CORANGAMITE CMA AND BARWON WATER PARTNER TO IMPROVE HEALTH OF THE MOORABOOL RIVER

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is implementing a project with Barwon Water to improve the health of local rivers as part of the water corporation’s commitment to supporting a healthy environment. 

Investment by Barwon Water in the health of the Moorabool River via the Living Moorabool Flagship project will see the Corangamite CMA remove invasive willows at the Bolwarra Weir in early April.

The Living Moorabool Flagship project is working to improve native vegetation and habitat within and alongside the river; provide water for the environment to maintain water quality and improve habitat for fish and platypus; improve and maintain the waterway for Wadawurrung cultural values; and to improve the community’s connection to the river through improving engagement, awareness and sustainable recreational use.

The Corangamite CMA works will remove all crack willow on the public land site and revegetate with indigenous species of Sedgy Riparian Woodland and Plains Grassy Woodland on the Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion. Seven thousand grasses and tussocks and 4,500 stems will be planted across the 51-hectare site.

The works will include a 12-month maintenance program that focuses on willow re-emergence, blackberry control and revegetation maintenance.

Barwon Water Chief Scientist Will Buchanan said Barwon Water was invested in the health of local waterways and that the works would improve the health of the Moorabool River.

“As with our East Barwon Willow removal project, this work will have environmental benefits from improved water quality and waterway health. This improves habitat for animals and fish in and along the river.”

Corangamite CMA Project Officer Angus Donaldson said the CMA planned to begin works on Monday 17 April with public access restricted at areas of the site for safety reasons, as large earth moving equipment operates on site over the course of the works.

“Sections of the site that do not have heavy machinery operating or don’t have materials that risk public safety will stay open for use during this time. Signage at the site will provide further details.”

People for a Living Moorabool coordinator Cameron Steele welcomed the start of the works.

"It is good to see Barwon Water responding to their role as carers of the sections of the Moorabool River they manage, removing weeds and invasive species like willows will help improve the health of the waterway and its catchment."

The Bolwarra Weir is located about 7.5 kms northwest of Ballan on the East Branch of the Moorabool River and is a popular site for fishing, picnicking and bird watching.

Regular visitors to the site who would like to know more about restrictions over this period are advised to contact Angus Donaldson, Project Officer at the Corangamite CMA on 0409 794 234.

The Living Moorabool Flagship project is part of the Victorian Government’s $248 million investment to ensure Victoria’s waterways will be enjoyed for many more generations to come.