Free habitat kits and indigenous plants to assist storm recovery

Published on 31 March 2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is proud to launch a new program that will see 50 storm affected residents receive free habitat kits to support native wildlife and indigenous plant growth in their backyards.

Funded by Council and the Department of Land, Water, and Planning (DELWP) habitat kits include two nest boxes built by Woodend Men’s Shed from recycled storm timber, and a selection of indigenous plant tube-stock.

Many native animals lost their homes when large swathes of trees were brought down in the June 2021 storm. The Habitat Kit program will provide habitat for rare and threatened animals and support biodiversity across the Macedon Ranges.

Bernie O’Sullivan, CEO, said feedback from residents has shown people are looking for ways to attract native animals and grow indigenous plants in their own backyards after the destruction of the storm.

“In the Macedon Ranges, notable species that depend on tree hollows include brush-tailed phascogales, greater gliders, powerful owls, barking owls and feather-tailed gliders. Providing 50 free habitat kits to storm affected residents helps increase habitat and build resilient eco-systems,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“The Woodend Men’s Shed are designing and crafting habitat boxes from wood felled during the significant storm event in June 2021. It’s pleasing to know that these nest boxes will have a new life supporting local biodiversity.”

As well as receiving nest boxes and tube-stock, each Habitat Kit recipient will attend a free environmental workshop. Local experts will share knowledge about the biodiversity of Macedon Ranges, revegetation techniques and how to install and monitor nest boxes. Recipients of Habitat Kits will also be provided with an information kit including local weed, plant and bird guides developed by Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

Residents who register but are not successful for a habitat kit will go into the draw to win indigenous plant tube-stock to support the planting of large forest trees in our shire.

To be eligible for a habitat kit you will need to:

Registrations are open until 5pm Monday 18 April. Winners of Habitat Kits and plant seedlings will be selected by ballot and notified by email.