As of 2011[update] in its upper reaches Stony Creek's environmental state is very poor; it is best characterised as a concrete stormwater drain for these sections of its course. Through most of Sunshine it has been directed underground coming out at Matthews Hill Reserve. It then becomes a pleasantly treelined creek before passing through heavily industrialised areas.
The Friends of Stony Creek is a group that works to restore native vegetation and protect the area.[1][2]
In April 2018, the Upper Stony Creek Transformation, a project to return a 1.2 km section of Stony Creek in Sunshine North to a natural, revegetated creek with vibrant community space and walking paths, commenced. This project is scheduled to be completed in September 2019.[3]
In July 2019 the Upper Stony Creek Transformation Project came to a standstill after project costs blew out following the discovery of industrial contamination at the site.[4]
In September 2019, the Stony Creek's water has turned blood red which authorities believed to be caused by a dye. The Environmental Protection Agency is still investigating the source of the discolouration.[5]
