SUNBURY | MACEDON RANGES
Home » News » Restoration boost

Restoration boost

Waterways, vegetation and habitats for some of the Gisborne area’s most vulnerable wildlife are set to benefit from a grant-funded restoration project over the next three years.

McEwen MP Rob Mitchell and Macedon Ranges mayor Dom Bonanno and chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan recently visited Jacksons Creek in Gisborne to celebrate the successful grant of $838,295, funded by the federal government’s National Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.

The project aims to improve the ecological health of the headwaters of the Maribyrnong catchment in and around the Gisborne and Macedon townships, benefitting native species including the Gang-gang Cockatoo, platypus, and various grassland and creek-line species.

“Nearly half of all nationally listed threatened animals and a quarter of our threatened plants are in urban areas, home to 96 per cent of Australia’s population and with so many native plants and animals reliant on our rivers, creeks, wetlands, and estuaries, protecting and restoring the health of our waterways is essential,” Mr Mitchell said.

“This critical funding is good news for native wildlife and our community – improving the quality of the urban spaces that we all share and love.”

The project will involve site preparation works, revegetation, and management of threats to successful establishment, including targeting high-threat weeds, pest animal impacts, fire management, and monitoring works.

The objective of the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program is to conserve native and threatened plant and animal species and waterways in urban, outer urban/peri-urban, and regional centres.

The project aligns with council’s environmental strategic plans including the Biodiversity Strategy 2018, Macedon Ranges Strategic Environmental Works Plan 2021, Environmental Management Plans for Bunjil and Howey Creek, and the Djirri Djirri Waterway Reserve – Revegetation Plan 2024.

“Council is very grateful to receive this critical funding for the benefit of our wildlife and waterways. It will enhance our community, preserving the flora and fauna native to the area,” Cr Bonanno said.

“Council has dedicated environmental plans and strategies in place to support local conservation efforts, and the support of grants like this from the Australian Government are crucial to bringing these plans to life for the benefit of generations to come.”

The project is due to commence in August and will be completed in 2028.

Digital Editions


  • Fifty years of SunFest

    Fifty years of SunFest

    SunFest is celebrating 50 years this March. The beloved festival will take over Sunbury’s streets once again, for a special weekend full of fun, community…

More News

  • My Place

    My Place

    Georgia Tacey caught up with Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network Landcare facilitator Ammie Jackson to hear about why she loves the Macedon Ranges and the work she does to protect…

  • Concrete dreams come to life

    Concrete dreams come to life

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 534267 It’s been a project a decade in the making, but the revamped Romsey Skatepark is finally complete. The Lancefield Romsey Lions Club’s passion…

  • Beds doubled at Malmsbury youth prison

    Beds doubled at Malmsbury youth prison

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 296812 The state government has more than doubled the amount of beds at Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre. Following last year’s announcement of the centre’s…

  • Disappointment for Frigo

    Disappointment for Frigo

    It was disappointment for Melton’s Airleigh Frigo at the Winter Olympics on Wednesday. Making her Olympic debut, Frigo wasn’t able to make it through the qualifying rounds of the women’s…

  • Sports shorts

    Sports shorts

    RDFL Diggers Rest has announced another signing for the Riddell District Football League season. Dylan Stone joins the Burras from the Wangaratta Rovers. He has Victorian Football League experience and…

  • Bolinda’s green thumbs

    Bolinda’s green thumbs

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 533137 Bolinda Primary School students have been testing out their green thumbs in the school’s garden. Last year the school received a grant through…

  • Grass fire in Bullengarook

    Grass fire in Bullengarook

    An out-of-control grassfire is burning at the intersection of Gisborne and Bacchus Marsh roads in Bullengarook, prompting an advice message for residents in Bullengarook, Coimadai, Gisborne and Lerderderg. The alert…

  • Small Businesses Bus heads to Kyneton

    Small Businesses Bus heads to Kyneton

    The Small Business Bus is set to arrive in Kyneton for a day of free advice. The service travels across locations in Victoria to provide advice and support for small…

  • Cross funding shortfall

    Cross funding shortfall

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 421226 An extra $150,000 of funding is needed to complete the works at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross to open it before Anzac Day,…

  • Artrise open date set

    Artrise open date set

    Artrise officially has an opening date set, with the whole Sunbury community invited to celebrate. The new arts hub will officially open with a community day on Saturday 14 March,…