Starting from July we’re doing some important restoration works along the Main Yarra Trail in Warrandyte. The Main Yarra Trail is much loved by our community and an important environmental asset to the area.
Unfortunately, the trail has been hit hard by unprecedented rainfall in the last few years. This has caused significant damage to structure of the trail and the native plants around it. Excess water has also caused some older trees to die prematurely, without younger trees ready to take their place.
After the heavy rainfall we implemented a series of temporary measures to stop further erosion and to keep the trail open. We’re now focusing on the long-term restoration of the trail and the environment around it.
The Manningham Green Wedge Infrastructure Plan has been considered in the design and approach to the restoration, to ensure the works are sustainable and sympathetic to the semi-rural character of the area.
To undertake these works we have engaged the services of an expert contractor. Their expertise will be instrumental in restoring the trail to its full potential, so it can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Where will the restoration works be?
The restoration process will occur in eight sections between Everard Drive and Tills Drive in Warrandyte. The extent of restoration work in each section will vary based on the extent of damage. Please refer to the details provided on the back of this sheet for more information.
When will the works occur?
Works commenced in August 2023, and we expect to complete them by the end of the year. Works will begin on the section of the trail at Everard Drive and finish at Tills Drive. The construction timeline is subject to weather delays.
Will the trail be closed during restoration?
Sections of the trail will need to be temporarily closed during the week but will reopen for the weekend. We’ll have detour signage in place to support you in enjoying the trail as normally as possible during the works.
What will the restoration works include?
For most of the trail, we are simply levelling out the path, adding more gravel, weeding and planting. Some small sections will need more extensive structural work, including:
- Cement stabilisation under some sections of the path (covered by rock to look the same as the remainder of the trail).
- Retaining a small section of the trail adjacent to Police Street, to stop the trail from eroding into the river.
- Due to severe path erosion, a boardwalk will replace the trail under the oak tree east of the Kangaroo Ground – Warrandyte Road Bridge.
Will there be any additional works?
We’re taking the opportunity to make some additional improvements to the trail at the car park near Kangaroo Ground Bridge. We’ll improve the drainage to reduce flooding from stormwater. We’ll also upgrade the path to improve accessibility for wheelchairs, cyclists, and prams. The path design will complement the aesthetic of the surrounding area. Please refer to the summary of works below for details.
Will cement stabilisation impact the environment?
It is important to restore the trail with a more durable surface to avoid the path becoming unpassable due to rutting and erosion caused by concentrated water flow and flooding.
The sections of the trail where we will use cement stabilisation already have a compacted surface, so the ground’s permeability will only be slightly affected. Our experienced engineers and arborists have determined that this minor change will unlikely harm nearby tree roots, as they’ve already adapted to the compacted surface.
What happens if we don’t do this maintenance?
Due to the heavy and constant rainfall last year the trail is at great risk of long-term damage if we do not put significant measures in place to restore it. Every effort has been made to ensure the trail retains the same look and feel once works are complete.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information email manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au or phone 9840 9333.
Summary of works along the Main Yarra Trail
Please note these works are provisional depending on the condition of each section of the path when investigated further during construction.
Weeding of invasive species and planting of natives to encourage new growth. Path to be refreshed with new toppings and graded to support better drainage.
This section of the trail will be levelled out with rock, weeded and we’ll do some planting to encourage new growth. Stiggant Street Carpark and Police Street Carpark will also get minor drainage upgrades, including new drainage pits.
This section of the trail has experienced severe erosion. We may install a retaining wall at this location to prevent further erosion, ensuring the path can still be used in the future.
This section of the trail will be stabilised with a cement base and covered with rock to visually blend into the rest of the trail. The cement stabilisation will prevent severe erosion at this section of the trail to ensure it is always usable.
The lower path will not be touched, the upper path will be stabilised.
This section of the trail will be levelled out with rock, weeded and we’ll do some planting to encourage new growth. We will also undertake extensive weeding and planting in the Rainwater Garden opposite 177 Yarra Street so the plants in the garden do a more effective job of cleaning incoming storm water, reducing unnecessary pollution of our water ways.
This section of the trail will be stabilised with a cement base and covered with rock to visually blend into the rest of the trail. The cement stabilisation will prevent severe erosion at this section of the trail and reduce water ponding in the area.
We’re doing a range of works at this location including:
- Upgrading the drains in the carpark to reduce storm water flooding in the area
- Removing the gate and adding in bollards for better pedestrian access
- Fixing any damaged structures, including the memorial
- Stabilising the trail with a cement base, covered with rock to visually blend into the rest of the trail.
- Replacing the existing asphalt path will with a new concrete shared path, enhancing accessibility for wheelchairs, cyclists, and pedestrians between the carpark and the Main Yarra Trail. The design of the shared path will be sympathetic to the surrounding environment.
In Section 8, spanning from 284 Yarra Street to Tills Drive, erosion has reached an unacceptable level. To address this issue, a boardwalk will be installed beneath the oak tree, and in certain areas, the width of the trail path will be expanded from 1.5 to 2+ metres. These improvements will enable easier access for users traveling to and from Tills Drive, the stonehouse, and onward to Warrandyte State Park.
To address severe erosion in this section of the trail we’re installing a boardwalk under the Oak Tree and will widen the tail path from 1.5 to 2+ metres in certain sections. This will provide a better trail connection to and from Warrandyte State Park.
