After months of careful planning and collaborating with key stakeholders, we have commenced the second stage of the East Barwon Willow removal and restoration project.

The works involve remediation and stabilisation of the streambed and banks, and removal of the willow trees downstream of the Wurdee Boluc Inlet Channel on the remaining 500 metres of Barwon Water managed land along the East Barwon River.

The project will ensure ongoing protection of the Wurdee Boluc Inlet Channel embankment and onstream monitoring assets. It also provides environmental benefits from improved water flows, water quality and waterway health, and helps alleviate flooding issues in this section of river.

On ground works commenced in late November 2023 and are due to be completed in late April 2024.

We have been working closely with specialist contractors and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in preparation to safely manage the processing of willow waste in purposely designed self-contained air burner units following the success of this process implemented during Stage 1.

A planned burn risk assessment, facilitated by DEECA’s Forest Fire Management (FFM) team has been developed and will be included as a planned burn within the 2023/24 Joint Fire Management Program.

Starting in late January 2024, it is expected to take one week to process the willow waste, operating the air burner units over a 12-hour cycle. Further details on the air burner operation will be provided to the community via FFM planned burn notifications.

We are continuing to take care of the newly vegetated buffer zone along the 3.5 km reach of river upstream, including weed management and more planting. We are also propagating additional native shrubs, grasses and trees, ready for planting this coming Autumn.

If you require further information about the planned burn, please contact your local Forest Fire Management Victoria office on 5233 5565.