It’s been described as one of the worst planning errors in Melbourne’s history: the decision by government engineers to convert Moonee Ponds Creek into a concrete channel.

Some of Melbourne's first farms were built along its banks in the 1800s.

But between 1940 and 1980 much of the creek was progressively concreted and realigned to control flooding and erosion, a move decried by the Victorian division of Australia’s Planning Institute.

Kaye Oddie (left) and other members of Friends of Moonee Ponds Creek at Brosnan Crescent in Strathmore. Credit:Luis Ascui

Today the creek is a lifeless drain for much of its course through Melbourne's north-west.