Anglesea Heath celebrated

ANGLESEA locals and community groups have celebrated the formal transfer of Anglesea Heath into the Great Otway National Park at an event hosted by Parks Victoria.

Marked by a ribbon-cutting in front of new national park signage, the event recognised the legislative change to include 6,405 hectares of the heathlands into the national park, which will help protect the precious native environment.

Anglesea Heath is home to about one-quarter of Victoria’s plant species, including eight that are listed as rare or threatened at a national level.

Orchids are an outstanding feature, with more than 100 species present, making it one of the most abundant sites in Australia.

The powerful owl, crimson rosella, rufous bristlebird and swamp antechinus also call the area home.

The event was also attended by representatives from Alcoa, Friends of East Otway, the Anglesea-Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of Flora and Fauna, Geelong Environment Council, Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee, and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

The plan to transfer Anglesea Heath into the Great Otway National Park was announced in early 2017 by the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, following early release of the land by Alcoa.

“The local community is a long-standing and passionate advocate for the heathlands, so we were delighted to help celebrate this milestone,” Parks Victoria area chief ranger Katrina Lovett said.

“Anglesea Heath is home to many important plant and animal species that are now protected as part of Great Otway National Park.

“We’ll continue to work with the community to protect, conserve and champion the area’s wonderful natural environment.”