Goulburn Valley Water established tree plantations on different sites decades ago as part of a long-term trial for tree irrigation using recycled water. This trial has now been completed and the trees are being removed.
Four years ago about 45 hectares of trees were harvested from the Daldy Rd site, to help remediate the land and convert it into productive irrigated farming with vegetation corridors.
This latest harvest will see suitable trees from the wastewater facility used to support environmental outcomes through a Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority program.
Goulburn Valley Water managing director Steve Capewell said repurposing the harvested trees for environmental benefit was a wonderful outcome for both organisations.
“Not only will the trees be put to good use, but the cleared land will also be rehabilitated to allow our farming operations to continue expanding,” Dr Capewell said.
“We have recycled water available at the Shepparton facility and the tree harvest will allow the land to be farmed using this water for irrigation, once soil rehabilitation has been completed.”
Goulburn Broken CMA uses timber pins to control river bank erosion — hundreds of trees measuring 150mm to 300mm in diameter are put in place annually to improve the health of waterways across the region.
Enough trees are expected to be provided by Goulburn Valley Water to satisfy Goulburn Broken CMA’s timber pin requirements for a number of years.
“This is a win-win scenario,” Goulburn Broken CMA interim chief executive Carl Walters said.
“Having access to these trees will allow us to continue our efforts of stabilising river banks at key sites along our local rivers and streams.
“It’s a great example of the two organisations working together for the good of our waterways.”
