Woody weed management - Help keep our creek healthy

We wish to inform you that contractors will be undertaking selective weed removal at multiple locations along Sauerbier and Homestead Creeks, Aberfoyle Park, in February and March 2026.

During this period, you may notice activities including chain sawing, cutting and chipping of the woody weed species such as poplars, olives, desert ash, succulents and palm.

The removal of exotic tree species is necessary to improve creek bank stability, water quality, flow capacity, and habitat for wildlife.

These works form part of an important stormwater and creek improvement project aimed at enhancing the ecological health of our waterways through:

• protection and restoration of native vegetation
• control of exotic weed species
• habitat improvement through targeted revegetation

Following weed removal, planting of local native species will occur during autumn and winter 2026.

We recognise that creek restoration is a long-term process, and we remain committed to the ongoing management of this area to ensure that the value of these on-ground works is preserved for the future.

We have successfully secured an additional $1.83 million from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program for a new watercourse rehabilitation project to improve the health of Sauerbier Creek and Homestead Creek in Aberfoyle Park, within the upper Field River catchment. This project will enhance conditions for both people and wildlife, with a particular focus on threatened species.

This initiative builds on the $5 million already allocated under the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program for similar works on Panalatinga Creek and Serpentine Creek in the central Field River catchment.

Project benefits

This rehabilitation project will help improve our urban waterways by:

• Restoring creek areas, banks, and aquatic habitats
• Enhancing water quality, waterway connectivity, and water in the landscape
• Improving parks, water quality, and community access to nature
• These efforts will support native species, particularly threatened species and significant aquatic habitats. The project will also contribute to public health benefits and help reduce urban heat-related impacts linked to climate change.

Key rehabilitation activities

The project will focus on:

• Upgrading stormwater flows and creek banks with improved drainage structures, including outflows, inlets, and planted swales
• Installing natural solutions such as logs, rocks, and permeable fabric to reduce erosion, control water flow, and strengthen creek banks
• Adding wildlife-friendly litter traps to keep water clean and safe for people and animals
• Creating safe spaces for wildlife, including:
  • Wildlife crossings over barriers
  • Natural water pools for animals
  • Special habitat refuges for threatened species, such as Southern Brown Bandicoots and Cunningham’s Skinks
  • Artificial hollows and nesting boxes for birds and other wildlife
• Protecting native vegetation by controlling weeds and planting local species to improve biodiversity and habitat for threatened species
• Monitoring native plants and animals and encouraging community participation through citizen science activities
• Enhancing community connections with nature through workshops, signage, fact sheets, and conservation activities

This initiative reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable urban development and builds on the success of our award-winning Urban Creek Recovery Project (2013–18), which improved the condition and connectivity of 62.5km of watercourse habitats. More details about that project, including the type of work involved and waterway locations, can be found in the Urban Creek Recovery Project map.