The Merriman Creek Landcare group is delighted to announce their success in receiving almost $40,000 in Victorian Government funding.
The Communities for Nature grant will be used to enhance the health of Merriman Creek from west of Stradbroke through to Seaspray. Funds will be used to remove blackberries and other woody weeds along over 20 kilometres of creek frontage. Most of this is fenced to prevent access by cattle, thus protecting the waterway and its banks. These works will improve the biodiversity of the area as well as improving water quality. The creek is the primary water source for the township of Seaspray. Merriman Creek Landcare group have partnered with Gippsland Water who will be assisting in the delivery of the project. Other planned activities include water quality monitoring and revegetation. The Seaspray Primary School is keen to be involved in these activities as is Longford Primary School. The group is also pleased to have the involvement of the Wellington Shire who will focus some of their annual weed control efforts on shire roadside areas adjacent to the creek. Group Contact Officer, Melissa Ainsworth said "the creek is a community asset that has immense environmental, agricultural, social and economic benefits for the district, and we must all do our bit to protect it". Weed control works have commenced and people interested in joining in on planned activities are most welcome to call either 51468328 or visit the Yarram Yarram Landcare Network website at www.yyln.org.au