FOLKC Book

BOCCE ESCARPMENT & RIPARIAN DEVELOPMENT
Throughout the period from 2002 to 2008, FOLKC held many planting days and
dramatically changed the environmental landscape in the area beneath Marsh Street,
Altona North. Initially, FOLKC planted out an area at the bottom of McArthurs Road
once full of weeds, rubbish and burnt-out cars, and frequented by drug users and others
carrying out illicit activities. Only after a deliberately-lit fire swept through the area in
2003 did FOLKC realise the enormity of the issues which needed to be tackled in order
to improve this much-neglected area’s outlook. Thousands of cubic metres of clean-fill
were used to drastically transform the area, with land contours completely altered and
thousands of trees planted on-site. At the same time, a walking path below the Bocce
Club was constructed, in preparation for the future development of the shared trail.
This area has now been radically transformed into a valuable community green space.
A picnic table and seating have been installed and the site is now frequented by local
community families and groups, allowing visitors to feel transported to the tranquillity
of what seems for all the world like a bush wonderland setting, yet hidden only 10
kilometres from Melbourne’s bustling CBD.
Before Marsh Street site works in 2003
Filling and excavation of the site
Picnic Area looking upstream along Kororoit Creek, 2015
FOLKC ‘Tree Day’ planting results in 2004 Established forestation, 2014
Picnic Area looking downstream, 2015
62 63