Protecting Maroondah’s biodiversity

Protecting Maroondah’s biodiversity

Maroondah’s natural environment is not only beautiful, but also fundamental to the health and wellbeing of our community and its ecosystems. That’s why everyone has an important role to play when it comes to managing and protecting Maroondah’s biodiversity.

The Biodiversity in Maroondah (2020) Volumes 1 & 2 report provides valuable insights into Maroondah’s biodiversity and is being used by Council in its efforts to protect and manage our municipality’s biodiversity and habitats.

Dr Graeme Lorimer, Director of Biosphere, was engaged by Council to provide the contemporary assessment of biodiversity in Maroondah as part of the Maroondah Vegetation Review that led to the adoption of the Maroondah Vegetation Strategy 2020-2030 in March 2020.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Rob Steane, encouraged residents to find out more about Maroondah’s biodiversity and how they can help care for it.

“We are fortunate to have an abundance of local biodiversity here in Maroondah, including indigenous plants, animals and fungi, so it’s important that we all help preserve it.

“Whether it’s visiting the Natural Environment pages on Council’s website, reading through the Biodiversity in Maroondah report, volunteering with a local community planting group or taking part in upcoming events like the City Nature Challenge and Council’s Nature Discovery sessions, I encourage everyone to learn more about Maroondah’s biodiversity so we can all help protect it,” Cr Steane said.

A key component of the municipal-wide vegetation review was to establish an understanding of Maroondah’s biodiversity - what species and ecosystems it comprises, where it is concentrated, and what threatens and sustains it.

While highly urbanised, Maroondah retains numerous small patches of remnant vegetation that provide important habitat for indigenous flora and fauna. However, as we face a growing population, increasing urban development and a changing climate, we must take further steps to protect our existing vegetation.

Volume 1 of the report provides an overview of Maroondah’s biodiversity, including what Council and the community can do to protect, restore and improve it.

Volume 2 identifies 109 current Sites of Biological Significance, with recommendations for their protection through planning provisions.

As a community, we need to work together to help manage and protect Maroondah’s biodiversity, recognising that our long-term wellbeing is inextricably linked to the health of our natural environment.

Read the Biodiversity in Maroondah (2020) Volumes 1 & 2 report.

Learn more about Maroondah’s natural environment and biodiversity.

Learn more about the 2023 City Nature Challenge and Council’s Nature Discovery events.