Honeysuckle is being managed along the Yea River in the Upland Slopes region of the Goulburn Broken catchment thanks to recent control works.
Honeysuckle is being managed along the Yea River in the Upland Slopes region of the Goulburn Broken catchment thanks to recent control works.
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) River Health Officer Christine Glassford said the work was part of the Hooray for the Yea project.
The Hooray for the Yea project, funded by the Victorian Government and delivered by the Goulburn Broken CMA, aims to improve the river’s health and fish populations, particularly of native threatened species such as the Macquarie Perch, through on-ground works and continuting community involvement.
“From the results of a survey we carried out earlier this year as part of the project, we learned the community’s overwhelming concern about the Yea River was the presence of weeds, such as honeysuckle,” Ms Glassford said. “As a result, the Goulburn Broken CMA prioritised a honeysuckle control program along the river through the township where it is abundant. A couple of months ago, letters were sent to landholders living near the river to let them know about the planned work. More recently, every licencee or land manager was approached in person to confirm access and provide more detail about the honeysuckle control works.”
Last month contractors started cutting vines, where they had climbed trees, and spraying the growth along the ground. The effect of this work is becoming evident as the honeysuckle dies back, allowing the previously smothered native vegetation to once again flourish.
“Landholders have been very supportive of the honeysuckle control works, which we really appreciate,” Ms Glassford said. “ It is expected these control works will be completed early in the new year.”
Ms Glassford reminded landholders with river frontage that funding support was also available to to protect and enhance the river banks by carrying out revegetation and fencing works.
To find out more about the Hooray for the Yea and other Goulburn Broken CMA programs please visit www.gbcma.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5736 0100.