MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP

Strategic Plan 2019-2024

2 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

We wish to acknowledge the custodians of this land, the Wadawurrung people and their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and contribution they make to the life in this region’

Contents Executive Summary ...... 5 1. Purpose, Vision and Objectives ...... 7 1.1 Overview ...... 8 1.2 Statement of Purpose ...... 10 1.3 Vision...... 10 1.4 Aims of the MCLG ...... 10 1.5 Objectives ...... 11 2. Stakeholders and Partnerships ...... 12 3. Environmental threats to the Moorabool catchment ...... 13 3.1 Long-term vision and goals for weed management ...... 13 3.2 High priority weeds ...... 13 3.2.1 Serrated Tussock ...... 14 3.2.2 Gorse and blackberry ...... 16 3.3 Second priority weeds ...... 18 3.4 Potential future weed threats ...... 18 3.5 Pest Animals ...... 19 3.5.1 Rabbits ...... 19 3.5.2 Moorabool Rabbit Action Group ...... 19 3.5.3 Pest Animals: Foxes ...... 21 3.5.4 Other introduced animals ...... 22 3.6 Grey kangaroo population issues ...... 22 3.7 Bushfire ...... 23 3.8 Climate Change ...... 24 4. Managing Environmental Assets within Landcare area ...... 25 The Key environmental assets to managed include: ...... 25 4.1 Native vegetation ...... 25 4.2 Preserving and enhancing biodiversity ...... 26 4.2.1 Seed collection ...... 26

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 2

3 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.2.2 Remnant vegetation and paddock trees ...... 27 4.2.3 Victorian Volcanic Plains and Grasslands ...... 28 4.2.4 Nest box projects for additional habitat ...... 30 4.3 Fauna Monitoring programs...... 31 4.3.1 Tale of the Tuan program ...... 31 4.3.2 Threatened Bats of the Upper Moorabool River Catchment region ...... 32 4.3.3 Locating & protecting Growling grass frog and its habitat in the MCLG area ...... 33 4.4 Soil Health ...... 34 4.5 River and Streamside Health projects and partnerships ...... 35 4.5.1 Barwon Water partnership ...... 35 4.5.2 Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) Partnership ...... 36 4.5.3 Moorabool Shire Council partnership ...... 37 4.5.4 Friends of Paddock Creek (Crown land)...... 38 4.5.5 Melbourne Water & Port Phillip and Westernport CMA Partnerships ...... 39 4.5.6 Central Highlands Water Partnership ...... 40 4.5.7 Ongoing Waterway Health ...... 40 4.6 Cultural Awareness, Aboriginal participation and inclusiveness in projects...... 41 4.7 Community Engagement ...... 42 4.7.1 Peri-urban Activities ...... 42 5. Future Opportunities for the Landcare group ...... 46 5.1 Future projects ...... 47 6. Actions to meet objectives over the next 5 years ...... 51 7. References: Supporting Documentation ...... 55 Appendix 1: Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group Membership ...... 57 Membership...... 57 Newsletter ...... 58 Website and the Internet ...... 58 Appendix 2: Meetings and The Executive Committee ...... 59 General Meetings ...... 59 Annual General Meetings ...... 59 Changing Group Rules ...... 59 The Executive Committee ...... 59 Appendix 3: History of the group ...... 61 Appendix 4: Funding Matrix - Local, Regional, State, Federal & Philanthropic ...... 63 Appendix 5: Potential future weed threats ...... 68 1 Carpet weed (Galenia pubescens) ...... 68

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 3

4 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

2 Opuntioid cacti (Opuntia spp.) ...... 68 3 Bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) ...... 69 4 Spanish Heath (Erica lusitanica) ...... 69 5 Chilean Needle-grass (Nassella neesiana) ...... 69 6 Texas Needle-grass (Nassella leucotricha) ...... 70 7 African Lovegrass (Eragrostic curvula) ...... 70 Appendix 6: Current and past Biolink Projects of the MCLG ...... 71 Appendix 7: Mapping information and resources ...... 73 Map 1: Locality Map in relation to CMA boundaries ...... 74 Map 2: Moorabool Special Water Supply Catchment map and MCLG area ...... 75 Map 3: Local Government areas and MCLG area ...... 76 Map 4: Priority Waterway CCMA area map ...... 77 Map 5: Membership Map 2017 - 2018 ...... 78 Map 6: Assets Map ...... 79 Map 7: DELWP Nature Kit priority – Cost effective map ...... 80 Map 8: Issues and Challenges Map ...... 81 Map 9: Future opportunities and Projects ...... 82 Map 10: Bioregions ...... 83 Map 11: Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC) map ...... 84 Map 12: Significant Roadside map (Moorabool Shire) ...... 85 Map 13: Native Vegetation Regulation (NVR) Locations ...... 86 Map 14: Ecological Vegetation Divisions (EVD) – Fire prone vegetation...... 87 Appendix 8: Acronyms ...... 88

