From little teams, big things grow

NATIVE species have returned to city-managed nature reserves and other rare and significant plants are thriving, thanks to the adoption of bush regeneration techniques.
The City of Greater Geelong is responsible for maintaining about 900 hectares of remnant vegetation across areas of Geelong’s foreshore, rivers, wetlands, bushland and grassland.
Clever management practices are not only protecting but also improving the health of these natural assets.
Almost 28 hectares worth of weeds were removed from the nature reserve network in 2017-18, paving the way for indigenous plants to regenerate in massive numbers.
Director of city services Guy Wilson-Browne said weed management methods were crucial in providing the right conditions for native plants to return and flourish.
“It is exciting to see the benefits of that work, with species coming back and areas awash with colourful plant life.
“While we are doing everything we can to enhance our natural assets, we need residents to minimise their impacts on the environment.
“It is vital that we all tread lightly and protect the few remaining areas of significant vegetation that we currently enjoy.”
At the Portarlington Flora and Fauna Reserve, two species have been recorded in the area for the first time, following weed control works.
They are the tall shrubs drooping cassinia (Cassinia arcuata) and the common cassinia (Cassinia aculeate).
The conservation area at the Portarlington Recreation Reserve contains regionally-rare vegetation communities.
At the opposite end of the Bellarine Peninsula, clearing has allowed an influx of rare and significant plants, including orchids, to populate a five-kilometre stretch of foreshore.
Buckley Park Foreshore Reserve runs from Collendina and Point Lonsdale and features sensitive sand dunes, Moonah woodland and patches of coastal grasslands.
A $370,000 grant from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority has allowed for the worst weeds at either end of the reserve to be tackled.
The city’s 90-strong reserve network has expanded by two sites in the past six months, including a prominent 13.7-hectare reserve at Indented Head.
The City is celebrating its world-class natural wonders with a range of activities during October for Geelong Biodiversity Month.
Head to geelongaustralia.com.au/environment for details of coming events.