Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Boost for stressed river near Ballarat
Water quality in the upper reaches of the Moorabool River near Ballarat in Victoria is set to improve with the planting of thousands of trees to stabilise crumbling streambanks.
Major water storages including Moorabool Reservoir, Lal Lal Reservoir and Bostock Reservoir supply drinking water to the regional cities of Ballarat and Geelong, and to rural users in the 1,150 square-kilometre catchment.
The quality of the drinking water is under threat as a result of agricultural practices, including the clearing of native trees from river frontages. Bare riverbanks have since eroded, allowing sediments and nutrients to wash into the river and for weeds such as willows to flourish.
The river is considered stressed due to the high levels of water extractaction. Low flows and sedimentation reduce habitat for fish and water insects and create problems downstream, such as outbreaks of blue-green algae in the Barwon River, west of Geelong.
Funding
The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) received more than $300,000 over two years from the Australian and State Governments to restore streambanks along the Moorabool River and increase community awareness of river health issues.
Activities
Corangamite CMA's River Health Officer Darren Cottam said over the past couple of years the CMA had developed agreements with 25 private landholders to take part in the project.
"With their help livestock no longer has access to nearly 10 kilometres of riverbank," Darren said.
"Willows also affect stream health by invading and choking the stream channel, so we've had to poison or remove them from in and along the river."
The project has involved planting more than 61,000 native grasses, sedges, shrubs and trees, which will help to stabilise and protect banks, filter runoff and improve water quality.
Achievements
As well as attracting the support of landholders, the project has raised awareness about river health issues in the general community through a freshwater 'circus'. This event was held along Paddock Creek in the town of Gordon, where people learnt about native plants, water quality, stream insects and frogs. Plenty of environmental games kept kids interested and entertained.
Later this year a community-based water quality monitoring program will begin, helping to gauge the success of the project by monitoring any changes in water quality.
More information
- Darren Cottam, River Health Officer, Corangamite CMA: (03) 5232 9141 or darren.cottam@ccma.vic.gov.au
- Corangamite CMA website: www.ccma.vic.gov.au
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