The Merri Creek Trail is a busy and much-loved open space where many community members enjoy spending time.
We want to make the Merri Creek area safer and more accessible. A place where you feel safe and welcome to spend time with friends and family – or on your own.
What you said
We received over 900 contributions from our online survey and our interactive map, an amazing result! This fantastic response made it very clear that our community has a strong interest in working together to develop positive actions towards safety in public spaces just like Merri Creek.
Some of the key things you shared with us:
- You love that Merri Creek provides a space close to nature and a place for exercise
- Many of you also use it for leisure activities such as picnics, dog walking, playing and bird watching.
- Many respondents enjoyed walking their dogs and meeting and chatting with other dog walkers in the Coburg Merri Creek area.
- It’s a way to avoid busy streets
- Joe’s Garden near Harding Street is a very popular space and the events and activities held here are important to bring community
- It’s important to you that the natural qualities of the area are protected
- You think community safety education across the community is important, particularly around attitudes and behaviour towards women
- When it comes to feeling safe, it’s important to you that Merri Creek feels welcoming and accommodating. This includes things like litter, responsible dog, wayfinding signage and connections to surrounding streets.
What we did next
April 2021 update
Since we completed this piece of work, here’s what we’re doing with the information you told us:
- We formed an internal working group – featuring key Council areas such as Local Laws, Parks and Open Spaces, Community Development, to ensure that this project is viewed from all aspects of Council. This group will be developing a series of recommendations for Council to consider.
- We’ve installed additional signage and artwork along Merri Creek to inform dog owners on when their dogs need to be on a leash, so everyone feels safe and comfortable when going for a walk or cycle along to track.
May 2021
TheXYX Safety Report (PDF 2.4MB) was presented to a Council meeting in May 2021. Council endorsed the report and noted that an internal coordination committee will oversee the implementation of the findings and recommendations of this report.
February 2022 - The journey continues
If you're interested in continuing to be part of a broader conversation about the Merri Creek as a healthy and safe living place for all communities please jump to our Merri Merri Wayi page.
