The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), supported by Mount Alexander Shire Council are planning works to manage weeds and remove flood debris from Barkers Creek in Castlemaine.

The works will focus on the section of Public Land Water Frontage of Barkers Creek between Walker Street and Forest Street which is managed by DSE.

Residents who live in this area will be contacted to have the details of the works explained and will have the opportunity to provide input into plans for vegetation management in this area.

Calum Walker, Property Officer with DSE, said  “Together with the North Central CMA we are currently planning to commence woody weed control along the stream banks and adjacent areas, including the removal of gorse and blackberries which is part of a broader plan to control these weeds in the Castlemaine creeks.”

These efforts closely align with the North Central CMA’s current flood recovery program.

Chief Executive Officer for the North Central CMA, Damian Wells said that following the flooding and record rainfalls experienced in the past few months, the removal of flood debris has been a priority action for the North Central CMA, supported by funding from a State Government Flood Recovery program.

“The work on Barkers Creek will be undertaken in conjunction with the planned improvement works by DSE to deliver the best outcome for the creek and the community,” he said.

Mr Wells also confirmed that the North Central CMA is working closely with the Mount Alexander Shire and DSE in the Castlemaine area to clear other priority sites where backed up or diverted water could potentially damage assets in the event of future flooding.

For further information, residents are encouraged to contact Calum Walker from DSE (Bendigo office) on (03) 5430 4444 or Angela Gladman from the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124.

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