Biodiversity boost for Apollo Bay

WORKS are under way in Apollo Bay to rejuvenate key open spaces and restore degraded grasslands with indigenous coastal plant species.

The Central Zone Revegetation Project will target select areas in Apollo Bay and Skenes Creek and carefully transform them into thriving native landscapes.

The project which will be rolled out over the next three to five years has been designed with both people and the environment in mind.

Native plant species will be chosen according to the Otway Ranges bioregion and local ecological vegetation classes.

Careful consideration with be given to maintain sightlines, reduce maintenance needs like pruning and mowing, and improve sand stabilisation across coastal areas.

“These open spaces are important for both biodiversity and our community,” Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority coastal operations manager Caleb Hurrell said.

“By revegetating with native species, we’re not only reducing the need for mowing and weed control, but also creating more attractive, ecologically valuable spaces that reflect the natural beauty of the Otways.”

As the revegetation project evolves, some former grassed areas may eventually merge with nearby conservation zones, strengthening green corridors and supporting local wildlife.

In a complementary move to improve coastal amenity and management, sections of sand break fencing between Cawood and Milford Streets will be removed and replaced.

This will help reduce maintenance workload and open up better views along the walking path.