The Council, in collaboration with the North Central Catchment Management Authority and Coliban Water, is actively engaged in the eradication of Weeds of National Significance to enhance the habitat and aesthetics of waterways in Trentham. The removal of blackberry, willow, and other invasive weeds will create room for planting and natural resurgence of indigenous wetland flora. In 2024, contractors removed invasive trees along 450 m of Trent Creek upstream of High Street. In 2025, replanting took place here and in three other community-led revegetation sites previously weedy sites.

This initiative is financed by the North Central CMA and Coliban Water and supervised by Council personnel. The final year of establishment maintenance, weed control and planting works in 2026 will consolidate the previous work on waterways within reserves administered by Council, DEECA, and three local community groups. Plantings of over 6000 trees, shrubs and plantings will remain as well as increased skills and networking among local groups. The final celebratory event in June will include a Dja Dja Wurrung ceremony and reflections on the project and future opportunities for community to contribute to Trentham’s biodiverse waterways.

The Bright-eyed Brown Butterfly, a rare wetland-dependent species, serves as the emblematic species for this project, having shown positive reactions to community-driven restoration activities along the Stony and Trent creeks.