More than 1600 aquatic plants will be planted at three wetlands in the region next week to boost wetland biodiversity and provide valuable shelter and food for wildlife.
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) River and Wetland Health Manager Simon Casanelia said river swamp wallaby grass and tall spike sedge would be planted at Black Swamp and Kinnairds Wetland near Numurkah and Reedy Swamp near Shepparton. River red gums will also be planted at Black Swamp and milfoil at Reedy Swamp and Kinnairds Wetland.
“The biggest plantings will be at Reedy where we will also plant pond and ribbon weeds,” Mr Casanelia said.
“We’ve timed the planting to make the most of the environmental water deliveries that are under way. The environmental watering aims to mimic the natural wetting and drying patterns of wetlands. Environmental watering also helps re-establish these species in the wetlands that have disappeared due to the wetlands previously being either being too dry or too wet at the wrong times of the year.”
The plant species provide food and shelter for a diverse range of birds, animals and insects, including egrets, ducks, spoonbills and frogs.
The plants will be protected from birds by netting until they are established. The planting is been undertaken with the support and assistance of the Moira Shire, Parks Victoria and Rakali Ecological Consulting. The project is funded by the Victorian Government.