Manningham Main Yarra Trail Maintenance Works to Restore Beloved Community Asset

Starting from July, Manningham Council will commence restoration works along the Main Yarra Trail in Warrandyte, addressing the impact of unprecedented rainfall in recent years. As one of Warrandyte’s greatest environmental assets and a community treasure, the Main Yarra Trail requires immediate attention to repair structural damage and revive surrounding native plants.

Heavy rainfall has taken a toll on the trail, resulting in significant erosion and the premature loss of several older trees. To mitigate further damage, temporary measures were implemented, allowing the trail to remain accessible to the community. However, the focus has now shifted to long-term restoration efforts to ensure the trail’s sustained functionality and environmental value.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante said, “the Manningham Green Wedge Infrastructure Plan has been considered in the design and approach to the restoration, to ensure the works are sustainable and sympathetic to the semi-rural character of the area.”

In collaboration with an expert contractor,Manningham Council is dedicated to restoring the Main Yarra Trail to its full potential for the enjoyment of the community for years to come. Restoration activities will include leveling the trail rock bed, adding rocks, weed removal and additional planting along most of the trail.

Some sections may require more extensive structural work, such as cement stabilisation underneath the trail and the construction of a retaining wall to prevent further erosion near Police Street.

Enhancements are also planned for the trail at the carpark on the public toilet side of Kangaroo Ground Bridge. Upgrades to the drainage infrastructure will mitigate stormwater flooding, while the installation of a new concrete shared path will improve accessibility for wheelchairs, cyclists, prams, and pedestrians.

The trail restoration works will begin in July 2023, with an anticipated completion date toward the end of this year. While small sections of the trail will be temporarily closed during construction, detour signage will be prominently displayed to ensure minimal disruption and to allow the community to continue enjoying the trail.

“We’re undertaking these essential maintenance works now to preserve the trail’s character and ensure it can continue to be used by future generations. Not doing so would pose a significant risk to the long-term viability of the trail,” Cr Diamante said.

For full details about the works please visit manningham.vic. gov.au/news/main-yarra-trail-restoration