By Jesse Graham
HUNDREDS of plants have taken root along the banks of the Grace Burn Creek at the Healesville RSL, as part of a program to improve platypus habitats and beautify the area.
Melbourne Water contractors Reveg Works were at work at the RSL on Wednesday 24 August, installing 300 indigenous plants along the Grace Burn as part of a project run by Healesville Environment Watch Incorporated (HEWI).
The works are the latest in a series under the Grace Burn Project, a HEWI program funded for three years from 2015 by Yarra Ranges Council.
RSL manager Gary Slater said the business signed up and would be doubling the plants installed, to a total of about 800 by next year.
“From the RSL’s perspective, we’ve got a large parcel of land bordering the creek,” Mr Slater said.
“We wanted to ensure the continuity of vegetation through it – it was weed-infested, overgrown, it was also a high risk area for people.
“So we wanted to sort of link with the community in doing what they were already doing on the other side of the creek and marry it in, continue it along.”
Works had already taken place at The Nook, across the creek, to remove weeds and install indigenous plants along the creek bank.
HEWI’s Maureen Bond said the project was mainly focused on properties along Farnham Road which backed onto the creek, and that property owners had taken up Melbourne Water grants to improve the banks.
“It’s really moving through the community, and we will go to the other side, which is Elamo Road,” Ms Bond said.
“It probably will never be complete, but this will be magnificent because the RSL has a long frontage.
“The whole idea of this is looking after our waterways looks after the community. If we keep the platypus healthy, we’re better off for it.”
Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister said the council was happy to work with HEWI, the RSL and Melbourne Water on the project.
“For me … I love what’s happening with The Nook – it’s such a significant part of the town’s history and to see it turned into a really beautiful space again through projects like this is fantastic,” she said.
Melbourne Water’s John Tsevelekidis said workers would be targeting blackberries along the Grace Burn during the spring and summer months.
Property owners along the Grace Burn who are interested in getting involved with the project are encouraged to call Karen on 5962 5115.
