We recently completed the second stage of the East Barwon Willow removal and restoration project.

The works involved remediation and stabilisation of the streambed and banks, and removal of the willow trees downstream of the Wurdee Boluc Inlet Channel.

This took place along 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 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.

The ground works commenced in late November 2023 and were completed in June 2024, where specialised contractors planted more than 6,700 native shrubs, grasses and trees either side of the 500m riverbank of the East Barwon River. This followed the removal of willows earlier this year.

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.

We have been appointed as the delegated manager of the crown land along the 4 km reach of the East Barwon River. We are responsible for controlling weeds and pests on the reserve and ensuring they do not invade neighbouring land.

We will support the environment and community through ongoing land and asset management activities. This will include all maintenance and monitoring activities required for the long-term management of the vegetated buffer along the entire reach of the river.