The future of the KooyongKoot catchment has taken an important step forward with the official launch of the Gardiners Creek (KooyongKoot) Catchment Strategic Plan on 28 July 2026.
Developed through the Gardiners Creek Regional Collaboration (GCRC), the Plan brings together the five catchment councils, Melbourne Water, the KooyongKoot Alliance (KKA), and other Government and community stakeholders. The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation also contributed as an adviser and supports the Plan.
For KKA (established in 2020 and comprising 24 different Friends and Advisory groups from the catchment), the launch represents more than four years of sustained work. As a founding GCRC partner, the KKA contributed through meetings, workshops and consultation – supported by a 2022 Victorian Government grant. KKA’s Catchment Keeper Graham Ross also served as joint chair of the Strategic Plan Development Committee.
The launch event, held at Box Hill South Bowls Club, attracted more than 50 attendees, including mayors and councillors, State and Federal MPs, senior representatives from councils, Melbourne Water and DEECA, and community organisations.
The event opened with an Indigenous smoking ceremony led by Uncle Colin Hunter, followed by a welcome from the Mayor of Whitehorse. GCRC Project Leader Neil Sutton officially launched the Plan, and KKA Catchment Keeper Graham Ross spoke about the Alliance’s contribution and its role in future implementation.
Our photo shows Uncle Colin with Whitehorse Mayor Kirsten Langford.
A shared plan for a healthier catchment
The Strategic Plan provides a framework for coordinated action, stronger collaboration, community participation, and securing investment to address the challenges facing KooyongKoot. Its five broad themes include:
- Biodiversity and Environmental Sustainability
- Systems and Urban Planning
- Community Wellbeing and Cultural Preservation
- Innovation and Advocacy
- Governance
– all closely aligned with KKA’s priorities.
The Plan identifies three key focus areas supported by flagship programs — long-term, catchment-scale initiatives designed to deliver meaningful environmental and community outcomes. Beneath these sit individual projects that provide practical pathways for implementation.
For KKA, the launch marks the beginning of the next phase.
While the Alliance supports all flagship programs, key opportunities exist in data and knowledge sharing, collective advocacy, native biodiversity, litter and pollution, education and engagement, and coordinated planning.
KKA will work with member groups and establish sub-committee involvement to help translate these priorities into tangible outcomes for KooyongKoot, its waterways, wildlife, and surrounding communities.
The Strategic Plan offers an opportunity to move from fragmented efforts towards a coordinated, catchment-wide approach. With councils, Melbourne Water, Government agencies, and community organisations working together, there is now a stronger foundation for restoring and protecting KooyongKoot for future generations.
The KKA welcomes community views and ideas on implementing the Plan which can be viewed here. Please share your thoughts with the Catchment Keeper and other Alliance members at kooyongkootalliance@gmail.com .
Rex Dusting
President
KooyongKoot Alliance Inc.