Big plans for little creeks

A NEW environmental plan is focused on keeping smaller waterways healthy while adapting to climate change.

The Goldfields Little Creeks Climate Adaption Strategy and Restoration Guide, also known as the Little Creeks Do Matter initiative, will get its launch at a field afternoon on Sunday, 27 March at Ross Creek Community Hall.

Project leaders the Bunanyung Landscape Alliance, in partnership with Ross Creek Landcare and the Australian Plant Society Ballarat, will aim to educate residents about the importance of shade over creeks and streams for improved water quality, ecosystem resilience, and wildlife protection.

Looking to the future and its warmer climate, Bunanyung Landscape Alliance secretary Jeff Rootes said there are opportunities for property owners with land adjacent to waterways.

“There are plantings they can do to restore some of the biodiversity, reduce flooding, and make it a much healthier creek,” he said.

“The best way to protect little creeks is to plant them out well.”

Ross Creek Landcare’s president Liz Charleson said the group has been “conserving and enhancing” the native plants in their reserve’s creek and wetland area for decades, and this is now a demonstration site.

“We have transformed a wasteland into a community asset for passive recreation and local wildlife,” she said.

“We’re inviting all residents in the wider area to the gathering to share the opportunities that the Little Creeks initiative offers. We’ve had a response from someone in Enfield, for example, who has a creek through their property.

“There will be time to answer questions about practical matters of creek protection and suitable species to plant.”

The field afternoon will include a strategy overview in the hall before a walk through the Ross Creek Reserve and restored wetland, and afternoon tea.

“During the walk we will view the wetland and aquatic plants that you may discover on your property,” Ms Charleson said.

It will run from 1.30pm at 655-657 Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road, Ross Creek. RSVP to 0418 819 300. Ongoing support sessions are planned.

Little Creeks Do Matter has been developed with financial support from the Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning through their Climate Adaption Grant Scheme.