State's controversial vegetation policy bad news for environment, scientists say

By Bridie Smith Science Editor
Updated April 1 2017 - 9:43am, first published February 26 2017 - 7:21pm
Wetlands ecologist Joe Greet in a waterway near Woori Yallock, where the banks have eroded due to a lack of vegetation. Photo: Simon Schluter
Wetlands ecologist Joe Greet in a waterway near Woori Yallock, where the banks have eroded due to a lack of vegetation. Photo: Simon Schluter
Yarra Waterways Group chairman Rick Houlihan, pictured in 2009.  Photo: Pat Scala
Yarra Waterways Group chairman Rick Houlihan, pictured in 2009. Photo: Pat Scala
The risk of losing the wild Leadbeater's possum population would reduced if they could live outside the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve.  Photo: Justin McManus
The risk of losing the wild Leadbeater's possum population would reduced if they could live outside the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve. Photo: Justin McManus
Bob Anderson releases a Helmetted Honeyeater. Photo: Angela Wylie
Bob Anderson releases a Helmetted Honeyeater. Photo: Angela Wylie
Birds.  release of Helmetted Honeyeater at Yellingbo state Nature Reserve by  Friends of the Hlmetted Honeyeater  Bob Anderson.  The birds have been bred in captivity in a program at  Healsville Sanctuary.  Melbourne Age.  news.  Photo by Angela Wylie.  February 1 2006. SPECIALX BIRDS Photo: Angela Wylie
Birds. release of Helmetted Honeyeater at Yellingbo state Nature Reserve by Friends of the Hlmetted Honeyeater Bob Anderson. The birds have been bred in captivity in a program at Healsville Sanctuary. Melbourne Age. news. Photo by Angela Wylie. February 1 2006. SPECIALX BIRDS Photo: Angela Wylie

Restricting the amount of greenery growing beside the state's waterways will have a detrimental effect on the environment while failing to meet its goal of reducing bushfire threats, top waterway ecosystem scientists have warned.

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