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Managing willows in Victoria

In the past, willows along waterways were planted to control erosion. But over time, we have learnt that they degrade riparian land and reduce the health of waterways. Willows have now invaded thousands of kilometres of riparian environments in south-eastern Australia.

Willows are a weed of national significance.

As a result, catchment management authorities (CMAs) have been removing willows.

These willow management programs have sometimes caused concern with the public around the:

  • location and extent of willow control
  • management techniques used
  • timing of revegetation efforts after willow control
  • limited consultation with the public about willow control projects.
Alternative text: Rubicon River in Thornton, showing the river widening out behind the willows.
Rubicon River, Thornton, showing the river widening out behind the willows.
Source: Goulburn Broken CMA

Local landholders looking after the Agnes River, Toora North

Listen to Katie James, a landholder from Toora North, explain the willow removal and revegetation efforts that have taken place on her family’s property on the Agnes River working with the West Gippsland CMA.

Further information

More information about waterway management programs in your region, including willow management, can be obtained from your CMA.

Page last updated: 08/09/23