Agreement has been reached on the future of willows along the Gunbower Creek.  

The Gunbower Creek Invasive Weeds Community Reference Group toured sites of notable public concern on Monday 13 August, and discussed a plan of action. 

In its third year, the North Central Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) ‘Enhancing the values of the Gunbower Ramsar project’ has removed willows and other high threat weeds along large sections of the Gunbower Creek, including some notable infestations within Gum Lagoon and several new large infestations within Safes Lagoon. 

James Williams, North Central CMA Board member and chair of the reference group, says “Whilst the project aims to protect and improve the values of the Gunbower Creek and Forest, inevitably sometimes these works can conflict with other issues of concern to the community. 

“In recognition of the cultural and amenity value of willows to the local community, particularly at public sites, a compromise was negotiated and agreed to by the reference group. Whilst not everyone agreed on all issues, this is seen as a positive way forward.” 

“While these compromises have been made it is important to recognise the risk willows still pose to the creek, associated wetlands and the forest,” Mr Williams says.

The agreement reached and the outcomes for the key sites along the creek are:

• Gunbower Recreation Reserve – The majority of willows opposite the recreation reserve will not be removed as part of the North Central CMA’s current project. There will however be some willow removal close to the bridge and the area will be revegetated.
• Gunbower Swimming Pool - The willows at the Gunbower pool site will not be removed as part of the current project
• Cohuna township – The established willows in the town will not be removed as part of the current project, but dialogue with Gannawarra Shire Council will commence in relation to revegetation and the caravan park. The willows on the island opposite the caravan park will be treated.
• Cohuna ski run – The willows will not be removed in the prominent areas at public access points to the creek.
• Wee Wee Rup – The willows on the creek frontage within the Major Mitchell’s Reserve will be removed, however the willows from the east side fence line through to the next upstream bend will not be removed as part of the current project.

The ‘Enhancing the values of the Gunbower Ramsar project’ is funded through the Federal Government’s Caring for our Country program and aims to reduce the impacts of weeds of national significance such as willows, on the Gunbower Forest and Creek.

For further information please contact: 

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