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::NEW:: ACKNOWLEDGING
PLANTING PARTNERS 2008 ::NEW::
FMV restoration work by the
Maribyrnong River has been given a boost in two municipalities.
We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Melbourne Water for
restoration of the riparian section on the Avondale Heights side of the river
between the historic Tea Gardens and the Steele Creek confluence with the
Maribyrnong. We see this as the start of a four year program to control noxious
weeds in that area. Simon has already started the time-consuming task of
removing woody weeds boxthorn, briar and peppercorn and spraying blackberry and
serrated tussock.
Money has been provided through the Community Grants Program from the Port
Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority.
Our Wednesday Working Group is preparing to plant about 800 seedlings that are
indigenous to the area; they will be assisted by students of St Columba’s
College, Essendon, who have been hugely helpful in the past. We will also have
some public planting days so stay tuned!
The Wednesday Group and Simon are working closely with Lisa Deppeler from
Melbourne Water, Brooke and Ray from Brimbank Park and John from Aboriginal
Heritage to ensure a successful outcome for the river with the establishment of
local riparian zone plants together with a soft footprint that is respectful of
the local aboriginal heritage.
On the other side of the river, we are pleased to acknowledge continued support
from Maribyrnong City Council and to say ‘thank you’ for the Community Grant for
the revegetation of the degraded riparian slope at the Crib Wall in Chifley
Drive.
Simon is working closely with Mick Morison of Leisure and Open Spaces,
Maribyrnong CC. on this project. Council has removed some dead, moribund and
weedy trees and there has been on site inspection, prior to weed removal as
preparation for planting about 500 plants.
First planting is scheduled for Wednesday morning, 16 July. All welcome. There
will be local publicity to invite local residents to take part in this project.
FMV is grateful to Simon for his hard work on this and other projects and to the
Wednesday Morning crew who are out very week working somewhere along the river.
GRIMES FLAT
This is our 4th year of community planting days at Grimes Flat. Vegetation at
this difficult site has at last taken off with some growth now up to about 4
meters. Problems of plant attack by wallabies (some plants pulled out of the
ground), rampant weed growth and insect attack inside tall plastic guards are
all behind us now. These experiences have taught us much about the need for
effective site preparation and management - like initial weed control for 12
months before and, the spreading of a good layer of mulch before planting.
Tall open mesh plastic guards found in an old storage area at Parks Vic finally
gave the plants the protection they needed to get going. Plants are now so well
established that we are now happy for the wallabies to nibble them.
In line with Healthy River Principles and in conjunction with Parks Victoria we
will be working towards establishing a 30metre riparian habitat zone from the
waters edge in the Grimes Flat area.
Our community Planting day at Grimes Flat this year is on Sunday May 25th and as
in previous years there will be a sausage sizzle barbeque to show our
appreciation to all the volunteers on the day. Parks Vic will provide a water
Phurphy on the day.
There will also be a planting day for students of St Columba’s College in June
on a date to be arranged.
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COMMUNITY PLANTING DAY
Bring your family and friends
10am - 12noon - Sunday May 25th
BBQ Lunch provided
Grimes Flat - Avondale Heights
(Enter From Car Park Barbara Crescent) - Melway Map 27 D9
`Rehabilitating Our Beautiful River’
Enquiries: Ian: 9336 1550: Bron: 9317 8819: Lorraine: 9317 7718
Arranged by: Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley
Supported by: Parks Victoria
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AFTON STREET
CONSERVATION PARK
The Afton Street Conservation Park is
starting to take shape with many relevant issues being discussed at the
Reference Group meetings. Moonee Valley Council has undertaken some
preliminary works with the grading and resurfacing of the carpark and
existing track. This track now completes a circuit along the flood
plain, up the hill to the flagpole, continuing down the hill and across
the small bridge to finish back at the carpark.
The chance to be involved in the creation
of a truly unique natural atmosphere, in one of the fastest growing
areas is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The protection and
enhancement of one of the last remnant grasslands is giant leap forward
and will grow to be a great natural asset for generations to come.
Simon Purves
(Afton Street Conservation Park Reference Group Member) |
