Yarra River vegetation improvement, Station Road to Don Road

We’re improving the health of the Yarra River from Dee River, Millgrove to Melba Highway, Yarra Glen. Working in sections, we’re removing weeds and replacing them with native vegetation – benefitting surrounding properties and the whole of the river.

January 2023
We are contacting landholders adjoining an 8km stretch of the Yarra River between Station Road, Wesburn and Don Road, Launching Place to start planning improvements.

Why weed control and revegetation are important

Rivers and creeks are essential to our way of life. They provide places for the community to connect with nature and for our native wildlife to thrive.

By assessing the current vegetation, we can plan weed control and native revegetation projects that improve the health of the waterway – through better water quality and habitat for wildlife such as platypus, blackfish and helmeted honeyeaters.

Healthy, well-maintained waterways also increase the value of surrounding properties. 

Willow trees are one of the most problematic riparian weeds. They cause bank erosion by trapping sediment and diverting flows into river banks, and their heavy shading makes it difficult for any other vegetation to grow. Our revegetation works will include replacing willows with native vegetation.

How will these works affect you?

Landholders and residents surrounding waterways are important partners in helping us improve and maintain their health – for benefits now and for generations to come.

Local residents may notice Melbourne Water staff and contractors walking along waterways to assess vegetation and plan improvements over the coming months. 

In some areas we’ll need to access the waterway through private property. If this is the case, we’ll be in touch early to seek your approval and discuss access requirements.

We will make every effort to minimise the impact of our presence on the local community and the environment, and thank you for your patience.

Project stages