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This article was published on Thursday, 14 March, 2024. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Tom Collins Drive river bank stabilisation works complete

Above: Before the river bank stabilisation works in February 2024.

Above: After the stabilisation works were complete, prior to the planting.

Summary

River bank stabilisation works along Tom Collins Drive and Aquamoves Precinct in Shepparton completed by local contractor, APEX Earthworks.
Over 1,380 tonnes of locally sourced rock used to protect infrastructure and restore stability after October 2022 flood damage.
Shared pathway between river bank and road permanently removed due to erosion, replaced with a new path for pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Minimal road closures and disruptions thanks to contractor's safety measures; remaining trees preserved, with revegetation planned under 'One Tree Per Child' program.

Read the full story below.

The works were completed by local contractor, APEX Earthworks, over a two week period, with the end result protecting the surrounding infrastructure and restoring the stability of the river bank which was damaged during the October 2022 flood event.

Materials were sourced from local quarries to complete the works, with over 1,380 tonne of rock strategically placed to reform, stabilise and protect the river bank from further erosion.

As a result of the works, and due to the significant erosion which had occurred, the previous shared pathway between the river bank and the road had to be permanently removed. However, pedestrians and cyclists can now utilise the replacement path which has been provided to allow for safe access around the area.

The works were able to be completed with minimal road closures and delays thanks to a commitment from the contractor who utilised safety spotters to work underneath and around the power lines. This allowed the machinery to stay off the road and helped to avoid significant disruptions to Tom Collins Drive and the adjacent Aquamoves car park while works were underway.

Council were pleased to be able to save some of the trees along the river bank and will now use the ‘One Tree Per Child’ planting program to revegetate the remainder of the area. The significant, old Red Gums along the river bank were identified as important to protect and a feature in the area. The Projects Delivery team worked with contractors and other staff to ensure they were saved during the design and construction phases.

Council’s Director Infrastructure, Gary Randhawa, thanked the community for their patience while the works were undertaken.

“These stabilisation works were necessary to protect the river bank from further damage and we thank Aquamoves members and the community for their patience and understanding while the works took place,” he said.

“The end result has stabilised the site and ensured the area is safe for motorists and pedestrians. We now look forward to adding some new vegetation which will further enhance the picturesque river views which the community love and enjoy.”

These remediation works were fully funded under the State Government’s Council Flood Support Fund.