Invasive trees will be removed along the banks of Hughes Creek in Avenel and replaced with natives.
The works, along a 400-metre section of Hughes Creek that adjoins Stewart Park, are part of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management’s Authority Urban Waterway Works project, initiated by the Stewart Park Committee of Management.
GB CMA River Health Officer, Christine Glassford, said the first stage of the project, starting at the end of March, would see woody weeds removed along the creek.
“Desert ash and black willow will be targeted, while the less invasive weeping willows will be retained at the request of community,” Ms Glassford said.
“The Stewart Park Committee of Management has engaged with park neighbors and is gathering volunteers to prepare for and plant 200 native plants following these initial weed control works in a few months time.
“With the wet spring and floods, the window of opportunity and availability of contractors has been limited, so we will return to address the lower growth weeds in spring.
“Follow up spraying of blackberry, periwinkle and bindweed adjoining the park will occur next season, as part of stage two works proposed with community group Avenel Active Inc. to focus on removing invasive trees in a further section downstream and replacing them with natives.”
A third round for expressions of interest in Urban Waterway Works will open later this year. Community members and land managers are encouraged to consider submitting projects to improve waterway condition in their towns. This project is funded by the Victorian Government as part of the GB CMA Connecting People and Place project.
For information visit www.gbcma.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5822 7700.
Invasive willow and desert ash trees will be removed along Hughes Creek in Avenel.