Trees planted to safeguard Tanjil River
Trees plantedto safeguardTanjil RiverMore than 8000 native trees and shrubs have been planted along the Tanjil River near Tanjil South to safeguard the local water network. Gippsland Water said the projected was completed with the goal of improving...
More than 8000 native trees and shrubs have been planted along the Tanjil River near Tanjil South to safeguard the local water network.
Gippsland Water said the projected was completed with the goal of improving water quality.
Gippsland Water managing director Sarah Cumming said the planting would reduce the risk of damage to Tanjil River pump station, which supplies Moe water treatment plant.
"Improving the resilience of our assets and protecting them from harm helps ensure we can continue to provide safe and reliable services for our customers well into the future," Ms Cumming said.
"The benefits of this project are twofold," she said. "By increasing the number of trees and shrubs along the riverbank, we're not only reducing our long-term operating costs but improving the health of the waterway and surrounding land as well."
Root systems play an important role in holding soil together on riverbanks and reducing the risk of erosion. Without this support, sediment and large debris can fall away and travel down the river and into pump systems, causing blockages.
"This is not uncommon at Tanjil River pump station and it can make it more costly to run," Ms Cumming said.
Gippsland Water acknowledged the surrounding landholders for their support, allowing workers to access the site, installing livestock exclusion fencing and meeting regularly.
"This assistance was really important in helping us to get the job done, and we're grateful for their cooperation," Ms Cumming said.
Seven different native trees and shrubs were planted, including the critically endangered Strzelecki gum, the Australian blackwood and silver wattles.
Planting natives supports the growth of other plants and can attract native birds and animals to further enhance biodiversity.
The Tanjil River pump station is a key part of Moe's water network and can transfer up to 24 megalitres of raw water to the Moe water treatment plant each day. Gippsland Water said it will continue to monitor the site's progress in the coming years and undertake regular pest and weed management.
