Kananook Creek Gardens Vision Plan to enhance precious environment

Published on 30 July 2021

Frankston City Council has enhanced its commitment to our precious environment with the adoption of the 2021 Kananook Creek Gardens Vision Plan.

Councillors voted unanimously at a recent Council Meeting to adopt the Plan, which sets out five key principles and corresponding actions including celebrating local flora and fauna; acknowledging Traditional Owners, the Bunurong People; preserving ecological and cultural heritage through learning; enhance connections to the Kananook Creek; and investing in park amenity and character.

Councillors also voted to note both community consultation in relation to the Plan and that Council officers will investigate the suitability of renaming the Kananook Creek Reserve – with a new name – in accordance with the Geographic Place Names Act 1998.

Councillors voted to authorise Council officers to finalise detailed designs for the Plan and start construction, noting that works are expected to be completed by June 2022.

Mayor Kris Bolam said the 2021 Kananook Creek Vision Plan aligns with the 1997 Kananook Creek Reserve Seaford Arboretum Concept Plan prepared by Dr Jill Orr-Young, incorporating many of the original recommendations including improved gateways at Seaford Road and Station Street, interpretive signage, improved park amenity; educational opportunities, a rotunda and connection with Kananook Creek.

“The 2021 Kananook Creek Gardens Vision Plan was presented to Councillors in March 2021 and was subsequently supported for community consultation. Council officers recently completed extensive community consultation with the wider community on the Kananook Creek Vision Plan from 28 April to 4 June 2021.

“Feedback from the community supports the five key principles of the 2021 Vision Plan and provides valuable guidance for the detailed design process,” the Mayor said.

Representatives from the Kananook Creek Association, Dr Jill Orr-Young and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation were consulted as part of preparation of the 2021 Vision Plan.

North West Ward Cr Sue Baker said there has been significant and constructive feedback received from the community regarding the 2021 Kananook Creek Gardens Vision Plan to start the detailed design process and progress to construction.

“Implementing the recommendations of the 2021 Vision Plan is funded through the Long Term Infrastructure Plan. Council officers will finalise the detailed design process in conjunction with key stakeholders and external authorities to ensure that works can commence in the 2021/22 financial year. I am excitedly looking forward to this progressing to the next stage,” Cr Baker said.

Cr Baker added there was strong community support for each of the five themes outlined in the 2021 Vision Plan.