About the time that waterways such as Moonee Ponds Creek were being used as drains and lined with concrete, Melbourne was preparing to host the 1956 Olympics. Fast-forward 50 years, to when the city is again hosting an international multi-sport event, and environmental stewardship is very different.

As part of the lasting legacy of hosting the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the Victorian Government is helping Melbourne City Council create, in Royal Park, a wetlands next to Moonee Ponds Creek. The wetlands will act as a natural filter, thus improving the quality of water that flows into the creek. It will also become home again for native frogs, birds and other wildlife that once lived there.

The wetlands has been on the drawing board since 1998 and a $5 million contribution from the State Government is turning it into reality.
Justin Madden, Minister for Commonwealth Games, Melbourne

This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/01/24/1074732652410.html