Barwon
River Mangroves The Concept Plan aims to: |
* To preserve, protect and enhance the natural values of the
Barwon Heads mangroves and their environs. * To maintain and enhance the visual quality and identity of the river bank, mangrove and saltmarsh areas. * To provide a plan which will guide the long-term development of the river bank, mangrove and saltmarsh areas. * To minimise conflict between multiple recreational uses of the river bank. Boardwalk Access Links and 'Feature Fishing Jetty' A boardwalk link is required where track passes through saltmarsh communities and steep river bank transition areas to allow visitors access to some areas of the mangroves, salt marshes and areas where the banks of the river are sensitive to impacts and erosion. A feature fishing jetty will be constructed adjacent (approx 50 from) to the Pelican court boat ramp. Minor boardwalk construction will also be provided to provide access to the river bank for fishing and scenic viewing where indicated on the plan. |
Vegetation Management Areas of mangroves, saltmarsh and remnant indigenous vegetation require protection from further degradation related to the impacts of recreation activities and introduced flora. Natural revegetation process should be promoted wherever possible and all infrastructure, development and management works should be restricted to previously cleared and disturbed areas. Ongoing vegetation management actions will: * control public access to all mangrove and salt marsh areas throughout the study site. * promote natural revegetation and recolonisation of indigenous species particularly mangrove and salt marsh communities. supplement natural regeneration and regrowth with a propagation and replanting programme. * protect existing Moonahs (Metaleuea lanceolatum) throughout the site and establish new indigenous plantings with Moonahs as the dominant species. maintain |
existing roadside vegetation in massed planting 'blocks'. * identify and eradicate all weed species (eg Pittosporum, Lycium etc) within areas of bank and roadside vegetation, and immediately replant with indigenous species in mulched beds to avoid weed recolonisation. * fence revegetation areas to exclude access. Fencing to be, post arid wire mesh fastened to tensioned wire top and bottom. Bank Stabilisation Many areas of the river bank within the study site are degraded and' actively eroding. On-going bank stabilisation and management works are required to enhance the quality of the river bank, promote revegetation and control erosion River bank stabilisation will be achieved by: controlling access to the river bank. restricting access to the river bank to 'hardened' areas only providing rock base and jute matting in moderately eroded river bank areas. |
Revegetate with rush species. installing rock beaching and
stabilisation works (subject to engineering and geotechnical assessment)
in section Where the banks are severely eroded. Visitor Facilities, Information Signs, and Visual Amenity To enhance visitor experience all construction and built elements should compliment the setting and respond to the natural environment. Information Shelters and Signs. Information shelters are required at strategic locations. Shelters should include location maps and other information that promotes the natural and cultural values of the study area. Direction signs are required at all pathway intersections and entry points to the site. All structures, toilets, information shelters, signs and structures are to comply with Parks Victoria's Facilities Manual (draft) standards. |