17 April, 2025
Tree harvesting at Goulburn Valley Water’s Shepparton Wastewater Management Facility will find new purpose, improving in-stream habitat for native fish, platypuses and other aquatic species in regional waterways.
The tree harvest, which started in January, is being undertaken to clear trees which have come to the end of their life and rejuvenate the land for farming purposes.
A partnership between Goulburn Valley Water and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will see 500 timber pins from the harvest support the CMA’s ongoing River Health Program and flood recovery efforts.
The pins from the harvested timber will provide improved in-stream structure and protect riverbanks from erosion, as well as creating habitat for native waterway inhabitants.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Steve Capewell said it was a wonderful example of how the life of these harvested trees could be extended for another purpose.
“The harvested trees were initially planted as a trial and at the end of their life will continue to be useful. In this instance they will support Goulburn Broken CMA regional waterway management.
“Our land will now be rehabilitated for farming purposes and the trees that have been removed will continue to create value in maintaining healthy waterways and supporting river life,” he said.
A second harvest at the Mooroopna Wastewater Management Facility will result in 100 larger logs that contain hollows being used for fish habitat.
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority Chief Executive Officer Carl Walters said it was great to see the positive roll-on effect of the tree harvesting, protecting rivers and streams and re-creating habitat.
“Our waterways and the native fish and animals that call them home need help following the impacts of floods in recent years,” he said.
Mr Walters said the Hughes Creek, in particular, had much of its woody habitat shifted during the 2022 floods. This will be the first waterway where the pins would be used to provide new habitat.
“This work will complement other activities on the Hughes Creek funded through the Victorian Fisheries Authority to improve instream habitat for the threatened native Macquarie perch.”
“We can use timber from these harvested trees in our rivers and streams to help re-establish species, increasing diversity and connectivity. This work increases habitat and supports population resilience.”
For more information about the work of the Goulburn Broken CMA visit Home - GB CMA - Goulburn Broken CMA.