Maribyrnong River weed removal and revegetation

Starting March 2026, we’re replacing weeds with indigenous vegetation to support native wildlife habitat.

Our rivers and creeks are essential to our way of life and the plants and animals that depend on them. That’s why we’re revegetating this section of the Maribyrnong River at Keilor over the next five years to control weeds and create habitat for native plants and animals to thrive.

Why this is important

Our weed control and revegetation work is:

restoring ecological balance by removing invasive weed species and replanting with regionally-significant native vegetation
improving habitat complexity and establishing refuges to protect our native wildlife
managing erosion and enhancing biodiversity using vegetation species chosen to support habitat for birds, frogs, fish, macroinvertebrates (like insects and crustaceans), platypus and other aquatic life.

This Melbourne Water-led project is part of the Maribyrnong Valley Connection project and supports the Healthy Waterways Strategy 2018-28.

What’s happening and where

Newly-planted tube stock of native species, protected by plant guards — Revegetation using native plants

Weed removal works are scheduled to commence in March 2026, followed by revegetation during Autumn 2026 and 2027. Until 2030, we will continue to maintain the new vegetation until it is well established.

Works will involve:

removing weeds from 3.2 hectares of land beside the Maribyrnong River
revegetating the area with almost 12,000 native plants, including a variety of species chosen for their ability to support native wildlife habitat
maintaining the new vegetation for the next five years after planting to ensure it continues to thrive. This will involve watering and further weed removal until the habitat becomes well established.

Location

Works will take place within a 3.2 hectare area of land to the rear (north and east) of the Overnewton Anglican Community College playing fields. Located along a 1.2km stretch of the Maribyrnong River, the work area is within Keilor’s Green Wedge Zone.

Map showing where weed removal and revegetation will occur in red — Project location map with area to be revegetated outlined in red

What to expect

Works will occur between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

During the works:

there will be minimal noise, dust and vibration, and works are unlikely to impact surrounding residents
work crews will be present and plants, materials, vehicles and equipment will be stored on site
construction traffic and equipment will enter and exit the site via Overnewton Road, Overnewton College (Gate 3)
there will be minimal access to the site during some works. At these times, we will have traffic and pedestrian management in place.

Please make sure to follow instructions from traffic management staff and detour signs for your safety and that of our workers.

Did you know?

The name ‘Maribyrnong’ comes from the Aboriginal phrase Mirring-gnay-bir-nong, meaning ‘I can hear a ringtail possum’. The Wurundjeri people have always had a deep connection to this area, using the river for drinking water, building materials, transport, medicine and food.