Works aim to boost creek health and flood resilience

IN response to community concerns regarding woody weeds, debris and their potential impact on water flow and flooding, the City of Greater Bendigo is progressing a series of works along McIvor Creek and its tributaries.

Residents have raised concerns for many years about the accumulation of debris and invasive weeds restricting water flow and contributing to flooding during significant rainfall events.

While the management of McIvor Creek sits with the Victorian government, the city has recognised the importance of the issue to the Heathcote community and is taking steps to address identified concerns.

Planned works will implement recommendations from the Heathcote Stormwater Investigation Report 2021, designed to improve drainage performance, reduce flood risk within the township and enhance long-term environmental outcomes.

Works will be delivered in three stages.

Stage one, the McIvor Creek Crack Willow control, is currently underway.

The city is currently undertaking stem injection treatment of Crack Willow trees in areas downstream of Barrack Street.

Crack Willow is a declared weed species that can readily regrow from twigs and branches. The trees need to be killed before removal to prevent further spread.

Stage two will see Caledonia and Possum gullies’ drainage improvement works.

Focusing on the removal of Elm and Willow trees, accumulated debris and illegally dumped rubbish, the works will improve drainage performance.

Works are anticipated to start in spring, or earlier if conditions permit.

As portions of the project area include private land, affected landholders will be contacted directly and invited to participate in the program.

Stage three looks at McIvor Creek streamflow and environmental enhancement.

 

The city has submitted a grant application to support a larger-scale project involving the reduction of elm and willow trees and removal of debris throughout sections of McIvor Creek.

The project aims to improve streamflow, reduce flood impacts and deliver long-term environmental benefits.

The outcome of the grant application is expected in late 2026.

Removed vegetation will be repurposed wherever possible.

The city is also supporting a potential Friends of McIvor Creek group.

Community members interested in becoming involved are encouraged to contact the Emergency Management and Resilience team via [email protected]

Eppalock Ward’s Cr Aaron Spong said the works are an important example of the council listening to community concerns and taking action where possible.

“As both a local resident and councillor for the Eppalock Ward, I have continued to advocate strongly for Heathcote and the issues that matter most to our community,” Cr Spong said.

“For many years, residents have raised concerns with me about McIvor Creek, flooding risks and the accumulation of woody weeds and debris.

“While the creek itself is not managed by council, I am pleased to see practical steps now being taken to address these concerns and improve outcomes for our township.

“Heathcote is starting to see real change and progress.

“Most importantly, the community is finally being heard on the issues that matter.

“These projects demonstrate what can be achieved when there is strong local representation and a commitment to working for and listening to the community to deliver practical outcomes.

“This is just one of several initiatives underway that will help strengthen Heathcote’s resilience, improve environmental outcomes and support the future of our community.

“I look forward to continuing to advocate for projects that make a genuine difference for local residents.”