Strategy about walking together

HEALING country together has been revealed as the key theme of the City of Ballarat’s draft biodiversity strategy.

The draft strategy looks at the future of biodiversity in the region and is a first for the City, as it has been codesigned with Wadawurrung people and alongside the Country Plans of the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners.

Community consultation was carried out late last year with more than 100 surveys completed, 20 detailed responses received and representatives from 30 community groups attended workshops.

Residents will now be able to have their say on the draft strategy until Tuesday 30 April on the MySay website or via hard copies which can be collected at Ballarat Libraries.

Key recommendations include keeping and adding more plantings, increasing the communities value of the natural environment, landscape scale restoration and building the City of Ballarat’s ability to determine priority areas.

Wadawurrung woman Kelly Ann Blake said the message of the draft strategy is important.

“Our traditional ecological knowledges such as cultural fire practices and the care of our waterways emphasise the sacred interconnected system that demands respect and care,” she said.

“We ask the community of Ballarat and surrounds to join us in caring for Country that we all love.

“Together, we can weave healing and restoration through Wadawurrung Dja, for future generations.”

Mayor Cr Des Hudson encouraged community members to provide feedback. “We are all custodians of our municipality’s unique biodiversity,” he said.

“Taking positive action today will shape a sustainable and brighter future for our tomorrow.

“We look forward to implementing the Biodiversity Strategy and achieving outcomes that will ensure we improve the way we care for and restore a healthy environment.”