River watchers in the bank

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
RESIDENTS and conservation groups in the Yarra Ranges are set to play a greater role in looking after the health of their river systems.
A new Waterwatch program, jointly run by Yarra Ranges Council and Melbourne Water, will bring existing Friends and Landcare groups together to monitor the health of the rivers.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Terry Avery said the program aimed to increase community awareness of waterway health.
“Melbourne Water will also use data collected to better manage waterways,” he said.
Upper Yarra River Reserve committee member Gordon Buller was pleased the program would encourage groups to have a long-term plan.
“We’ve got a 10-year strategy plan of what we’d like to achieve in the 10 kilometres of the river we look after,” he said.
“It describes all the vegetation and weeds and how we’ll get rid of the weeds.”
The Waterwatch program will be separated into five hubs according to the water catchment areas:
– Upper Dandenong: Belgrave, Ferny Creek, Upwey, Selby.
– Woori Yallock: Woori Yallock, Seville, Wandin, Macclesfield, Monbulk.
– Upper Yarra: Warburton, Millgrove, Wesburn, Yarra Junction, Launching Place.
– Watt’s River: Healesville, Chum Creek, Badger Creek, Mt Toolebewong.
– Central Yarra: Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Yarra Glen, Steels Creek.
As Sherbrooke and Sassafras are located between two major river catchments, the corresponding hub will depend on the particular river that is monitored.
Although the hubs will include existing groups, new members are also encouraged to join the Waterwatch groups.
The Waterwatch program will be launched on Saturday 17 September at the Lillydale Lake Community Room from noon until 4pm and will include a demonstration of Waterwatch monitoring techniques.
Those who wish to attend must book by Monday 12 September through Beth Wallis at Yarra Ranges Council on 1300 368 333 or e.wallis@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.