Avenel community working together to protect the Hughes Creek

Avenel residents and volunteers have been busy preparing sites around Stewart Park and the Hughes Creek in Avenel for planting of 200 new native trees, shrubs and grasses on Sunday 4 June.

The work is part of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management’s Authority (GB CMA) Avenel Urban Waterway Works project, initiated by the Stewart Park Committee of Management.

“It’s wonderful to see work progressing to help restore Stewart Park and the Hughes Creek, which were so badly affected by the October 2022 floods.” said Sharon Sidebottom, Secretary of the Stewart Park Committee of Management. “Stewart Park is so important as a

Flora and Fauna reserve and as a quiet place for Avenel’s residents and visitors to enjoy the natural environment.”

GB CMA River Health Officer, Christine Glassford, said the first stage of the project, which started in March, saw woody weeds removed along the creek. “Desert ash and black willow are being targeted, while the less invasive weeping willows will be retained at the request of community.”

“There will be follow-up spraying of blackberry, periwinkle and bindweed adjoining the park next season, as part of stage two works proposed with community group Avenel Active Inc. to focus on removing invasive trees in a further section downstream and replacing them with natives.” Ms Glassford said.

“Avenel Active Inc. is so pleased to work with the Stewart Park Committee and the CMA on this project”, said

Helen Gwilliam, Secretary of Avenel Active. “Our 2022 survey of Avenel residents told us that protection of the Hughes Creek environment and continued tree planting around the town are two of the highest priorities for the community.”

The planting day for the project will be held on Sunday 4 June, subject to weather. All Avenel residents are welcome to join the planting, for part or all of the day. Please contact stewartpark.avenel@gmail.com or avenelactiveinc@gmail.com to volunteer or for more information.

This project is funded by the Victorian Government as part of the GB CMA Connecting People and Place project.

The Whroovale Estate in Nagambie now boasts an updated open space.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said Council consulted with the community and estate residents to see what they would like in their open space.

“We received 62 responses from the community, and they were overwhelmingly in support of a green open space with seating and children’s play equipment,” Cr Binks said.

After the consultation process, Council went out to tender for the works.

“We are excited to announce that the works will be completed at the end of this week,” Cr Binks said. “We’re looking forward to the Whroovale Estate residents being able to utilise and enjoy this fantastic space.”

All positions vacant Everyone welcome