River restoration

Rivers are the arteries of our landscape, providing water that supports our communities and livelihoods.

Unfortunately, weeds such as willows are significantly impacting river health and water quality across the Derwent Catchment, particularly in regions with high levels of historical clearing for agriculture. Willows and blackberries are also restricting access to rivers for fishing and other recreational pursuits.

Tyenna River Restoration Program

This program arose from grass-roots community concern about willows restricting fishing and recreation access on the Tyenna. The Derwent Catchment Project and the Inland Fisheries Service Anglers Access Program have been working with local landowners, industry, community groups and anglers to remove willows and revegetate riverbanks. The work led to the formation of ‘Willow Warriors’, a group of dedicated anglers seeking to improve access to the river and fish habitat.

We have developed a strategic reach-based plan for the recovery of the Tyenna River (prepared for and funded by the Fisheries Habitat Improvement Fund) over a 10-year timeframe and are now actively working with partners and community to implement the plan.

Ouse River Restoration Program

The major floods in 2015 caused widespread damage along the Ouse River. One major cause of damage was from crack willows, which had scoured the river as they were collected and pushed along with the force of the water. Through recovery funding from the Australian Government, our team supported landholders along a 21 km stretch of the river to remove willows and debris and revegetate the banks with native species. We continue to apply for grants to support follow-up work on key sites along the Ouse.

Lachlan River Restoration Program

A collaboration with Derwent Valley Council funded by the Preparing Australian Communities Grant Stream (Australian Government).

In response to a major flooding event in 2018, a plan for the Lachlan River was developed to improve resilience to future flood events. This project is guided by actions identified in the plan including willow control and removal of debris blockages, bank stabilisation works, and restoration with native species to improve riparian health. The project involves working with landholders and residents to increase awareness in peri-urban and semi-rural areas around flood and emergency planning. An in-depth flood modelling study will also be undertaken to ensure that future planning and development is adequately informed around flood resilience.