Work will soon begin removing thick willows to restore Birch’s Creek at Smeaton.
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North Central Catchment Management Authority said the tree removal will be carried out with the help of local groups who have been working to improve the health of the waterway for years.
The willows at the creek, introduced in the 1900s, have diverted water flow and exacerbated erosion and flooding.
North Central Catchment Management Authority project manager Greg Barber said the willows drank a lot of water compared to native trees and reduced the natural habitat for animals including blackfish and platypus.
“In areas like Smeaton, the willows have become so thick that they also restrict the community’s access to the creek and stop things like walking tracks and picnic areas being built,” he said.
Farmers and community groups have worked to remove willows downstream of Smeaton. North Central Catchment Management Authority will work with groups to continue work upstream with state government funding.
Work will being on removing a 220 metre section of willows on crown land near Anderson’s Mill in coming weeks. Native trees and shrubs will be planted in spring.
“This will be the first step in a community plan to reinvigorate the mill area and turn it into an exciting asset for the whole town,” Mr Barber said.
“The community wants to build walking tracks along the creek and return native vegetation to what will be a very picturesque spot. Removing willows will also benefit the blackfish and the platypus in the river, and help increase native fish populations in Birch’s Creek.”