Central region << BACK TO CONTENTS Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River is becoming an ecological wonderland for frogs, birds, platypus and fish, as water for the environment improves the health of the river. The Yarra system received its second-largest-ever volume of water for the environment in 2016–17 with the delivery of over 21,000 megalitres. This water is key to the survival of the river’s endangered aquatic inhabitants (such as Australian grayling, Macquarie perch, river blackfish, platypus and waterbugs). “Environmental flows complemented wet conditions during the year, providing a much-needed top-up to improve the health of the Yarra. While it may seem unusual that water is released in wet periods, it is the ideal time to mimic natural processes.” said Melbourne Water’s Cheryl Edwards. “Dams have altered natural flows and reduced habitat and food availability for native aquatic animals, so the release of this water is very important to improve the Yarra’s health.” Over time, the lower Yarra River has been straightened, widened and cleared of debris as Melbourne has grown around its banks. The earliest recorded European modifications to the course of the river date back to 1879. The program to deliver water for the environment aims to reinstate flows that support the environment along the length of the river. In the Yarra system, Yering Backswamp (5 kilometres south-west of Yarra Glen) and Banyule Billabong (at Viewbank) received environmental water in 2016–17, and the health of these areas improved noticeably. There were more native frogs and birds and fewer weeds. As well, works to lower the bank of Spadoni’s Billabong (at Yering) allowed this waterway to fill naturally for the second time since the project’s completion in 2013. Over one-third of Victoria’s population lives in the Yarra catchment, which has an area of about 4,000 square kilometres. Water for the environment is improving environmental outcomes and the highly prized recreational values of the river, benefiting everyone who enjoys the Yarra. Waterway manager: Melbourne Water Storage manager: Melbourne Water Site Yarra River Banyule Billabong Yering Backswamp Volume delivered in 2016–17 (ML) 21,478 60 6 Click here to watch the Melbourne Water video about environmental water for the Yarra River, or watch it at https://youtu.be/2zALXkrFJDU 29 | Victorian Environmental Water Holder
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