Grant to support important work in the Otways

PARKS Victoria has received a $500,000 boost to its efforts to conserve the unique natural values of the Great Otway National Park.

As part of the state government’s Biodiversity Response Planning, the funding will support work to protect important animal habitats and key plants species through weed control programs.

Invasive weeds are a threat to native vegetation in sections of the 100,000-hectare national park, which provides important habitat for a rich diversity of native animals.

This includes species that are extinct elsewhere, such as the long-nosed potoroo, southern brown bandicoot, dusky and swamp antechinus and spot-tailed quoll.

The weed control work will complement Parks Victoria’s Otway Ark project – a 10-year conservation project that is protecting native animals from invasive predators such as foxes and feral cats.

In total, Parks Victoria has received $11.2 million to deliver biodiversity projects across the state that will protect vitally important native flora and fauna and their habitats over the next three years.

Parks Victoria will be working with Traditional Owners and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning as well as Trust for Nature, catchment management authorities and other organisations to roll out the programs.

“Parks Victoria is delighted with this funding boost for urgent nature conservation needs across the state,” Parks Victoria chief conservation scientist Dr Mark Norman said.

“The funding will allow Parks Victoria and many partner organisations to work together to ramp-up critical environmental programs.

“These include stemming the massive wildlife toll taken by feral cats and foxes, reducing the habitat damage caused by expanding deer, pig, rabbit and goat populations, and managing and restoring the beautiful wild places and critical habitats throughout Victoria.

“It’s the strongest support for nature and wildlife that the state’s received in decades, if ever.”