Hazelwood Park Creek Line Restoration
Consultation has concluded
Information on the ongoing weed removal and replanting of local native species proposed for part of First Creek in Hazelwood Park.
Hazelwood Park is traversed by First Creek and includes natural stands of River Red Gum and SA Blue Gum. The overall health of the creek flowing through the reserve is impacted by the large woody weed species choking the growth of native species.
Background
Council has been gradually implementing our Biodiversity Strategy and Watercourse Management Policy to improve the health of our local creeks. The restoration of Zone 1 (see map) is part of an overall vegetation management plan that began in 2002. To date, work has been undertaken on the western side of First Creek which has rejuvenated part of the creek line and successfully increased the presence of our native flora and fauna.
Weedy trees such as Ash and Olive are a significant problem for creek restoration as they spread prolifically, choke natural vegetation, are water thirsty, and create dense shade making it almost impossible to establish native trees, rushes, sedges and grasses that are needed to protect the stream bed and bank from erosion.
The historic and intentionally planted exotic trees, that are not weedy, will remain as a valuable asset within Hazelwood Park. Advanced native trees will be planted immediately after the treatment and removal of the weedy trees to ensure the ambience of the area is maintained.
Native watercourse (riparian) species will be planted as the herbaceous weeds are eliminated. The existing informal pedestrian path between the creek and Swimming Centre fence line will be retained.
Next Steps
Restoration works detailed in the Information section, will commence in March 2014 with the removal of woody weed species and again in May 2014 for planting of local native plant species.
Further information
Please see Council’s Watercourse Management Policy and Biodiversity Strategy in the Library on the right.
Enquiries
Please contact Council’s Project Officer, Melanie Spurling on 8366 4282 or by using the Email Us tab below by 5 pm Wednesday 12 March 2014.