Council invests in projects to boost biodiversity

Published on 16 June 2021

Council will support seven different community-led projects to improve biodiversity in the Shire through its 2020/2021 Biodiversity Grants, as announced at a Council Meeting last night.

Projects include the restoration of wetland areas to improve habitat for the Bright Eyed Brown Butterfly, revegetation along Creswick Creek, a pilot project to introduce biodiversity and cultural awareness training, a fox control project in North Drummond, training in weed control and chemical use, woody weed control in Wattle Flat and renewing the biodiversity of Trentham Quarry Street Reserve.

“Biodiversity and environmental protection are high priorities in our Shire and these grants support some of the excellent work that our active community groups are undertaking to protect and enhance biodiversity in our Shire,” said Mayor, Cr Lesley Hewitt.

“In our Council Plan and Biodiversity Strategy, we have made a commitment to take proactive steps to protect, maintain and enhance biodiversity. One of the best ways we can achieve this is to support community groups who have the know-how and passion to lead these projects,” said Cr Hewitt.

“We are excited to see what the seven groups are able to achieve with this funding and we look forward to working with them,” she said.

Council has provided Biodiversity Grants to the community since 2019. This round of grants totals $24,000.

The list of projects includes

Trentham Public Park and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management - Bright Eyed Brown Butterfly Habitat Restoration $2,835

Clunes Landcare and Waterways Group - Revegetation after weed removal Creswick Creek $4,580

Transition Creswick Creswick Indigenous Food and Fibre Demonstration Site - Biodiversity and Cultural Awareness Building Pilot Project $4,580

Malmsbury District Landcare Group Incorporated - MDLG Fox Control Project $2,061

Wattle Flat-Pootilla Landcare Group - Woody Weed Control along Slaty Creek in Wattle Flat $4,580

Friends of Cornish Hill Volunteer training - chemical use and weed control $2,350

Trentham Quarry Street Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated - Renewing the biodiversity of Trentham Quarry Street Reserve $3,013

TOTAL $23,999