AN investment in the Maribyrnong River has been welcomed by its users, a ‘Friends-of’ group and local businesses.
Last week, the state government announced $1.04 million for the river valley project, which will work to control rabbits, remove woody weeds and revegetate with native species along the 82-kilometre valley.
In total, $3.6 million will be directed at the river project over the next two years.
Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley member Frank Kinnersly says volunteer groups will be pleased with the announcement and he hopes a significant portion of funding will be directed to the river trail between Avondale Heights and Brimbank Park, which has been closed for two years.
“Any work on the Maribyrnong Valley is good. The woody weeds really are an issue. Councils and ‘friends’ groups have been doing work on that already. Eradicating rabbits will help, too, as they cause significant erosion.”
Peter Somerville has conducted Maribyrnong River tours aboard his boat Blackbird for more than 30 years.
He says development around the river needs to be modest.
“I love to see investment in the Maribyrnong Valley, but I don’t want to see anything like the development along the Yarra.
“The lineal park concept that dates back to 1929 needs to remain.
“We have two main rivers and two very distinct lifestyles to go with them.”
Mr Somerville says works to improve the river’s flow and ecology are welcome.
“The Friends have used government funding for their work but always have to jump through a lot of hurdles to get it. This should make everything happen faster.”
Environment Minister Ryan Smith says the project’s aim is a cleaner, more accessible river valley that will improve the quality of water going into Port Phillip Bay. “By caring for the more neglected areas of the river, as well as linking some of the shared trails, this project will ensure the Maribyrnong is an area of even greater pride for communities in the west, as well as a wonderful destination for visitors.
“This is the first time so many stakeholders have joined together to solve problems along the Maribyrnong River Valley.”
Contributors to the Maribyrnong project include the Department of Sustainability and Environment; Hume, Brimbank, Moonee Valley and Maribyrnong councils; Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, City West Water, 200 private landowners, Melbourne Airport and a number of Friends groups.
