OWLS AND PLATYPUS BENEFIT FROM SPRING PLANTING ALONG OLINDA CREEK
23 August 2003
Spring planting will complete a $284,000 project undertaken by Melbourne Water to improve the health and stability of Olinda Creek in the Mt Evelyn Recreation Reserve.
The two-year project, which involved willow removal and bank stabilisation works, also included monitoring a platypus population and the movements of an endangered owl species to ensure they were not disturbed during construction works.
Managing Director Brian Bayley said the Powerful Owls were discovered in trees in the reserve in November 2002 during a survey to identify whether willows were contributing to localised flooding and reducing habitat in the creek, especially for platypus.
Melbourne Water then initiated a six-month study to determine if the tree removal would impact on the owls.
"The study provided information to produce a management plan that allowed some tree removal in the reserve. Another section of willows, hawthorns and pittosporums were poisoned and died during winter, allowing the owls plenty of time to relocate to other suitable trees in the area," Mr Bayley said.
He said Melbourne Water consulted with the Mt Evelyn Environment Protection and Progress Association, several "Friends of" groups and the Shire of Yarra Ranges before continuing with the project.
As part of the project, rock rapids were also installed in the creek to reduce erosion and logs were reinstated to provide habitat for platypus and fish.
The Arthur Rylah Institute undertook the owl study and platypus surveys were carried out by the Australian Platypus Conservancy.
Melbourne Water has been progressively removing willows and weeds and replanting along the creek between the Lilydale township and the Mt Evelyn Recreation Reserve. Some 2590 trees and shrubs have been planted in the reserve to provide roosting sites for the owls.
Within Lilydale township, Melbourne Water is also planting 18,500 trees and shrubs along the creek banks where willows were removed, which will improve habitat for platypus. Tree planting is expected to begin in September.
The Olinda Creek works are part of Melbourne Water's annual $23 million Healthy Rivers Program. The program is funded through drainage rate contributions.