EXPANDING HABITATS FOR VICTORIAN ICONIC WILDLIFE
The Allan Labor Government is protecting and restoring landscapes into vibrant natural habitats for Victoria’s threatened species with more environmental projects funded through the $77 million Bushbank program.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos has announced $4.4 million for seven projects that will deliver native plantings on public land across the state, including in the Otways, Berrook State Forest, Wodonga Regional Parks and the Clarkesdale Nature Reserve in the Goldfields.
In Macedon, $1,130,750 has been allocated for the Mount Macedon Plantation Restoration Project to restore about 70 hectares of native vegetation in areas previously managed as a pine plantation on Mount Macedon.
The Bushbank program helps to create and preserve habitats for some of Victoria’s species by planting millions of trees and shrubs on both private and public land to combat the environmental impacts of climate change and a growing population.
The new funding includes $643,000 to reforest land and improve water quality in the Otway Ranges by planting more than 100,000 plants to benefit species including the Platypus, Otway Burrowing Crayfish and Powerful Owl.
Plantings delivered through a $990,000 project in the Berrook State Forrest in the Mallee will connect fragmented sections of Malleefowl habitat, to help safeguard the threatened species from the risk of extinction.
While $440,000 has been dedicated to reforesting sections of the Wodonga Regional Park, including Ryans Lagoon wetlands, creating and expanding habitat for the Barking Owl, Squirrel Glider, Grey-headed Flying Fox, Murray Cod and Murray Crayfish.
These projects will build on BushBank plantings on public land over the last two years across a range of landscapes including parks, reserves and state forests.
The program’s partner, Cassinia Environmental continues to work with landowners to continue planting on private properties, working towards BushBank’s target of revegetating 20,000 hectares of land by 2035.
BushBank is part of the Biodiversity 2037 plan to safeguard and improve the state’s iconic natural environment for future generations, backed by the Labor Government’s record $582 million investment in Victoria’s precious biodiversity and target net-zero emissions by 2045.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“The Mount Macedon Plantation Restoration Project is a huge win for our region and its communities. The Bushbank program is restoring natural environments across Victoria and right here in Macedon helping to stop the decline of our native plants and animals and improve our natural environment.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
“The Bushbank program is an important way we’re supporting projects that help preserve and protect Victoria’s natural environment for future generations, supporting our target of net-zero emissions by 2045.”
“We’re planting millions of native plants and trees to restore habitats, protect wildlife and reduce carbon emissions, backed by our record $582 million investment in Victoria’s precious biodiversity.”
