Swan Hill Rural City Council is developing a plan to restore and enhance a 2.5-kilometre section of the Little Murray River - from its junction with the Murray River near the Big 4 Caravan Park, down to the Pental Island Road Bridge.

This project supports the Swan Hill Riverfront Master Plan, aiming to boost biodiversity, improve environmental health, and strengthen links between the retail precinct and attractions such as Riverside Park, the Pioneer Settlement, the Regional Art Gallery, and the Cultural Hub.

Council is working closely with the Wamba Wemba Registered Aboriginal Party, First Nation Peoples, local environmental groups, nearby businesses, and the community. Specialist consultants - including Michael Smith and Associates, Practical Ecology, Austral Archaeology, Price Merrett Engineers, and Paoli Smith Creative - have begun site assessments and mapping.

Early findings highlight opportunities to:

• Remove invasive weeds
• Replant with indigenous vegetation
• Add viewing platforms, seating, and improved access
• Update interpretive signage in partnership with First Nation Peoples

Priority areas for revegetation and weed removal have been identified, targeting species such as Oxalis, Kikuyu grass, Gazania, and woody weeds like Desert Ash, Willows, Olives, and Boxthorn.