By KATH GANNAWAY
THE popularity of the Yarra River behind the main street in Warburton brings the town alive in summer, but it has had some unforeseen consequences which are about to be remedied.
Yarra Ranges Council is partnering with Melbourne Water on a project aimed at restoring the eroded riverbank and providing more stable access to the river for water play, swimmers, canoeists and anglers.
The project will involve stabilising the river bank with rock work stepping down into the river, which will help protect the bank during peak river flows.
Council has been working with Melbourne Water on the design of the $385,000 project, taking into account feedback from community consultation on the project last year.
Works are expected to begin just after Easter, and be completed in 2017.
O’Shannassy ward councillor Jim Child said the Yarra River in Warburton was a beautiful place for people to sit and relax or fish.
“However, over the years this popularity has meant we are now seeing signs of erosion along this particular section (Thomas Avenue) of the river bank, which will require some stabilisation works to ensure it can remain a place for people to use,” he said.
Melbourne Water Manager Regional Services (North-East), Greg Bain, said the Yarra River was vital to Melbourne’s status as the world’s most liveable city and an essential component of the Warburton community.
“This project is particularly important because it reduces stormwater, creates healthier waterways and improves the local environment for the Warburton community and visitors.”
Rain gardens along the bank will be renewed and replanted to assist in maintaining water quality and a water-sensitive wetland will also be created to help reduce pollution and litter in the river.
The installation of a stormwater pollutant trap will further stop litter and nutrients from stormwater entering the river.
Cr Child said the lookout platform over the river would also be rebuilt and signage and footpath upgrades would help formalise access to the river bank, encouraging visitors to keep off other vegetated areas to avoid further damage.
The project also got the thumbs-up from Warburton Advancement League president, Jeff Gill, and Upper Yarra River Reserve Committee of Management president, Gordon Buller.
Mr Buller said the River Reserve committee, which manages the reserve along the river on behalf of DELWP, had been involved from the start because of their concern about erosion.
“With no pool in the town, this section is the only place to swim now, and somewhere people can bring their children, so we’re happy that this work is happening,” Mr Buller said.
Melbourne Water program leader for the project, Mark Scida, said access to the river was a critical design feature and that the extensive community consultation was one of the exciting things about the project.
He said working collaboratively with the council would also bring cost savings to both organisations.
Streetscape works will be completed as a second stage, which is estimated to start construction early 2017, this will include new street furniture, trees and ramps to improve accessibility. Pedestrian improvements including new paths and safer crossings between the rail trail, highway and river will also be included.
Updates on this project will be available through council’s website on the ‘Current Projects’ page: http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/About-Council/Current-projects .
