Bush Crew diaries January 2023

Published on 23 December 2022

Trees surrounding a flood plain

The last few seasons have seen many of our wetlands, river systems and creeks flood, as adjacent floodplains fill with water.

Bailey's Billabong in East Ivanhoe was once part of an old river course of Melbourne's mighty Yarra River, which was left behind once it changed course.

The billabong and surrounding floodplain riparian woodlands have flooded on numerous occasions over the past year, due to wetter than usual weather patterns.

While these events have caused damage in some areas to assets, walking trails, riverbanks, vegetation and fauna, it's also important to remember that these processes are a natural part of the Australian landscape which also deliver benefits.

Some of these benefits include:

  • increasing the connectivity of the river to the surrounding landscape
  • recharging ground water systems
  • filling wetlands
  • increasing the connectivity between aquatic habitats
  • transporting sediments and nutrients across the landscape
  • aiding vegetation to disperse and germinate seed.

The iconic river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is one such species that has evolved and adapted to flooding. Flood events, give trees growing away from the water’s edge the benefit of additional water and trigger seed germination which is important for the succession of this species.

It can tolerate immersion with water for up to 9 months and can struggle to survive in some places if there is a lack of water. This amazing species has the potential to live to 1,000 years of age and is important habitat for a range of animals.

This summer, the Bush Crew will continue to assess these floodplain sites for safety, and work on controlling noxious weeds threatening these ecosystems.

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