King River: Take a look at it now!

During the autumn, extensive willow removal on the King and Ovens Rivers left the banks at risk of erosion from floodwaters. The spring rains have now started and the outcome is yet to be seen.

The photo at right was taken after this week's rain and shows the river running a banker. Compare that with the photos below showing the downstream view with the willows and with the willows removed.



Now take a look at the upstream view from the bridge and compare this with the bottom photos above showing the view before and after the willow removal.

Click on this photo for a larger version and you will see the remaining bottlebrush plantings along the far bank that have not yet been washed away. If the water rises any more, there will be nothing left. Damage to the river banks will only be evident when the waters recede.

The water is running down the drain with such force that damage must occur to the banks. In the past, the willows slowed the water down spreading it further into the fields upstream which is natures way of renovating the river flats.

By turning into a drain like this, the excess water can only spill over further downstream around the Edi Cutting and beyond.

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Read: Flood mitigation infrastructure destroyed
Read: Update: King River Willow Removal
Read: Why is Willow Eradication Necessary?

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