There are many ways you can get involved in environmental projects – either on your own land or in your local community. There are local groups you can join and projects happening in your area.
Council is currently involved in a number of projects that are protecting Moorabool's remnant indigenous vegetation and restabilising other areas. These include roadside management, river works, Grow West and the Moorabool Gorge Recovery Project. In addition to these projects, Council undertakes ongoing pest plant and animal control and revegetation works to look after environmentally significant reserves throughout the Shire and enhance our indigenous vegetation. Information on Council Reserves
Projects
River Restoration Projects
Since 2002, Council, with assistance from state and federal Governments, has been repairing degraded waterways along the Werribee and Lerderderg Rivers. The majority of works have included the removal of weed species such as willows, boxthorn and peppercorns and replanting of indigenous species. The replacement of weed species with indigenous species increases habitat for native birds and animals and reduces habitat ideal for rabbits and foxes. In addition to environmental benefits, the projects have resulted in the development of walking tracks for residents and visitors use, and improved the quality of drinking water.
Werribee River Project - Ballan
River restoration works on the Werribee River in Ballan commenced in mid 2005. It is a joint project between Moorabool Shire Council, Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority and the Rushing Waters Committee. The project aims to improve the quality of 4.5km of the river environment through the removal of willows and planting of 25,000 indigenous trees.
Two Mountains Koala Trail
The Moorabool Landcare Network and the Lal Lal Catchment Landcare and Upper Williamsons Creek Landcare Groups kicked off the Two Mountains Koala Trail in March 2014 to enable easier movement of koalas between Mt Buninyong and Mt Warrenheip. Contact the Moorabool Landcare Network: http://www.mln.org.au/
Rabbit Action Group
The Moorabool Landcare Network formed the Rabbit Action Group in 2013 to address the district-wide problem of rabbit immunity to Calicivirus and Myxomotosis. The Group comprises members from Landcare groups, Moorabool Shire Council, Grow West and DWELP. The Moorabool Landcare Network has more information about this project.
Grow West
Grow West’s vision is to rejuvenate 10,000 hectares of the upper Werribee catchment, west of Melbourne by connecting large areas of public reserves; Brisbane Ranges National Park, Werribee Gorge State Park and up through to Lerderderg State Park, through a mosaic of restoration works on private property. Grow West has more information about this project.
Moorabool Gorge Recovery Project
The Moorabool Gorge Recovery Project is working toward the protection and improvement of the Moorabool River Catchment through revegetation, fencing, weed control and erosion control. For more information, contact the Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group on 0402 500 580.
Council has an excellent free land management information pack which is available to residents. To obtain your pack or to speak to the Environment Officer, please contact us.
