January 31st, 2026Coliban River weed work continues

The next stage of a community-backed plan to restore and protect a key section of the Coliban River at Lauriston will kick off in the coming weeks.

Infestations of willows, blackberry, and gorse will be removed along a three-kilometre stretch of the river upstream of the Lauriston bridge.

Project Manager Tess Grieves said removing the weed infestations was the first step to restoring that section of the river.

“While the ground is dry over the summer months, contractors will be onsite to remove the already treated weed infestations,” she said.

“These weeds pose an ongoing threat to the river, native plants and animals, and surrounding land.

“A significant program of stock-proof fencing and revegetation will follow in the years to come.”

The work will begin in February, outside of the platypus breeding season, while leaving the riverbank intact.

“eDNA sampling, observations, and waterbug sampling in spring last year revealed the platypus population in this stretch of the river is stable, which is great news,” Ms Grieves said.

“It’s been so pleasing to hear how many locals observed platypus in the Coliban River over spring, and the transformation of this section of river will create even better conditions for them to survive and thrive.

“When you add all these benefits to the cultural importance of these rivers being healthy, improved water quality, and the positive impact on fish, waterbugs, and platypus, this work is a win-win.”

Now in its eighth year, the Healthy Coliban Catchment project is a partnership between Coliban Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority, DJAARA, local councils, and local communities.