Benefits Flowing From Werribee River Restoration Project
Wyndham City is aiming to let the successes of Werribee River Restoration Project flow further down the riverbank, with work on Stage 2 to commence in the next month.
As part of Stage 1 during 2007 and 2008, a number of Peppercorn Trees and woody weeds were removed at sites downstream of Shaws Bridge and replanting was undertaken.
Over $100,000 has been allocated for Stage 2 of the project, which will focus on the lower Werribee River, downstream of Willow Street.
Iramoo Ward Councillor Heather Marcus, who is a member of the Werribee River Association, said the project aimed to restore sites along the banks of the lower Werribee River.
“This project will create a much healthier river environment by controlling large woody weeds and encouraging regeneration of indigenous plant and animal species,” Cr Marcus said.
“Peppercorn trees are widely recognised as environmental weeds and allowing them to thrive could further displace natural vegetation, affect or reduce wildlife habitat.”
“Sites from Stage 1 of the project are now thriving, with indigenous vegetation successfully regenerated, both naturally and through dedicated planting and weed control programs. There has been an obvious improvement in the condition of indigenous vegetation at these sites, which in turn is helping to improve water quality, restore biodiversity habitat and overall encourage a healthy and resilient waterway.”
Stage 2 of the Werribee River Restoration Project is due to commence in March and be completed by June 2012.
Stage 3 will be considered as part of the 2013/14 budget.