MCLG Strategic Plan: Version 1 - Produced 19 September 2019

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 4

5 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Executive Summary

The Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group (MCLG) has been working to improve various environmental issues across the whole Landcare area for over the last 30 years. This strategic plan was developed through consultation with members and stakeholders through surveys and general members meetings which identified what were the key issues and the future directions that the Landcare group wanted to focus on. The key issues included: • Loss of native vegetation and the need to link areas of native vegetation • Continuing to address high priority weeds, e.g. serrated tussock, gorse and blackberry • Lack of habitat for native animals • Dealing with ongoing pest animals such as rabbits and foxes • Impacts on Waterways and water quality • The need for more community awareness of environmental issues through education

The (MCLG) will continue to address these key issues through: • Providing revegetation programs on an ongoing basis • Providing Weed and Pest programs on an ongoing basis (i.e. Gorse, Blackberry, Serrated Tussock, Rabbits, Foxes, Deer, Cats and other introduced animals. • Increase membership by 10% each year and ensure a steady membership of min 100, aiming for 200 by 2023. • Providing a minimum of five community engagement and educational events to appeal to a range of landholders • Encouraging landholders to protect and enhance streams and rivers • Working closely with Barwon Water and Moorabool Shire to develop annual priorities for group • Strengthening partnerships with stakeholders • Exploring new grant opportunities that connect and strengthen communities • Continuing to survey, monitor and record any significant flora and fauna species • Providing a clear accountability for funding in the form of measured outcomes.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 5

6 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group locality

Map supplied by Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, 2017

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 6

7 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

1. Purpose, Vision and Objectives

Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group (MCLG) has been working for 30 years to achieve significant improvements in biodiversity and environmental amenity throughout the Moorabool River catchment.

The aim of the Strategic Plan 2019-2024 is to consolidate these achievements by continuing to support current activities while exploring new directions in soil health and expanding our community engagement activities. This Plan has been developed using results from member surveys in 2013 and 2017-2018 in alignment with the priorities of key stakeholders.

Key priorities include:

• Securing ongoing funding for Landcare projects • Addressing the spread of weeds, such as serrated tussock • Controlling rabbit populations • Protecting and improving waterway health • Increasing native vegetation cover for biodiversity habitat and movement

Photo above: Landcare members commenting on key assets, priorities and future opportunities within Landcare area at the General members meeting in October 2017.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 7

8 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

1.1 Overview

The MCLG area extends across of approximately 72,000 ha (720 square kilometres), which covers a relatively large portion of the Moorabool River catchment. It is largely located within the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) area, extending partially into the Port Phillip and Western Port CMA area (refer Map 1, Appendix 4). Most Landcare activity is focused in the Moorabool Special Water Catchment (refer Map 2, Appendix 4) in the Moorabool Shire Council with a small section located within Golden Plains Shire (Refer to map 3, Appendix 4). MCLG has an active membership base and an average yearly membership of 130 members (refer Map 5, Appendix 4). MCLG also has some associate members located outside of the Landcare area, which brings total membership to around 175 (However this total amount fluctuates from year to year).

Photo above: Looking south along the West Moorabool River at Bungal.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 8

9 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Figure 1 MCLG membership distribution 2017 – 2019. The above map shows the boundary of the MCLG Landcare area (purple) where member’s properties are highlighted in yellow.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 9

10 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

1.2 Statement of Purpose

To promote sustainable agriculture and biodiversity by improving environmental values and controlling activities and processes which threaten the environmental amenity of the Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group area.

1.3 Vision

The MCLG vision is to substantially increase native vegetation cover, eradicate weeds and pests, protect and enhance waterways, encourage native fauna and undertake extensive community engagement activities to raise environmental awareness and community involvement in these activities.

1.4 Aims of the MCLG

• To extend upon the current distribution of native vegetation • To reduce the extent of high priority weeds, e.g. serrated tussock, gorse and blackberry by 60% across all properties within the MCLG area by 2024 • To enhance habitat for native animals • To control pest animals:

o reducing the current rabbit population by at least 20% by 2024 or < 2 rabbits/Ha on all treated members properties • To protect waterways • To raise community awareness of environmental issues through education • To support other community organisations who contribute to the aims and objectives of MCLG whenever possible

