The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is working with the Strathbogie Shire to address the rehabilitation of a section of the Castle Creek in Euroa following recent earthworks.
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is working with the Strathbogie Shire to address the rehabilitation of a section of the Castle Creek in Euroa following recent earthworks.
Recent work undertaken by the Shire of Strathbogie approximately 200m upstream and downstream of the Clifton St Bridge has caused concern for the Goulburn Broken CMA following recent complaints from the community. Community members raised concerns regarding the extent of the excavation in the waterway and the removal of native understory and blackberries.
“We have recei ved a number of cal l s regardi ng thi s work over the past few weeks and fol l owing inspection of the work are now working collaboratively with Strathbogie Shire to remediate the site” explains Goulburn Broken CMA, CEO Mr Chris Norman.
“Cleari ng the creek of all vegetation is not the solution to the issue of flooding in and around Euroa. The clearance work was undertaken in response to the concerns from adjoining landholders regarding the effects of the bui l dup of vegetation on fl oods and fi re hazard” says Mr Norman.
Flooding is a natural event and flood-related problems such as property damage, crop loss, and isolation, generally result from living on a floodplain.
The primary purpose and natural function of the floodplain is to convey and store floodwaters. For this re ason encroachments on the floodplain by developments and interference with major flows need to be controlled.
The Goulburn Broken CMA works with local government and other partners to better understand the flooding issues within our catchment. For many areas there is a need for flood studies and floodplain management plans to better understand flood behavior and impacts.
“We are very fortunate i n the Goul burn Broken Catchment as our fl oodpl ain managers are some of the most experienced in Victoria and have over 40 combined years of experience in flood and river management in the Catchment” continues Mr Norman.
“The area needs to be replanted with bank stabilizing plants such as Carex and native grasses. We are working with the local Euroa Arboretum to source plants i ndi genous to the area” says Mr Norman
“We are working in consultation with the Goulburn Broken CMA and are committed to the sound management of the Castle Creek levee and stream.” explained Strathbogie Shire CEO, Mr Steve Crawcour.
For more information please contact the Goulburn Broken CMA office at Shepparton, via telephone 03 5820 1100 or email reception@gbcma.vic.gov.au
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Amanda McClaren
Communications and Marketing Manager
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority
Ph: 0459 023 640 e: amandam@gbcma.vic.gov.au
Purdey Sanderson
Manager Communications
Strathbogie Shire Council
Ph: 0418 336 078 e: Purdey.Sanderson@strathbogie.vic.gov.au