Fresh flows boost Yarra River health

Melbourne's Yarra River will benefit from a fresh flow of water over the next two weeks as 2,200 ML of environmental water is released to enhance the river's health.

Melbourne's Yarra River will benefit from a fresh flow of water over the next two weeks as 2,200 ML of environmental water is released to enhance the river's health.

This environmental flow release aims to flush sediment from the river, encourage vegetation growth and maintain habitat for bugs, fish and platypus.

Water will be released from Maroondah Reservoir and the Maroondah Aqueduct to benefit the stretch of river between Yering Gorge and Dights Falls.

David Norman, Waterways Manager, said in addition to supplying much of Melbourne's water needs, 17,000 ML of Yarra River water is reserved annually for environmental flows.

"Melbourne's waterways suffered during the drought, so it's important that we give back when we're in a position to do so," Mr Norman said.

"The Yarra is a centrepiece of Melbourne and this environmental water release will help to make the river even better," he added.

"Following the successful completion of the Dights Falls fishway, endangered juvenile Australian graylings are now able to move upstream and environmental releases can assist their migration," Mr Norman said.

"This stretch of the Yarra is also home to the nationally protected Macquarie perch and platypus populations, both of which will benefit from environmental releases and the food they bring," he added.

This is the fourth time the Yarra River has received environmental flows since its water allocation was established in October 2010.