Media Release

Thursday, 9 June 2011

Streamside Fire Recovery Weed Control Completed DRAFT

With funding from the Victorian Government Fire Recovery Program, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has completed the second season of weed control works along waterways burnt in the 2009 fires. The upper reaches of the Yea, Acheron and Steavenson Rivers, and the King Parrot, Sunday, Dry and Strath Creeks, were the primary waterways addressed. Blackberry has been the most abundant weed to re-emerge post fire, though broom and periwinkle have also been extensive around residential areas says Kirsten Roszak, Goulburn Broken CMA River Health Officer. Not only have weeds been reduced to quantities well below the cover present before the fire, but the weed control also reduced pressures of competition to enable native plants to successfully regenerate along the stream banks. Many of the waterways that were formerly infested with weeds are now dominated by natural regeneration. Chris Norman, the CEO of Goulburn Broken CMA thanked all of the landholders. Landholders have been very helpful in working with us to manage the weeds that sprang up after the fires. This has been particularly difficult given the difficulties associated with several flood events occurring since the Black Saturday fires. Unfortunately due to funding constraints the CMA is unable to further assist landholders, but we remind them that it is their responsibility to continue to control re-emerging weeds. The wet and extended warm weather has suited many weeds, providing opportunity for secondary germination. Apart from some exotic tree removal to occur in the coming months, when weather conditions permit, this now ends the Goulburn Broken CMA weed control as part of the Fire Recovery Program. Our efforts will now focus on the few remaining associated rehabilitation works, finalising commitments for Fire Recovery funding. Landholders are reminded that the Goulburn Broken CMA continues to offer support for improving the health of our waterways, including activities such as fencing and revegetation works. For further information please contact Goulburn Broken CMA staff at the Yea Office on 5736 0100.

RELEASE ENDS

For further information please contact: Amanda McClaren Communications and Marketing Manager t: 03 5820 1117 / 0459 023 640 e: amandam@gbcma.vic.gov.au