Glen Eira’s waterways are an essential part of our local environment. They help manage stormwater, reduce flooding, support plants and wildlife, and contribute to the ecosystem of Port Phillip Bay.
Waterways in Glen Eira
There are three major catchments that run through the City of Glen Eira:
- Elster Creek
- Gardiners / Kooyongkoot Creek
- Mordialloc Creek
Although much of our waterway network flows underground, it plays a vital role in keeping our streets, homes and coastal environments healthy.
About our waterways
Elster Creek
Elster Creek is mostly hidden from view in Glen Eira, flowing through underground drains beneath roads and footpaths before emerging at Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve and continuing as the Elwood Canal.
Historically, the Creek ran through natural wetlands and open channels. Over time, urban development led to the redirection of the creek to underground drains, not maintained by Melbourne Water. Today, much of the waterway is hidden from view, but its importance to the health of our Council remains significant.
Learn more:
Gardiners / Kooyongkoot Creek
A small part of Glen Eira lies within the Gardiners Creek (Kooyongkoot Creek) catchment, which spans approximately 112 square kilometres across the cities of Boroondara, Monash, Stonnington, Whitehorse and Glen Eira. The creek flows north into the Yarra River (Birrarung).
We participate in the Gardiners Creek (Kooyongkoot) Regional Collaboration, working alongside other councils, community groups, Melbourne Water and Deakin University. Through this collaboration, we help address litter and pollution while contributing to broader integrated water management and habitat restoration planning.
Learn more
Mordialloc Creek
A small percentage of the overall area of Glen Eira, is the Mordialloc Creek, which is primarily located in the City of Kingston.
What Council does to protect the waterways
Elster Creek Litter Collaboration
We lead the Elster Creek Litter Collaboration (ECLC) in response to community groups' concerns about litter. The ECLC works to reduce litter in the Elster Creek catchment through collective action between its members at its source through education, infrastructure improvements, and coordinated action
The Elster Creek Litter Collaboration (ECLC) is a joint initiative formed in response to community concerns about litter entering the Elwood Main Drain and flowing into Port Phillip Bay. It brings together:
- Glen Eira City Council
- Melbourne Water
- EPA Victoria
- Bayside City Council
- City of Port Phillip
For more information about the ECLC, click here.
Integrated water management
We believe in the sustainable and strategic management of our water resources.
From increasing our water-sensitive urban design projects, improving the management of our stormwater assets, and forming partnerships with Traditional Owners and the broader community, we are protecting our waterways, reducing flood impacts and conserving drinking water.
Our approach is guided by our Glen Eira’s Integrated Water Management Plan 2022–2026 Dhumbali W’urneet Gadhaba (PDF, 3.7MB), which was endorsed by Council in 2022.
We are also an active member of the Elster Creek Catchment Collaboration, the Gardiners Creek Regional Collaboration, and the Metropolitan Integrated Water Management Forums.
Learn more about protecting our waterways.
Flood management
Flooding is a shared challenge across the Elster Creek catchment, particularly during intense rainfall. We work with:
- the City of Port Philliip
- Bayside City Council
- the City of Kingston
- Melbourne Water
Learn more
- Elster Creek Catchment Memorandum of Understanding (PDF, 823KB)
- Elster Creek Catchment Flood Management Plan 2026–2027 (PDF, 5.4MB)
- Integrated Water Management Plan – Dhumbali W’urneet Gadhaba
For regular updates, visit Melbourne Water.
How you can get involved
There are a range of ways you can get involved and help protect Glen Eira’s waterways. Click here for more information and access to resources.
