Yarra Waterways
About the Yarra catchment
The Yarra River begins on the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range, in the forested water supply catchments of the Yarra Ranges National Park. The river's catchment area covers 4078 square kilometres. Average annual rainfall in the catchment ranges from 615mm at Burnley, near Melbourne, to 1080mm at Upper Yarra Reservoir near Warburton, contributing to higher flows during Winter and Spring. Although the Yarra River is not large by Australian standards, it is a very productive catchment as it generates the fourth highest yield of water per hectare of catchment in Victoria.
Waterway condition in the Yarra catchment.
Waterway health
The upper reaches of the Yarra River and its major tributaries flow through forested, mountainous areas, which have been reserved for water supply purposes for more than 100 years. The rivers and creeks are relatively undisturbed and in excellent condition. The lower slopes and floodplains have been extensively cleared for agricultural use, which impacted on waterway health. Development of urban areas in the lower catchment has also contributed to poor health.
Water quality is generally good in the upper catchment, but deteriorates downstream because of changes in land use. Over the past few decades, there has been a general improvement in many of the water quality parameters we test, such as nutrients, bacteria and suspended solids, especially in urban rivers and creeks. A good deal of this can be attributed to improvements in sewerage infrastructure, regulation against industrial discharges to waterways, and works to prevent erosion.
Urbanisation and land clearing or extraction for urban and agricultural uses have led to modified flows in most waterways in the Yarra catchment. As a result, many creeks in the catchment are considered to be flow stressed and we are now focusing on ensuring environmental flow requirements in these waterways are met.
Flora and fauna
While the forested upper catchment offers excellent habitat, both the quality and amount of habitat in a number of rural and urban waterways is poor as a result of erosion, weeds, farming techniques and changes to river flows. Despite this, native plants and endangered or threatened species can still be found in many rural and urban waterways. In recent years, we have managed to slow the loss of habitat and, in some cases, have extended the range of certain species with a range of works including replanting indigenous plants, enhancing habitat and removing fish barriers.
The rivers and creeks in the Yarra catchment are described and rated in the links below. The highlighted red section of the map indicates the catchment area for the individual waterway. Information on improvement works that have been undertaken or are planned is included.