Collapsed Boardwalk - TRACK CLOSED

Over the past 18 months our Committee of volunteers has been liaising with the state government, Edgewater Resort developer, Melbourne Water, residents and Council regarding the collapsed boardwalk behind the old Sanitarium factory. 

It is our pleasure to finally let everyone know that we are reconstructing and realigning the riverside track to ensure the safety for users and the stability and sustainability of the river riparian environment. 

The project will also include new fencing, native plantings, weed control, new track and re-shaping the river bank.  We are pleased to have support from everyone mentioned above and continue to thank the Warby residents for their understanding during the time we have the track closed from 23rd October until mid-December. 

We'll let you know via this blog when the track is reopened.  Works will be dependant on weather, contractor availability and operational success of construction works.

If you have further queries, please don't hesitate to contact us via email. 

 

Building Bridges

Since our Committee entered into an agreement with Yarra Ranges Council in December 2012, the Warburton River Walk has seen considerable upgrades.  The latest support has included the replacement of a once narrow ramp leading to Bramich Bridge, behind the footy oval.

We wish to acknowledge and thank Council for their ongoing support to the community in the maintenance and upgrades required in-order to keep the river walk a safe, accessible and attractive destination for locals and our visitors.

Seeking New Committee Members

Do you have an interest in our Yarra River’s health and beauty??

Our Committee is asking for your help. We need people that walk the tracks regularly and do not mind monitoring the condition of the reserve. We'd like a friends group that will report via email, scribbled note, phone, or talk to us about any of the following:

 Broken boards on boardwalks - Graffiti - Rubbish too large for you to pick up - Tripping hazards - Muddy conditions - Fallen trees from storms

 

If you are interested we have the opportunity for you to join our committee or we may form an informal group with no formality’s but a conduit to the formal committee for advice and assistance in improving this iconic piece of Warburton.

Applications are currently being lodged with Department of Environment and Primary Industries. 

 

For further information please email Gordon Buller, gsbuller@tpg.com.au or Jess Baillie on jessbaillie@gmail.com

Golden Whistlers are often seen by the Yarra in Warby

River Helping Hands

Spring sunshine flooded the river planting site along Dammans Rd last Saturday when 40 locals gathered to plant, investigate, learn, make friends, meet old friends and generally have fun.  The 'group hoot' (owls) as part of the threatened species talk was a highlight along with seed pod craft and learning about local plans to expand our National Park.  Ferns were planted, a new rain garden or 'bog' will trap sediment and filter nutrients before they enter the Yarra and special connections were forged by both children and adults alike.  Thank you for your whole hearted involvement and contributions.

Enthusiastic water monitors!

 

 Threatened Species - Warburton Environment talk

Thank you

Melbourne Water                                 Wild Thyme

Yarra Ranges Council                         Warburton Golf Club

Warburton Environment                      Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater 

Warburton Community Market            EcoRepair

 

 

Act Locally!

Enjoy the River Walk - Get Healthy!

Did you know being in nature improves your health? 

Studies have shown that access to nature and green space is associated with enhanced mental wellbeing, reduced violence and aggression, and increased levels of physical activity; that ‘green exercise’ – exercise taken outdoors – is more beneficial than gym-based physical activity; and that patients in hospital recover more quickly if they have views of the natural environment from their window. 
21st National Conference Australian Health Promotion - Mark Dooris June 2013

Join the River Reserves Committee with local guest presenters and get your hands dirty by the Yarra by planting a special native plant with your kids, friends and the locals to help improve the natural surrounds and be part of local action and visioning for a Greater National Parks System.

Enhance our own connections to nature and each other whilst simultaneously improving our health!

Visit link for Mark Dooris keynote in full:
http://blogs.crikey.com.au/croakey/2013/06/17/some-big-challenges-for-the-health-promotion-sector-including-the-converging-crises-of-environmental-degradation-and-social-injustice/

Who Are We?

The River Reserves volunteers are a Committee of Management that look after crown land adjacent to the Yarra throughout Warburton. 

For more information about managing crown land, visit:

http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/property-titles-and-maps/managing-crown-land/managing-crown-land-fact-sheets/managing-crown-land-fact-sheet-committees-of-management-and-reserved-crown-land

Wominjeka (Welcome to Country) - Joy Murphy

The River Reserves Committee - So far

The Upper Yarra River Reserves are a committee that are responsible for 8.5km of Yarra River frontage through Warburton township.  The Committee represent local residents providing advice, support and local insights to land and waterway managers and community.  The Committee have run for decades and this blog is an attempt to share our story more broadly. 

 

Since 2009 successful grant applications have allowed us to work in partnership with local schools, other community groups, Yarra Ranges Council and Melbourne Water and we have achieved:

· 15 school and community planting days  

· indigenous cultural workshops with Wurundjeri

· fishing workshops with Fishcare and local schools

· weed control with local weed contractors to reduce siginficant weed threats and replace them with locally native plants

· A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2012 with Yarra Ranges Council and Melbourne Water to take on responsibility of maintaining the River Walk tracks

Watch this space for details of an upcoming Spring Community Day in September 2013....a great way to welcome back the sunshine and meet the locals.

 For further information, please don't hesitate to email Jess Baillie, jessbaillie@gmail.com