Many urban waterways were once waste dumps. Restoration efforts have made great strides – but there's more to do to bring nature back

Darebin Creek Oliver Jones, Author provided

In the 19th century, many of Australia’s urban creeks and rivers were in poor shape. Melbourne’s major river, the Maribyrnong, was full of waste from abattoirs, tanneries and factories.

I live near Darebin Creek in Melbourne’s north, which was next to a tip and often polluted until cleanup efforts began in the 70s. Now many creatures have returned.