Council is continuing work to improve the health of Jacksons Creek in Gisborne and Five Mile Creek in Romsey with the removal of several Elms and Willows along sections of each waterway.
In Romsey, works to rejuvenate sections of Five Mile Creek will continue during February and March. These works, which started in late 2020, include the removal of some Elms and Willows between Main Road and Wrixon Street.
As part of these works, a sealed pathway will also be installed along Pohlman Street—from the Lions Park to Robb Drive.
In Gisborne, works will be focused to the rear of Dixon Field. These works aim to improve the environmental values of Jacksons Creek by removing several Elms and other woody weeds, and will occur in early February.
Willows are recognised as one of the most serious threats to waterways in temperate Australia. Most types of willows are considered Weeds of National Significance.
Willows, and Elms, also spread easily, consume high volumes of water, crowd out native species and clog up waterways with their root systems. This negatively impacts waterways by reducing water flows and habitat for native species. Their autumn leaf fall can also deplete oxygen levels in waterways.
The trees will be replaced with native species in autumn 2021.
Other initiatives planned for waterways in Gisborne in the next 12 months include removal of the Poplars and other woody weeds next to the skate park in Gisborne; and the beginning of larger scale restoration works along the length of Jacksons Creek.
To find out more and view the draft strategic environmental works plan for this waterway and others in the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment, visit Your Say. Submissions are invited until 28 February.
These works are being completed in partnership with Melbourne Water, landowners and local friends of groups.
