Landcare project improves wildlife habitat

THREE native species are among the local wildlife that will see the benefits of a project run by the federal government’s National Landcare Program (NLP).

The NLP PlainsTender project has now invested $1 million to improve 1,328 hectares of degraded habitat in the Victorian Volcanic Plains (VPP).

Stretching from Melbourne in the east across to the South Australian border in the west, the VVP includes much of the Geelong region and are home to 65 nationally-threatened plant and animal species.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said the NLP PlainsTender project leveraged 10 years of work between the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and private landholders keen to make a lasting change to their local environment to ensure its resilience and diversity.

“The management authority estimates that only 4.5 per cent of the 2.3 million hectares volcanic plains area is estimated to be native vegetation, most of which is found on private land.

“It’s a great example of how Victorian landholders are successfully regenerating and protecting endemic flora to provide essential wildlife habitat.

“Under the NLP PlainsTender, landholders are accessing expert advice and funding to implement long-term ecological management practices, including weed control, pest control, strategic-grazing
measures, supplementary planting and fencing to protect existing vegetation.”

She said one of 11 participants in the NL Plains Tender reclaimed 65 hectares of his 930 hectare farm once used solely for grazing.

“He’s established three rejuvenated sites, including a 17-hectare grassy wetland featuring seven species of tussock and two wetlands of 10 hectares and 38 hectares respectively, featuring salt-tolerant wallaby grass which now provides a nesting ground for brolgas.

“It’s wonderful to hear how the NLP has made this grazier’s farming life more enjoyable and his hopes for eventually returning this 38-hectare wetland to its original habitat.”