Creek protection project launched

THE Strathfieldsaye and District Community Enterprise group has launched a project to clean up and preserve Axe Creek.

As part of the effort, gold mining company Agnico Eagle are giving $450,000 across two years towards the program, known as the Axe Creek Protection Project.

Chair of Strathfieldsaye and District Community Enterprise, Dennis Johanson, said the project will clear out weeds from the creek and replant vegetation along the banks.

Species like wattles and banksias are being included with the aim of helping platypuses making their way up the creek from the Campaspe River.

“There are platypus in the Campase at Axedale, and so the theory being if the Axe Creek was rehabilitated sufficiently, they might just swim up the creek,” said Mr Johanson.

“In theory, if the creek was in good enough condition, there’s no reason why platypus couldn’t find their way. They definitely have been in this area in the not-too-distant past.”

Mr Johanson said seeing the permanent return of platypuses would be more of a marker of the health of the creek than the primary goal.

With much of the creek’s rehabilitation work needed on private property, Mr Johanson also said it was important for residents to be on board with plans.

“The main purpose of it is that we clear up the creek,” he said. “It can only happen with landowners who are happy with these works to happen on their property.

“I don’t think anyone who we’ve approached is against the idea so far.”

Much of the work for the project will be carried out by a company called Bushco Land Management with help from volunteers.