11 January 2010
YARRA RIVER GETS HEALTHY FACELIFT
- $2 million rejuvenation for Yarra River
- Benefits for river water quality
- Improved habitat for wildlife
Melbourne Water has started work on a three year project to improve the health of a massive 20 kilometre stretch of the iconic Yarra River.
The $2 million project will control invasive weeds along the banks of the Yarra and some aquatic weeds from the river between Plenty River in Templestowe and Dights Falls in Abbotsford.
An Acting Waterways Manager, David Ryan, said the project would help native vegetation to thrive, and significantly improve the health of the Yarra River in Viewbank, Bulleen, Heidelberg, Eaglemont, Ivanhoe East, Kew, Alphington, and Fairfield.
“The wide scale project to destroy weeds will allow native plants such as gum trees, wattles and bottlebrush to regenerate, and create a better living environment for river wildlife,” Mr Ryan said.
“More than 60 weeds including Tree Tobacco, Blackberry, Sweet Pittosporum, and Willow would be targeted. The dense canopy of willows, invasive roots and heavy leaf fall, can smother our rivers and lead to reduced habitat and food for fish and platypus.
“Weeds can also lead to poor water quality and flow.”
Mr Ryan said the ongoing drought conditions were impacting on flows in Melbourne’s waterways, emphasising the importance of projects like this to protect the health of the Yarra River.
“The project is part of Melbourne Water’s Healthy Waterways Initiative to ensure that our rivers, creeks and wetlands are healthy, with more native animals and plants.
“Our rivers, creeks and wetlands attract more than 100 million visitors each year for recreational activities such as walking the dog and riding a bike, and help to make Melbourne a more liveable city.”
The works are being undertaken by the Waterways Alliance - a partnership between Melbourne Water, Ecodynamics, Fulton Hogan and SMEC.
The Waterways Alliance will use excavators, two boats and quad-bikes during the massive exercise to remove weeds over the 20 kilometre area.
The project is being done with the cooperation of the Yarra City Council, Boroondara City Council, Banyule City Council and Parks Victoria.
Media Contact: Gavin Rainsford - 03 9235 1587 M - 0400 690 502