Re-veg the Gorge

We have news of an important project to remove a weedy bottleneck on both sides of Merri Creek in Northcote and improve habitat connectivity between the Merri and the Birrarung/Yarra.

The Northcote Gorge project includes a 320 m stretch of Merri Creek, between the pedestrian bridge (John Anderson Bridge) over the creek downstream of High St; and Heidelberg Rd, Northcote. Revegetation and restoration works have been completed up and downstream of the Gorge, but the steep, rocky and unstable escarpment in this area is a challenge that requires the joint efforts of all stakeholders to address. This grant-funded project brings together MCMC (funder and contractor), Darebin and Yarra Councils (funders) and FoMC (advocacy and community participation) to begin the work, with Melbourne Water a key stakeholder we hope will come onboard as work progresses. Weed removal and restoration works will support ecological connectivity and waterway health for both the Merri and birrarung.

The gorge contains a small patch of the threatened Escarpment Shrubland Ecological Vegetation Class which is a high priority for protection and restoration. The project will be staged over 4 years — beginning with woody weed removal – exotic species such as Elms, Date Palm, Boxthorn, Desert Ash and Peppercorns, along with vines and Fennel. Existing vegetation will be removed in a staged manner, to minimise erosion, and provide habitat continuity.

In earlier works, FoMC contracted MCMC in 2014 to work on a section north of Heidelberg Road. Funded by the Melbourne Water River Health Incentives program, the eastern bank of the creek was restored.  This new project will address the section to the south of that previous work.

Restoring the indigenous flora will eventually provide habitat for Powerful owls, through the planting of nesting trees — Melbourne Yellow gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon subsp. connata) and Studley Park gum (Eucalyptus x studleyensis) — both under threat in Victoria. Mid-story shrubs – for example, Acacias will provide habitat for Powerful owl prey species such as Ring-tailed possums and Kreffts gliders. Improved water quality and off-stream habitat creation may entice the Platypus that come upstream from the birrarung, to stay a little longer in Merri Creek.

There has been ongoing community involvement and interest in this section of Merri Creek and the project will include a public walk and talk, and a community volunteer event in 2026. As the more challenging tasks are dealt with by professional staff and heavy equipment, there will be opportunities for further community volunteer involvement in subsequent years. FoMC will continue to advocate for the continued investment needed to remove woody weeds and revegetate and restore this iconic escarpment.

If you’re interested in this section of Merri Creek and would like to be kept updated about opportunities to get involved and help care for the area once the large weeds are removed, please email us: friendsofmerricreek@gmail.com

    
Image credit: left, Northcote Gorge, near the John Anderson Bridge.
Right, Northcote Gorge below the pedestrian bridge at the end of The Parade, photos by Jane Miller