The Gunbower Creek Invasive Weeds landholder and community reference group has met for the first time on Tuesday 13 March 2012 at the Cohuna Gateway Centre to further discuss the management of willows in the Gunbower area.

The community reference group is one of two groups formed following a public meeting held recently in Leitchville where the issue of willow management was raised by the community.   A Gunbower Forest landholder and community reference group is expected to meet shortly.

Following the public meeting chaired by Local Member for Rodney, Paul Weller, it was agreed that membership on the reference group include local community members, agency staff and is chaired by North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Board member, Mr James Williams.

North Central CMA Chief Executive, Mr Damian Wells, said the Authority is committed to working with and listening to members of the local community.

“I am pleased the Gunbower Creek Invasive Weeds landholder and community reference group has met less than a month after the public meeting in Leitchville.

“Some of the issues raised at Tuesday’s meeting include the need to further discuss planned action regarding willow management at high amenity sites and other more ‘routine’ aspects of willow control in the area.”

Mr Wells said, although willow management is often controversial and sensitive it is necessary as willows are identified as a Weed of National Significance.

“There are 32 willow taxa (species, varieties, subspecies and primary hybrids) found in Australia, a range of these species are spreading through Gunbower Creek.  Just three of those species are Crack willow (Salix salicaceae), Pussy willow (Salix cinerea) and Tortured willow (Salix tortuosa) and are all Weeds of National Significance.  Willows present an enormous risk to the creek as they impact negatively on stream hydrology and the biodiversity within.

“They also pose a risk to local indigenous biodiversity species and to the riparian zone. Through the community reference group it is hoped that we can address the community concerns and come to a mutually beneficial arrangement; for the community and the health of Gunbower Creek.” Mr Wells concluded.

If you would like more information about the project to enhance the values of the Kerang Ramsar Wetlands, including Gunbower Creek, and the coordinated management of the willows along the creek, you can find a fact sheet on the North Central CMA website www.nccma.vic.gov.au under ‘Current Projects’.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info [at] nccma.vic.gov.au