In October 2023, Central Highlands Water (CHW) welcomed over 100 enthusiastic locals to their Community Planting Day along the Yarrowee River.
Together with members of Rotary, Friends of the Yarrowee, Mount Pleasant History Group, Friends of Canadian Corridor and Ballarat Treeworks, as well as Scouts, residents, families, children, and plenty of puppies, the CHW team planted 2,200 shrubs and trees to revegetate the area.
This community event was the beginning of the planned revitalisation of the area, following the installation of Ballarat Sewer Build Stage 2 wastewater pipe.
CHW Managing Director, Jeff Haydon said,
“Since last year’s planting day, a further 3,800 plantings, as well as landscaping works have been completed in the area.”
CHW, supported by Ballarat Treeworks and Ballarat Sewer Build contractor, Diona, have cared for the area over the past 12 months. Recently their project management team toured the site to check on the progress of the revegetation, completing some weeding and watering while there.
Ballarat Sewer Build Project Manager, Chris Loader, said,
“It’s fulfilling to see how quickly these new plantings are growing alongside the Yarrowee River.”
“The use of logs, stumps and mulch from onsite, as well as suitable plants have encouraged biodiversity, supressed invasive weeds, and continue to beautify the popular walking trail,” Chris said.
From December 2024, City of Ballarat will take over the management of this area and will continue to care for the plantings for our community and environment.
Since the original planting day, Ballarat Sewer Build works have been completed near the overhead pipe section towards Ballarat South Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will ultimately connect to pipe presently being installed in Humffray Street South.
The $25 million sewer project will provide for another 100 years of growth and safe sanitation for our city, with 6km of duplicated sewer running from Ballarat East to Ballarat South.
For more information on the Ballarat Sewer Build, please visit www.chw.net.au/sewerbuild
