Client: Melbourne Water Corporation
Location: Yarra River, Kangaroo Ground and Templestowe, Melbourne

Key Services Provided:

• River health condition assessments
• Monitoring program design
• GIS Mapping

Overview

Water Technology was commissioned by Melbourne Water to undertake repeat condition assessments of the riparian vegetation along two reaches of the Yarra River, applying three recognised condition assessment methods: Habitat Hectares, Index of Stream Condition (ISC) and the Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition (RARC). Baseline assessments were completed at these sites in 2007 prior to the planned implementation of weed control works. The results of the reassessments were used to analyse the sensitivity of the condition indicator scores and final scores of each method to detect short-term (one year) condition change.

The reporting also discussed the limitations of the three methods and presented a detailed critique of the effectiveness and reproducibility of the methods for the purpose of identifying short-term condition change. It was concluded that while all three methods had applicability in particular situations, none of the methods were entirely appropriate or sensitive enough, for monitoring vegetation change within a short term period (one year). Suggestions for more appropriate methods were provided, with recommendations for relevant assessment indicators and strong emphasis on the development of more quantitative monitoring techniques.
development of more quantitative techniques.