Improving the Health of Merri Creek – Murray Road to Bell Street
The Waterways Alliance on behalf of Melbourne Water started a project in February 2009 to help improve the health of Merri Creek between Murray Road and Bell Street, Coburg.
Exotic weeds including willow trees, desert ash, boxthorn, prickly pear, blackberry and blue periwinkle have been removed. Revegetation works to replace the trees with suitable native trees and shrubs started in autumn 2009.
Two large feature willows have been retained, one upstream of the pedestrian bridge off Connolly Avenue, and the other at the upstream end of the pool opposite Spring Street.
The Waterways Alliance will continue to undertake further weed control works and maintenance of newly planted areas until mid 2011.
Temporary closure of shared path along Merri Creek
While every effort will be made to keep the shared path along the creek open, it will be closed at times during the project for public safety. Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place at these times. The shared path will only be closed during construction hours from Monday to Fridays.
Why remove willows?
Willows are an introduced species from Europe and North America and were planted along riverbanks to control erosion.
While many people consider willows to be an attractive feature along waterways, there are strong environmental reasons for their removal.
Their characteristic dense canopy, invasive roots and heavy leaf fall can smother our creeks and lead to reduced habitat and food for fish and platypus, as well as poor water quality and flow.
Willows out compete our native trees, and they can affect the natural ecological balance of rivers and creeks if they're not managed properly.
These works will help improve the health of the creek and improve habitat for local wildlife.
Contact us
For more information about the project call the Waterways Alliance on 03 9287 7334 or contact us online.