to Merri Creek's restoration. The revitalisation of the Creek is an inspiration for other degraded urban waterways in Melbourne.

MCMC's funding comes from direct support from its local and state government members, from state and federal grant programs, and from competitively won tenders.

MCMC employs a specialist staff who are dedicated to the restoration and promotion of the Creek.

Their work includes:

• Coordinating the policies, works and activities of member groups,
• Carrying out revegetation and remnant vegetation restoration works at more than 80 sites between Craigieburn and the Yarra,
• Providing environmental planning advice to member Councils and developers,
• Involving the community in managing the Creek and its parklands,
• Educating the community about environmental issues,
• Seeking funds and grants to support Merri Creek programs,
• Negotiating with government on key issues.

To find out more go to our History / Making Waves section