Locals are being asked to be aware of river health works on a section of the Campaspe River in the south of the catchment.

The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is removing woody weeds such as willow, gorse, hawthorn and blackberries along a stretch of the river downstream of Harpers Bridge on the Tylden-Woodend Road.

“We are working with two enthusiastic landholders to remove the weeds and replace them with native trees, shrubs and grasses this spring,” North Central CMA Project Manager Angela Gladman said.

“That stretch of the river is really important. The Arthur Rylah Institute recently discovered a population of the southern pygmy perch that haven’t been surveyed in that location since 2009.

“This is great news because these fish are listed as vulnerable on the  Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria.”

“The native plants will restore the riparian vegetation preferred by our native birds and insects for habitat, and in turn support the aquatic ecosystem,” Ms Gladman said.

“Public safety on these sites is really important, especially as we are sometimes using large machinery.

“People are reminded to be aware of and follow the warning signs and barricades displayed. If anyone has any questions about the work, rather than approach the contractor on site, give us a call on 5448 7124 and we will fill them in.”

As part of the Caring for the Campaspe project, the works also link in with the Victorian Government’s Angler Riparian Partnerships Program to deliver riparian improvement works in areas of local priority for anglers.

This project is part of the Victorian Government's commitment of $222 million to protect and support the health of our waterways.