Merri eNews talks to Claudia James, President of the Wallan Environment Group. Tributaries of the Merri Creek (Wallan, Taylors, Mittagong and Stathaird Creeks) run through the growing town of Wallan, on the northern edge of suburban Melbourne, where Claudia James has led the group since 2016.

How is caring for waterways in Wallan different from other parts of the catchment?

Rapid urban development is our greatest challenge. Much time is spent advocating for the protection, extension and connection of public open spaces aligning the creek lines. As new subdivisions arise there is also the need to advocate for the protection of valuable remnant vegetation and natural wetlands, along with the connectivity of habitat for native species. Another point of difference is that the Merri tributaries mainly flow through private property in Wallan – only short, disconnected stretches of Wallan, Taylors and Mittagong creeks are accessible to the public. This means that advocating strongly for the best planning outcomes, at both local and state government levels, for the Merri Creek is really important.

Claudia James, President of the Wallan Environment Group

What inspired you to start volunteering for the Wallan Environmental Group?

As a result of experiencing the effects of MCMC’s work restoring the Merri Creek, I volunteered to become one of the founding members of the Friends of Wallan Creek. The Wallan Creek in Wallan Community Park was completely neglected and unloved. It was an eyesore, lined with basket willows and rubbish, not unlike my memories of the Merri Creek in North Fitzroy prior to restoration. The success of restoring Wallan Creek led to restoration work elsewhere, warranting the change of our name to the Wallan Environment Group.

What vision do you have for creeks in the upper reaches of the Merri catchment?

Overall, the upper reaches have been neglected and undervalued. In places they are very degraded due to channelisation, overgrazing and erosion. There are many wonderful local pockets of high-quality vegetation that can be used as benchmarks for restoration. It is urgent that they are protected and extended. Given the amount of rapid urbanisation in the upper reaches, the wallan wallan Regional Park is a must. This proposed extension of the Greater Merri Park would also form part of a biodiversity corridor linking Melbourne, via Wallan, to the Great Dividing Range and beyond.

Favourite spot in the Merri catchment?

Along Wallan Creek in Wallan Community Park. Here one can be completely surrounded by bush, with the creek on one side and wetlands on the other. It reminds me, that no matter how degraded a waterway is, with care and effort and given enough time, it can develop into a wonderful and peaceful place to be.

Favourite time of year along the Merri waterways?

After rain. Everything comes alive! Time to celebrate. The frogs are noisy. The birds sing. The plants look fresh and invigorated. The water rises and the creeks flow.

 Tell us about the hardest days you’ve had working on the waterways of the Merri.

Weeding is the hardest activity. It is also the most rewarding. Unlike planting it instantly enhances the creek. It makes it instantly look cared for and loved.

What are the unique challenges of protecting and enhancing habitat in the parts of the catchment, where your group works?

Urban subdivision and planning has been a challenge. Now that Wallan is in the urban growth boundary, new subdivisions form part of the Precinct Structure Planning process. As a result our waterways are more protected. Though, there are issues surrounding the draining of natural wetlands to increase the housing stock. Enhancing degraded creeklines requires continuous maintenance over very long periods of time, prior to natural processes taking over. Often this is beyond the capacity of volunteers.

What is the achievement you’re most proud of through volunteering?

My greatest achievement is to help shine the spotlight on the need to protect, value and enhance Wallan’s public open spaces and waterways. This began with the restoration of Wallan Creek.

What would you say to someone considering joining an environmental group?

Joining an environmental group is a great way of meeting like-minded people and forming valuable friendships. Being involved in volunteer on-ground activities, like planting and weeding, is an excellent way to keep fit, while at the same time seeing the long lasting, often landscape changing, results.

Claudia James is President of Wallan Environment Group and represents the group on MCMC’s Committee of Management.