What you need to know
The Napier Park Management Plan, updated in 2015, highlights the flora and fauna values within the park and recommends management actions that conserve and enhance these values.
Preserving Napier Park
Thomas Napier bequeathed Napier Park to the community under the proviso that the landscape character of the park, including the indigenous river red gums were to be preserved and protected. These trees form part of a significant and protected community of vegetation called Plains Grassy Woodland and is one of few examples in Melbourne of the pre-European vegetation of this area.
In recent years, we have undertaken a project to recreate the original ephemeral water course which flowed only after rain. The stormwater was directed underground in the 1960s because at that time, this was the standard approach to stormwater management. As a result the river red gums received significantly less water which has contributed to their decline in health.
Stormwater is now directed through a vegetated swale to remove pollutants before it flows into an underground tank. The collected water is then reused throughout the park to re-establish soil moisture levels.
As well as providing a sustainable water source to irrigate these important trees, the new swale cleans the water before it flows into Five Mile Creek, on to Moonee Ponds Creek, the Yarra River and then the bay and provides additional habitat within the park.
The project was supported by funding from Melbourne Water, who also helped fund the design of the project.
Stay informed
For more information contact our City Design team on 9243 8888 or email parkimprovements@mvcc.vic.gov.au.
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