If you’ve taken a stroll through Rosanna’s Creekbend Reserve lately, you might have thought you’d stumbled onto the set of a sci-fi film—or perhaps a Smurf convention! Locals were left scratching their heads (and reaching for their cameras) after Banyule Creek, usually a peaceful trickle of water, suddenly turned a vivid, fluorescent blue.

So, what on earth happened? Was it a prank, a natural phenomenon, or something more sinister? Let’s dive into the details and clear up the mystery behind Melbourne’s blue creek.


A Shocking Sight in the Suburbs


It all started when a sharp-eyed member of the public noticed the creek’s unusual colour and quickly alerted the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA). The sight was hard to miss: a stretch of water south of Lower Plenty Road, winding through Creekbend Reserve, was glowing an unnatural shade of blue.


For many locals, the first thought was concern—was this dangerous? Could it harm the local wildlife or the broader environment? And, of course, who was responsible?

The Culprit Revealed: A Construction Project’s Oops Moment

After a swift investigation, the EPA traced the source of the blue water to a chemical spill from the North East Link Project (NELP), one of Victoria’s massive infrastructure undertakings. The specific substance? A dust suppressant—used to keep construction dust from becoming a nuisance—that somehow found its way into the creek.


While dust suppressants are generally considered safe when used correctly, they’re definitely not meant to end up in our waterways. The EPA and NELP quickly sprang into action, laying sandbags to contain the spill and prevent further contamination downstream.

What’s Being Done to Fix It?

The EPA has assured the public that they’re on top of the situation. They’re monitoring the site, assessing any potential harm to the environment, and working closely with NELP to ensure this sort of incident doesn’t happen again. The Banyule City Council has also stepped in, confirming that their drainage system wasn’t the source and pledging to support ongoing inspections and monitoring.


‘We’re committed to protecting our local environment and supporting the agencies managing this incident,’ the council said in a statement.

Should Locals Be Worried?

At this stage, there’s no indication that the spill poses a serious risk to public health, but the EPA’s investigation is ongoing. If you live nearby or walk your dog along the creek, it’s best to steer clear of the affected water until authorities give the all-clear.


Incidents like this are a timely reminder of how easily our local environments can be impacted by human activity—even with the best intentions. It also highlights the importance of community vigilance; if you see something odd, don’t hesitate to report it!

A Broader Issue: Construction and the Environment

With so many major infrastructure projects underway across Victoria, it’s not the first time a construction site has accidentally affected the local environment. While dust suppressants and other chemicals are essential for safety and efficiency, strict protocols are needed to ensure they don’t end up where they shouldn’t.


The EPA and local councils play a crucial role in monitoring these projects, but as this incident shows, even the best systems can sometimes fail. The key is a rapid response and a commitment to learning from mistakes.
Have you seen the blue creek for yourself? Are you concerned about the impact of big construction projects on our local environment? Or do you have memories of other strange sights in your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories—share them in the comments below!

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