Vegetation protection works will shortly commence on an island in the Loddon River at Bridgewater. The works will focus on weed and willow management downstream of the Bridgewater Weir and will build on recent works undertaken by the Bridgewater community and the Loddon Shire Council. These works will contribute to the health of the Loddon River under the LoddonStressed River project.

The island between the Mill and old Chinese gardens in the Loddon at Bridgewater has the Loddon Riverside Walk running through it and a history of recreational use, being used for activities such as Scout camps in the past.  It also has good quality indigenous vegetation including River red gums, and stands of Sweet bursaria and Correa. These species will have their health and survival protected by the proposed management works.

North Central CMA Loddon Stressed River project manager Jon Leevers explains, “The control of weeds is important for the health of the river.  Willows in particular have a significant impact on river health and can increase erosion, consume substantial amount of water and provide very little habitat value for our native animals, fish and water bugs compared to native plants. They also restrict access for recreational activities such as fishing and boating. In addition, we’ll be controlling other weed species including Canary Island date palms, Bridal creeper and Spiny rush.”

The works are being undertaken by the North Central CMA as part of the Loddon Stressed River project. This is a large scale river health project jointly delivered by the North Central CMA and the Department of Primary Industries, in partnership with local landholders along the Loddon River between Cairn Curran and the Murray River. Funding for the project is provided by the Victorian Government‘s Large Scale River Restoration program. In recent years the project has protected over 200 km of river with fencing and revegetation, undertaken willow management, controlled bank erosion and improved habitat conditions for native fish.

Works are expected to commence in August and September.  Jon reminded the community to take particular care during this time as some areas of the island will have restricted public access.

“This work complements previous efforts undertaken in the vicinity of the swimming hole by the Bridgewater community and the Loddon Shire Council, in conjunction with the North Central CMA Drought Employment Program. There will be follow up works at the site including revegetation and ensuring the weed control is effective”, concluded Jon.

Further information is available in information sheets which are available at the Red Couch Café, the Community Building Initiative office in Bridgewater, the Inglewood Community Resource Centre or the North Central CMA (phone 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