Hughes Creek vegetation set for a refresh, thanks to program

Goulburn Broken CMA river health officer Christine Glassford said this was the second stage of the project, following successful works last year, that would remove more woody weeds along the creek.

“Invasive trees will be mechanically removed and chipped on-site as was done last time, but this stage will concentrate on the right bank frontage, adjoining properties to Shelton St,” Ms Glassford said.

“Periwinkle, blackberry, bindweed and ivy will be targeted along the creek frontage as well as desert ash, black willow and robinia. The less invasive weeping willows will be retained at the request of community.”

The works are planned for early December.

Funded by the Victorian Government as part of the GBCMA’s Connecting People and Place project, both stages of works were proposed through expressions of interest and include supplementary native planting by community members.

Next year, Avenel Active Inc will co-ordinate planting 200 seedlings, in partnership with the Stewart Park committee.

Avenel Active Inc secretary Helen Gwilliam said it was great to work with the Stewart Park Committee and community volunteers towards improving the long-term health of Hughes Creek. Tree planting dates will be announced in early 2024.

This project is part of the Victorian Government’s $248 million investment over four years (2020-24) to improve catchment and waterway health across regional Victoria.

To find out more about the Goulburn Broken CMA and its programs visit gbcma.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5822 7700.