River rehabilitation works completed

MAJOR structural works have been completed that formed part of the Yarrowee Rehabilitation project.

A collaboration between Central Highlands Water and the City of Ballarat, the works are aiming to improve the stability of the riverbank and prevent future erosion of the waterway in parts of Sebastopol.

“This important environmental engineering work has been successfully undertaken with the City of Ballarat and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, as well as a number of community stakeholders,” Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon said.

“This is a significant investment of over $800,000 to re-establish the Yarrowee River environment, providing essential strengthening of the riverbanks against future erosion, especially during high rainfall and large waterflow events.”

More than 4000 cubic meters of rock has been put along the riverbank, which will aim to protect wastewater treatment lagoons near the river.

Mayor Cr Des Hudson said the project will provide many benefits to the area and is an important collaboration.

“The project has been a positive and proactive partnership with significant environmental benefits for this area of the Yarrowee River,” he said.

“We have shared knowledge and resources during this partnership, to greatly improve this section of a most valued and important community asset for many years to come.”