With support from the local community, bank stabilisation works near the Wonnangatta River are nearing completion.
This work will help address the potential for the Wonnangatta River to change course and help protect the riverbanks and surrounding environment.
The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has been able to undertake multiple facets of work to strengthen the site which had eroded following high flow events in recent times with the help of the Victorian Government’s recovery funding from the Summer 2023-2024 storm and flood event.
“This project has been a joint effort with engineers developing an optimal design to effectively mitigate the erosion issue. Local contractors have been quick to install the pile fields and rock in ready for Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) to complete the project with the planting of native vegetation,” said CEO of East Gippsland CMA Bec Hemming.
Pile fields were installed to slow the flow of water. Rock has been placed around the site to assist with stabilisation and strengthening the area, to prevent further erosion and reduce the likelihood of the river changing course. These works will be complemented by revegetation to provide additional and ongoing stability.
“The success of this project has been enhanced by the ongoing collaboration with the local landholder. Their active involvement has been invaluable ensuring the stabilisation efforts are both effective and sustainable. The partnership has allowed the East Gippsland CMA to address the erosion issues, combining local knowledge with technical expertise to preserve the river’s environment,” added Bec.
This project reflects the continuous efforts and partnerships with agencies and community members in maintaining and protecting priority waterways now and into the future. It is funded as part of the Victorian Government’s investment into improving the health of waterways and catchments in regional Victoria.
