Reducing flood risk and improving McIvor Creek for the Heathcote community.
About the project
The City of Greater Bendigo, with support from the Heathcote community, has applied for grant funding to reduce flood risk and improve the environment along McIvor Creek.
This project focuses on removing invasive plants, clearing debris and restoring the creek to improve water flow and ecological health.
Current works
Council is funding initial works while grant funding is being assessed.
Stage 1 – Weed treatment
Woody weeds are being controlled using stem injection. This includes highly invasive species such as crack willows.
Stage 2 – Creek clearing
Removal of elm, willow, debris and rubbish from Caledonia and Possum Gullies near Kilmore Road.
Stage 1 has been completed. Subject to weather conditions, Stage 2 is planned for Spring 2026.
Future stages (subject to funding)
If grant funding is approved, further works will include:
Stage 3 – Downstream clearing
Removal of elm, willow and debris along McIvor Creek downstream of Barrack Street.
Stage 4 – Creek restoration
Revegetation and improvement works along McIvor Creek, led by community groups.
Why this project is needed
This project responds directly to community feedback from three emergency planning workshops in Heathcote.
The benefits have also been identified in:
- Heathcote Stormwater Investigation 2021
- Ecological Assessments 2026
These studies confirm the need to improve creek conditions to reduce flood risk and support a healthier environment.
Project timing
Early planning is underway.
Grant funding decisions are expected in late 2026, alongside a broader review of creek management.
Frequently asked questions
The City is taking steps to reduce woody weeds (e.g. elms, willows) along McIvor Creek and nearby gullies. This improves environment and reduces flood risk. Council has also applied for a grant to extend the woody weed control further along the creek.
We heard that the community is concerned that the exotic trees and debris in McIvor Creek and some of its tributaries are contributing to flooding. Reducing woody weeds is an action in the Heathcote Drainage Study 2021 and a high priority action in the North Central Regional Floodplain Management Strategy 2018-2028.
No. Healthy Waterways, Safer Heathcote is a project to reduce flood risk during small and medium rainfall events and will not stop road closures or water across properties. It will reduce flood risk while improving the environment and community connections.
Most of the McIvor Creek corridor is Crown land which the Victorian Government is currently responsible for. Council has gained permission from the Victorian Government to conduct the woody weed control works proposed. Any community led works would also need to be approved by the Victorian Government.
The project will need help from the community after the initial woody weed removal. This could include weeding and replanting along the creek or reusing recovered materials. These activities would need to be undertaken by a group with the appropriate insurances. Council will be bringing together community members who are interested in caring for the creek to discuss the options available for establishing a formal group.
Subject to funding and weather, initial work will take around 12 months to complete. The work does not prevent new weeds to grow; so continued ongoing effort will be required.