Review of management practices to improve outcomes for native fauna

We recently engaged Jacobs Consulting to review management practices at key sites within the Koo Wee Rup – Longwarry Flood Protection District. The aim was to get advice on how we can change current management practices to improve outcomes for native fauna, while also continuing to maintain drainage function and flow of water.

A number of recommendations were made, including:

• introducing native vegetation in a targeted fashion to get maximum benefit for native fauna (only where flood impacts are not increased)
• continuing targeted weed control
• limiting herbicide use where possible (potentially by increasing vegetation management by cutting and grooming)
• staged removal of woody weeds in conjunction with revegetation works
• providing additional shelter and basking habitats
• protecting and potentially improving off-channel wetland habitat. As most off-channel wetlands are on private property, this will require ongoing collaboration.

To help protect and improve water quality in the District, we have funding available through our Liveable Communities Liveable Waterways Program for vegetation management (weed control) and native vegetation improvement activities (revegetation) along waterways.

Visit the Melbourne Water website to learn more about our Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways Program.

Introducing our new Operations and Maintenance Officer for the District, Patrick Hook

Our longstanding Operations and Maintenance Officer in the Koo Wee Rup - Longwarry Flood Protection District, Stuart Cochrane, has finished up at Melbourne Water.

Patrick Hook began in the role on 14^th of August 2024. A qualified plumber, he comes with a number of years’ experience working with wetlands and drainage systems at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Welcome Patrick!

Removing the Vic Track bridge over Bunyip River

Vic Track recently removed a section of bridge over the Bunyip River, which formed part of the Great Southern Railway (southwest of Koo Wee Rup township).

The bridge was in disrepair and was slowing the flow of water along Bunyip River in high flow events. Removing the bridge deck and posts will reduce some flooding impacts to the Koo Wee Rup township during peak river flows.

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If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact us via email [email protected] or telephone 131 722.