Melbourne Water is conducting restoration works along a 2km stretch of the Little Yarra River to improve waterway health, protect the banks of the river and provide habitat for native animals.
The works will involve weed removal and planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses that improve the overall health of the Little Yarra River by stabilising riverbanks and maintaining water quality that is important for habitat.
The Little Yarra River is part of the Liwik Barring Landscape Conservation Area, the first of its kind in Victoria, which supports a range of unique native plants and animals. The conservation area is made up of a network of narrow streamside reserves which link up with several existing larger public reserves.
Melbourne Water’s Manager of Water Resources and Upper Yarra Ross Bleazby said that these restoration works link existing streams and rivers opening greater corridors.
“This avoids species becoming isolated by allowing them to move through different patches of habitat, which is why waterways are so important,” he said.
“The Little Yarra River has good intact vegetation in areas and as it is a major tributary of the Yarra that retains good flow, the river is an important drought refuge that a lot of aquatic species can move to during times of drought.”
As part of the project, a new 1km shared path is being constructed connecting the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail to the bridge on the Warburton Highway, across the road from the Blue Lotus Water Garden.
“Opening this path provides the community with great opportunities for activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. There will be a wetland viewing platform and seating to relax,” Mr Bleazby said.
This project is part of the Healthy Waterways Strategy for managing the health of rivers, wetlands and estuaries in the Port Phillip and Westernport region, to protect and improve their value to the community.
