Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Gippsland › Latest news › West Gippsland Catchment Management AuthorityProtecting wonderful wildlife including koalas at Wonyip in Strzelecki ranges with tree planting project for corridor funded by Victorian LandcareVictorian Landcare Grants fund Wonyip Landcare Group's project planting 500 trees along Dingo Creek to create a wildlife corridor, benefiting Strzelecki koalas and enhancing biodiversity in the region. By news@gippsland - 12th February 2024 - Back to News Wildlife like the Strzelecki koalas are set to benefit from the planting of 500 native trees thanks to funding from the Victorian Landcare Grants. Wonyip Landcare Group was awarded a grant in the 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants for their planting project at Dingo Creek, a tributary of the Agnes River high up in South Gippsland's Strzelecki Ranges. 
The annual Victorian Landcare Grants support environmental volunteers, with West Gippsland Landcare groups receiving $365,118 for 24 projects Landcare group projectGroup member Russell Botton, who lives on Dingo Creek and has been involved in Wonyip Landcare Group for five years said, "This funding will go towards purchasing 500 seedlings, grown at the Yarram Yarram Landcare nursery, that our volunteers will plant along the creek. Importantly, it will also help pay for the sturdy wire tree guards we use to protect the young plants from deer, which are a problem around here." The goal is to create a safe passage for native fauna to move through while also improving the overall health of the local ecosystem. "We hope to attract a range of native species from insects, reptiles, small mammals, birds and even owls - the whole food chain. We'll also be planting mountain grey gums to attract Strzelecki koalas, which have been seen around here," he said. It's another step forward in the group's ongoing efforts to restore native habitat and connect disparate areas of remnant old growth forest along Dingo Creek and the Agnes River. "This project is an extension of previous work and will join up with planting we did downstream at Dingo Creek campground a few years ago," said Russell. Wildlife corridor expansionIt's the next stage in a long-term project to extend the corridor 5.8km upstream, where it will eventually border Bratuaulung Forest Park. With planning for the wildlife corridor well underway, the group aims to begin planting by early Spring. In the meantime, they're busy undertaking a major biodiversity survey to establish baseline data of the species in the region and understand the health of their populations. In a series of events run by volunteers and experts, the group is observing and documenting information about the local flora and fauna of the region, taking surveys of fungi, birds, insects, frogs, reptiles and collecting platypus DNA. "This valuable data will help us assess how projects like the wildlife corridor are contributing to Wonyip's biodiversity and the protection of local species like the Strzelecki koalas." said Russell. "It will give us ideas for future projects, too." The annual Victorian Landcare Grants provide funding to help Landcare and environmental volunteers protect and restore landscapes. West Gippsland Landcare groups received $365,118 for 24 projects and 37 support grants under the last funding round. The funding is underpinned by the Andrews Labor government's Biodiversity 2037 strategy, a record investment of $582 million since 2014 - the biggest investment into protecting biodiversity and environment in our state's history. The next round of Victorian Landcare Grants is expected to open in early 2024. Pictures from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects. - Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal. - South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months. - South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months. - Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - Drouin’s Commercial Place Stage 1 of the $1.1M project set to begin this to boost safety, accessibility and vibrancy
Stage 1 of the $1.1 million Drouin Commercial Place upgrade begins this week, improving safety, accessibility, footpaths, carparks, and pedestrian areas, with minimal disruption and partial parking available. - Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December. - Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District. - Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture. - Join the conversation and help shape South Gippsland and other council projects, programs and initiatives
Join the conversation this spring! Share your ideas on South Gippsland's future through community consultations, including Pre-Prep, Draft Plans, Governance Rules, and the 2026/27 Budget. - Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to donate early to Giving Trees and help bring Christmas joy to foster children
Gippslanders are encouraged to donate early to A Better Life for Foster Kids' Giving Trees, helping ensure every child in out-of-home care receives a Christmas gift this festive season. - West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives.
|
|
