Anthony Carbines MP met with the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority to discuss south-west waterways

The restoration project is focused on improving the waterway by removing woody weed and revegetating the river banks.

Parliamentary Secretary for Water Anthony Carbines met with the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, community members and landholders to discuss the project at the Membery Way site and other south-west waterways.

It builds on the volunteer work already undertaken by groups including Friends of Platypus Park, Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare and Making a Difference for the Merri. 

Mr Carbines said the commitment and involvement from these community groups in the planning phase of the project was crucial to ensuring it reflected the wishes and values of the people that used the river.

Warrnambool City Council mayor Kylie Gaston was joined by fellow councillors Michael Neoh, Rob Anderson and David Owen at Platypus Park.

“Waterways are important areas for recreational pursuits and contribute substantially to the social well-being of residents in Warrnambool,” Cr Gaston said.

“The plan to revegetate the the riverbanks on the Membery Way site will enhance the environmental and amenity values of the site.”

Funding for the restoration works came from the state government’s Regional Riparian Action Plan. 

The works aim to improve the the wildlife and fish habitat in the river, while improving access to the river banks for recreational activities such as fishing and boating.

Mr Carbines said the state government was committed to improving the health and value of waterways in regional areas.

“We are pleased to see how effective partnerships with regional communities can be in achieving this,” Mr Carbines said.

Mr Carbines helped Glenelg Hopkins CMA chairman Antony Ford to plant an indigenous blackwood tree along the river bank.

Mr Ford said the removal of the wood weeds was the first step in creating a link in the biodiversity corridor along the Merri.

“This is an excellent example of a partnership between the Warrnambool City Council, Glenelg Hopkins CMA and local community groups,” Mr Ford said.