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.
