Share your thoughts on reserve management plans

THE City of Greater Bendigo is inviting locals to provide input for the environmental management plans it is currently developing for Kennington Reservoir and the Riley Street, Ryalls Lane, Crusoe Reservoir and No.7 Park Natural Reserves.

The City’s climate change and environment manager, Michelle Wyatt, said the purpose of developing the plans is to establish a set of goals for the protection and enhancement of local biodiversity.

Crusoe Reservoir and No.7 Park (Big Hill) are home to Box-Ironbark forest, reservoirs, walking and cycling trails and abundant native flora and fauna, including 190 species of birds.

Kennington Reservoir supports recovering Box-Ironbark forest and a reservoir that is home to three species of turtles, abundant birdlife plus several fish, frog and mammal species.

Meanwhile, Ryalls Lane and Sheepwash Creek (Owl’s Roost Reserve) encompass a number of smaller tributaries that support creekline grassy woodland and plains woodland vegetation communities.

Former quarry Riley Street Natural Reserve has been transformed into an important urban natural reserve, supporting threatened fish species and providing a haven for frogs, reptiles, mammals and birds.

“The plans will identify the values and threats of each site and establish goals and actions aimed at enhancing environmental and passive recreation opportunities for the community,” Ms Wyatt said.

“The community has a wealth of knowledge of the flora, fauna and ecological communities and use many of the natural reserves we manage.

“Their feedback is important to help us understand how they use the sites, what is important to them and how the City can enhance the values and use of each site.”

Residents can have their say at letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/natural-reserve-management-plans until 5pm on Friday 9 May.