Flagship Waterways aims to bring as many people together to look after Victoria’s rivers. This includes the Cann River in far East Victoria.
The Cann River has seen a lot of change since the 1800s. Historically, the fertile floodplains were cleared for agriculture, trees and other vegetation removed, paddocks ploughed and river banks cleared for access to the water. Floods following these actions commenced a process of bank erosion, channel widening, and stripping of topsoil from the floodplain.
Major flooding in 1919 and 1998 created widespread erosion and deepening of the river channel. The river channel expanded by four times its original width. Following the 1919 flood, management actions were implemented to try to slow and redirect the water, including planting willows, building mesh fences and even using old car bodies.
Conditions worsened following the 1998 floods, but this is when the natural healing process began with landholders, the local community and agencies working together, securing their commitment to set the river on a new recovery trajectory.
Rock and timber structures have been introduced to reduce further riverbed deepening. Partnerships with landholders to exclude stock from the river has resulted in the Flagship reach being fully fenced for more than 20 years. Native vegetation has been restored along the river to facilitate the natural recovery processes.
Maintenance work continues, including ongoing weed control and revegetation along the river. Moogji Aboriginal Council has worked on many sections, controlling weeds and planting a selection of native vegetation to increase plant diversity.
Cann Valley Landcare Group has worked tirelessly on an area within the Cann River Caravan Park. Their efforts have transformed the river access into a great spot for locals and visitors. If visiting Cann River this holiday season, we hope you enjoy this area and have a fun and safe holiday break.
