The Upper Wimmera catchment includes the northern section of the Pyrenees Ranges that contain the headwaters of the major tributaries to the Wimmera River catchment. The upper catchment is important for town water supply and for supporting high environmental values including native fish, platypus and macro invertebrate communities. The river also supports important cultural heritage and recreational values.
The catchment is threatened by accelerated erosion in upstream tributaries, which has led to poor water quality (high turbidity, salinity and nutrients). There has been infilling of large pools with sediment, reducing suitable habitat for aquatic plant life and animals such as fish and platypus.
The main objectives of the Upper Wimmera River project are to:
- improve the extent of native streamside vegetation
- stabilise riverbeds and banks to protect downstream ecosystems by contributing to water quality improvements and reducing the risk of loss of productive land, and
- maintain landholder’s awareness of river health issues and community participation in best management practices.
Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (WCMA) are leading the Upper Wimmera River project, in partnership with landowners, community and Landcare groups. Significant riparian fencing, pest control and vegetation improvement works has been carried out, as well as the installation of several new erosion control structures at high priority sites.
Rock chute installation on a tributary of the Seven Mile Creek, located north east of Stawell. Left to right: foundations, geofabric installation, and the completed rock chute
Photo courtesy of WCMA.
Page last updated: 05/02/20