Council adopts Biodiversity Action Plan

Council has adopted a Biodiversity Action Plan to protect and enhance Bayside’s natural environment.

The Plan provides direction on a range of environmental initiatives, designed to protect habitat and increase biodiversity in Bayside.

Bayside has approximately 77 hectares of open space designated as ‘Conservation Reserves’ and specifically managed for maintaining and preserving biodiversity. This comprises approximately 56 hectares along the foreshore and 20 hectares in inland reserves. These areas account for only 18% of the total area of public open space in Bayside.

The Biodiversity Action Plan is designed to protect and conserve these natural spaces as well as native plants, animals and the habitats in which they live throughout Bayside.  Council amended the Biodiversity Action Plan to retain George Street Reserve as a dog off-leash area. 

Dog regulations adjacent to the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary will be reviewed at part of the plan, with a view to protecting seabirds, shorebirds and other wildlife from disturbance by dogs.

Bayside City Council Mayor Laurence Evans said the Biodiversity Action Plan was designed to protect local wildlife and vegetation.

“We are privileged to have such a beautiful natural environment in Bayside so it is important that we protect it through forward planning in our reserves and open spaces,” Cr Evans said.