Funds flow for revegetation works

A PORTION of the Yarrowee River and its tributaries is set to be restored by members of the Bunanyung Landscape Alliance thanks to funding from the State Government.

With $701, 584 allocated from the Green Links Grant Program, more than 80 hectares of land is set to be restored along nearly 10 kilometres of waterway.

Bunanyung Landscape Alliance chair Stephen Carey said the cash will see the project supported for years to come.

“The awarding of the grant is reward for years of hard work with partner groups to bring the project to fruition,” he said.

“Over the life of the project some 39,000 trees will be planted in the restoration sites, making a big difference to the health and amenity of our local waterways.”

The project has been developed between Bunanyung Landscape Alliance as well as groups including the Leigh Catchment Group, the Friends of Canadian Corridor, and Friends of Yarrowee, and Wattle Flat Landcare Group.

Restoration works is set to see 12 wetland, drainage, and creek sites improved, with the aim of planting in locations eroded due to neglect, urban development, and goldmining.

Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle said the project is an important one for the region’s ecosystem.

“The Yarrowee River runs through the very heart of Ballarat and we need to protect its ecosystem so that it remains a place for all of the community to enjoy,” she said.

Funding for the project is part of the first round of the $10 million State Government scheme set to be rolled out over the next three years.