Middle Yarra River
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The middle Yarra River catchment is the section of the Yarra below Warrandyte, including minor tributaries such as Banyule creek. The Yarra River has significant flora and fauna species including the threatened Australian Grayling and Australian Mudfish. The lower Yarra provides excellent recreational facilities such as trails and is popular with visitors. Many of the tributaries within the area are impacted by urban influences and as a result, their environmental values are reduced. However, many still retain important attributes such as recreational facilities.
The wetlands in the Banyule area are steeped in Aboriginal heritage whilst Dights Falls and the historical flour mill are of European cultural importance. Key risks to the middle Yarra River relate to:
- changes in hydrology,
- reduced water quality (as a result of stormwater),
- partial barriers to fish migration; and
- the prevalence of exotic weeds and pests.
Melbourne Water has developed the Index of River Condition (IRC) program to provide an overall integrated measure of the environmental condition of rivers. To find out more about the health of these rivers and creeks visit Melbourne Water’s website or request Healthy Waterways Waterwatch data.
