During August last year, specialised contractors planted more than 37,000 native shrubs, grasses and trees along the riverbank of the East Barwon River following the removal of willows earlier in 2022.

The replanting of native vegetation is a really important part of the project and will help stabilise the streambank, reduce harmful pathogens (organisms that cause disease) and nutrients entering the waterway and limit the spread of Glyceria.

Additional willow removal and river remediation works are required along the remaining 500 metre section of the East Barwon River under Barwon Water management.

This second stage of the project will involve stabilisation of the streambed and banks and removing willows downstream of Barwon Water’s Wurdee Boluc Inlet Channel off-take.

These works will ensure ongoing protection of the Wurdee Boluc Inlet Channel embankment and onstream monitoring assets and to fulfill our land management obligations.

Planning for these works is progressing well, with on-ground works to commence this summer.

In addition to delivering the East Barwon willow removal and restoration works, we’re supporting Corangamite CMA in delivery of the Upper Barwon Flagship Project, a long-term project focusing on improving the health of the Upper Barwon waterways. Restoration projects include treating willow and Glyceria infestations to improve flow, excluding stock access to the river to improve water quality and working with landowners to support river health.