The works, led by the North East CMA in partnership with the Upper King Valley community, focus on removing willows from within the river channel and on gravel bars. This will help maintain the river’s capacity to carry high flows during floods and reduce erosion risks.

The project spans a 32-kilometre stretch of the King River from McCormick’s Swimming Hole south of Cheshunt to Edi Cutting campground and targets willows growing in the riverbed, on islands, and along point bars.

Phillip Falcke, Senior Project Officer coordinating the works, said: “Willows can invade the lower banks and bed of the river during dry periods, reducing channel capacity and increasing the risk of erosion and instability when floods return. By removing these willows, we help keep flows within the riverbed, reducing outflanking and protecting the river’s structure during high flows.”

Beyond flood resilience, the project also benefits biodiversity: “Willows can take over aquatic habitats, displacing platypus, native fish, and insects. Controlling them helps maintain a healthy balance between natural ecosystems and the utility of willows growing along the banks,” Mr Falcke said.

The works are being delivered by a licensed contractor and are scheduled for completion by the end of December.

This project is supported by the Victorian Government through the Our Catchments, Our Communities program.

For more information, please contact Phillip Falcke, Senior Project Officer, on 0429 400 411.

Photo attached: In-stream willow control along the King River. Photo: Phillip Falke, North East CMA.