Trees aim to boost river ecosystem

THE banks of the Yarrowee River near Napoleons have become greener, with the addition of one hundred more native trees.

As part of a community support program, Central Highlands Water has partnered with environmental not-for-profit Fifteen Trees and Napoleons Landcare Group to put wattle trees, and manna and river gums along the waterway.

With the help of more than 65 volunteers from the Ballarat region, the 100 plants were recently put in the ground to revegetate the area, boost biodiversity and habitat health.

“Thank you to Central Highlands Water for your support with our community planting day on National Tree Day at Scotchmans Lead,” said Fifteen Trees founder and director Colleen Filippa.

“This follows on from a previous planting day where native grasses were used, that are now flourishing, with the aim of further improving the ecosystem along the Yarrowee River.

“The new trees will support future growth, improve the habitat for native species and support actions to combat climate change.”

CHW managing director Jeff Haydon said the water utility’s staff are proud to partner with, and donate to, Fifteen Trees as part of the community support program.

He said the groups share a common goal to “enhance biodiversity and deliver important environmental outcomes” throughout the district.

“Supporting initiatives like this reinforces our strategic approach to plan for the future vision of fostering sustainable living and a healthy environment,” he said.

Fifteen Trees is a local not-for-profit which works to reduce communities’ carbon footprint by planting trees on the behalf of individuals, businesses, and organisations.