Yarriambiack Creek Sediment Removal
Published on 16 May 2025
Media Release: Yarriambiack Creek Sediment, Weed and Grass Removal Project to commence
The Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (Wimmera CMA), in partnership with Yarriambiack Shire, has announced the initiation of a major environmental project aimed at addressing the silting issue of Yarriambiack Creek. The project is scheduled to commence next week.
This project will see the removal of sediment in the Yarriambiack Creek, between Werrigar and Wood Street, approximately 3.7km upstream of the Warracknabeal Weir on Rainbow Road.
Council has assigned a street sweeper for the duration of the works to ensure roads used by contractors remains clean and free of mud or debris.
Works are scheduled to start on Wednesday 21 May, and continue until Friday 30 May.
Residents are asked not to park in Wood Street for the duration of the works.
The project will involve the removal of sediment from the creek and the Wood Street sediment pond to prevent future accumulation. It will also include the removal of invasive weeds and grasses in that section of the Creek.
Yarriambiack Shire Council, CEO Tammy Smith said, “This initiative is designed to effectively manage the sediment 'slug'—a concentrated deposit of sand or sediment within the creek that can migrate downstream. By addressing this issue, we aim to enhance the creek's health and flow”. “Additionally, the project will tackle the removal of invasive non-native weeds and grasses. These plants, if left unchecked, can deplete oxygen levels in the water, affecting fish and other wildlife by forming dense mats within the waterway. The eradication of weeds is crucial to prevent their detrimental impact on our communities and ecosystems, which includes obstructing waterways and disrupting our drainage systems”, Mrs Smith stated.
Efforts to resolve this issue have been ongoing since January 2024, with both the Council and the Wimmera CMA actively working through the approval process.
Mrs Smith stated that, “We acknowledge the community’s concerns regarding the health of the Creek and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding while we navigated challenges that delayed the commencement of this project”.
“Our dedication to restoring the natural beauty and functionality of Yarriambiack Creek remains unwavering, and we look forward to the completion of this project”.
Mrs. Smith expressed her appreciation for the Wimmera CMA, commending them for “their proactive efforts to tackle the issue”.
END OF RELEASE
Tammy Smith