Napier Park Management Plan

The Napier Park Management Plan was developed in 2002 to highlight the flora and fauna values within the park and in recommend management actions that conserve and enhance these values.

Preserving Napier Park

Starting in early 2013, we will undertake a major conservation project in Napier Park, Strathmore.

Thomas Napier bequeathed Napier Park to the community under the proviso that the landscape character of the park, including the indigenous river red gums is 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. 

The project will 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.

The project will direct stormwater through a new vegetated swale which will remove pollutants before it flows into an underground tank. The collected water will then be 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 will clean the water before it flows into Five Mile Creek, on to Moonee Ponds Creek, the Yarra River and then the bay and will also create additional habitat within the park.

The project will cost $460,000 which includes $100,000 funding from Melbourne Water, who also helped fund the design of the project.

Stay informed

You can also receive ongoing information about the construction of the swale via email by sending us your contact details to
parkimprovements@mvcc.vic.gov.au.