Council adopts Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Weed Management Strategy

These strategies will guide the protection of our local environment and encourage a natural biodiversity that is healthy, valued and actively cared for.

The Biodiversity Conservation Strategy guides long-term strategic direction and efforts to preserve the natural habitats and wide variety of plant and animal life within the Cardinia Shire.

It also provides a framework for both private and public land managers, and identifies key opportunities for council to work in partnership with the community to protect the natural environment from a variety of issues.

The Weed Management Strategy aims to reduce weed infestations across Cardinia Shire, which threaten agriculture, human health and the environment including bushland areas, roadsides and waterways.

It provides direction for delivering community education and engagement, planning controls and enforcement, and on-ground works and monitoring.

These strategies also emphasise that Council, community and organisations must work collectively on biodiversity conservation efforts and to manage weeds across all land regardless of ownership.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Graeme Moore said that working together to protect our local environment provides the community with an important sense of identity.

“Living with healthy populations of native plants and animals is important to our quality of life here in the Cardinia Shire, and it’s imperative that we continue to work together to improve our natural landscape,” Cr Moore said.

“Just last month, our community came together to plant an incredible 700 native plants in the Bob James Emerald Quarry to help revegetate the reserve. Our rangers complete similar tasks with extensive vegetation renewal projects taking place at a number of locations throughout the shire.

“I am proud to say that these new strategies will help ensure that we continue to work together to preserve and protect the 1,739 native species that make up our natural environment.”

Cr Moore also thanked everyone who had contributed ideas and feedback throughout the development of the two strategies.

“During the development of these strategies, Council engaged with 20 different community groups and 15 external government organisations, sought input and feedback from the Cardinia Shire Youth Council, received 247 completed surveys, welcomed 83 community members to the consultation workshops, and considered 21 submissions of feedback on the draft documents – a mammoth effort from all involved!” Cr Moore said.

“Through the development of these documents, we’ve connected with people and organisations in our community and begun laying the foundations for positive, collaborative efforts in the future.”