Protecting West Gippsland’s rivers starts in their pristine headwaters where delicate ferns shimmer in the dappled light dancing through giant gums and Victoria’s rainforest ecosystems continue to thrive. 

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has completed another year of vital work protecting the region’s fragile ecosystems, removing invasive willows from remote headwaters. 

“In 2025-26, we inspected 206 kilometres of headwater river reaches,” said Martin Fuller, CEO of West Gippsland CMA. 

If willows were detected, the areas were treated to protect the headwaters and prevent the weeds spreading further down the rivers. The inspections were carried out as part of the headwater program in nine waterways including upper main reaches and tributaries of the Avon, Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister), Durt-Yowan (Latrobe), Albert and Tarra rivers. 

Willows spread easily by seed, branches and twigs, so getting them at the source helps protect areas further downstream. The impact of willows can be devastating for a waterway as they choke streams and damage riverside vegetation. It is also a lot more cost effective to treat them at the source, reducing long term control costs. Willow removal protects native vegetation, improves water quality, and supports species such as fish and platypus. It also ensures communities can continue enjoying healthy waterways for fishing, hiking and paddling. 

“These rivers support some of Victoria’s most pristine alpine environments and this work helps keep them that way for us all to enjoy,” Martin concluded.  

The Protecting Pristine Headwaters project is in partnership with Parks Victoria and supported by the Victorian Government.