35 hectares of new habitat to support Victoria’s critically endangered species at Launching Place
Published 02 September 2026
Yarra Valley Water has completed earthworks to make innovative use of its land around the treatment plant, and planting is now getting underway. This will create new habitat for two of Victoria’s most critically endangered species - the Helmeted Honeyeater and lowland Leadbeater’s Possum.
Once planted and established, the habitat is expected to support a local colony of approximately 100 Helmeted Honeyeaters and 50 Leadbeater’s Possums.
The project also uses recycled water produced at the treatment plant to establish and maintain the wetlands, demonstrating how recycled water can support biodiversity and improve climate resilience in Victoria’s increasingly dry conditions.
Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Natalie Foeng said the project showcased how water infrastructure can be reimagined to deliver benefits beyond providing essential services.
“Water is a precious resource, and projects like this show how recycled water can be used in innovative ways to create lasting benefits for the environment,” Ms Foeng said.
“By repurposing land around our Upper Yarra Sewage Treatment Plant, we’re creating valuable habitat for threatened species and showing how our infrastructure can play a broader role in supporting the environment.”
Greening Australia Program Specialist Candice Parker said the planting now getting underway is an exciting milestone for the restoration project and a significant step towards rebuilding habitat for some of Victoria’s most threatened wildlife.
“Through the planting of over 172,000 trees, we are helping re-establish diverse swampy and riparian vegetation communities that will provide critical refuge and foraging habitat for the Helmeted Honeyeater, lowland Leadbeater’s Possum and many other native species,” said Ms Parker.
“Greening Australia is proud to work alongside Yarra Valley Water and project partners to restore this landscape and create a healthier, more resilient ecosystem that will continue to deliver biodiversity benefits for generations to come.”
Vegetation is being planted from August to October across the site to create a diverse ecosystem that encourages natural regeneration and helps increase pollination and seed spreading across the landscape.
Project partners include Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Greening Australia, Jacobs Australia, Jaydo Construction, Melbourne Water, North East Link Project (NELP), Parks Victoria, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Yarra4Life and Zoos Victoria.
The project forms part of Yarra Valley Water's ongoing commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity, helping create healthier ecosystems for threatened plants and animals in line with its 2030 Strategy.
For further information about the Upper Yarra Habitat Restoration project, head to: www.yvw.com.au/upper-yarra-restoration