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 10

11 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

1.5 Objectives • To attract new sources of funding or subsidies that enable activities such as revegetation, pest and weed control to be available to landholders annually. • To maintain a steady membership base of a minimum 130 members annually • To provide a range of well-attended awareness-raising and educational programs i.e. workshops and on-ground activities to urban landholders through to broadacre landholders. • To encourage landholders to protect and enhance streams and rivers with assistance of programs offered by the Corangamite CMA. • To strengthen partnerships with key stakeholder organisations, such as DELWP, CCMA, Barwon Water, PPWCMA, Wadawurrung, Melbourne Water and Central Highlands water including provision of project updates and sharing mapping i.e. for the Corangamite CMA NRMportal. • To work in conjunction with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to create new projects and raise cultural awareness • To continue to survey, monitor and record any significant flora and fauna species. Provide educational material to the wider community

Photo above: Example of one of the various workshops and seminars organised by MCLG. This is a photo of the Fungi identification seminar with Alison Pouliot.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 11

12 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

2. Stakeholders and Partnerships

One of the objectives is to sustain membership and funded activities across time. However, external support is required to achieve this through partnerships with the local shires, Catchment Management Authorities, water authorities and government organisations.

The Strategic Plan aligns with the following plans and strategies of these partner organisations: • Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Biodiversity 2037 Strategy • DELWP Victorian Landcare Support program • Moorabool Shire’s Environmental Policy • Golden Plains Shire Environmental Strategy 2019 - 2027 • Corangamite Landcare Support Plan 2013 • Corangamite Waterway Strategy 2012-2022 • Barwon Water key priorities

Currently, MCLG sources funding for the Landcare Coordinator (0.8 FTE) position through a Landcare Partnership Agreement with Barwon Water and Moorabool Shire Council. Over the last six years, MCLG has been successful in securing several small and large grants. This has demonstrated MCLG’s capacity to deliver projects from concept through to implementation. Continued successful grant applications seeking out new funding opportunities has demonstrated the benefit of the Landcare Coordinator position. The Coordinator also produces regular group updates for stakeholders and partners, which highlights positive outcomes, issues and opportunities.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 12

13 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

3. Environmental threats to the Moorabool catchment

3.1 Long-term vision and goals for weed management

MCLG has approached weed management through a range of programs over the years. Some were funded through grants, while other programs were self-funded by the Landcare group, i.e. supplying chemical or granules to control serrated tussock. An aim of the group is to control the spread of high priority weeds. This will be achieved through accessing grant funding and providing landholders with a variety of advice and means to control them and by also working with other funded educational positions such as those funded by the Serrated Tussock or Blackberry Taskforces.

The high priority weeds identified for the area threaten the viability of farmland and native biodiversity values. The group’s long-term aim is to reduce the populations of the top three priority weeds on members properties by 60% by 2024. Although eradication is the aim of high priority weeds, MCLG acknowledges that this is not realistically achievable given the issues with absentee or complacent landowners. A 60% reduction would reduce a large area of future seed spread.

The group also aim to prevent the establishment and spread of future weed threats of lower priority weeds.

3.2 High priority weeds

The ‘top three’ priority weeds identified by MCLG members are: 1. Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) 2. Gorse (Ulex europaeus) 3. Blackberry (Rubus fruiticosus aggregate)

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 13

14 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

3.2.1 Serrated Tussock

The infestation of serrated tussock has been an ongoing issue in the MCLG area. There have been several serrated tussock programs since the inception of the group, such as the Moorabool Gorge Recovery Program (2001-2010) and the Biodiversity Fund Round One Invasive Species Control in the Moorabool Region (2012-2014). An additional aerial spraying control program occurred in 2017, whereby the Landcare group self-funded the chemical and members paid for contractor fees.

Serrated tussock is controlled through improved pasture management and/or through an annual spraying program and monitored continuously with regular follow-up control treatments. MCLG will continue to work closely with the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP), a program organised by Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR). At this stage, VSTWP cannot provide any incentive programs to help control serrated tussock however they can provide educational resources and attend information sessions to help educate and support landholders in the region.

Some recurring issues identified by landholders in relation to serrated tussock control are: • absentee Landholders • untreated Crown land • unclear ownership of land parcels along waterways

To overcome these issues, the Landcare group requires the assistance and support of other stakeholders such VSTWP (education), DELWP (Crown land issues), DEDJTR (enforcement), Barwon Water and the CCMA (funding control along waterways) and local shires (contacting absentee landholders). DELWP can identify who the crown land parcels are managed by (agencies, Committee or management or licence holders) and councils can identify who the rate payers are.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 14

15 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Proposed actions for serrated tussock

• Secure funding to provide an annual or biannual aerial spraying program for large infestations of inaccessible areas. • Provide Landcare members with subsidised chemical or granules • Monitor the extent of serrated tussock across the MCLG and target outlying sites to strategically reduce its spread. • Work with council and other stakeholders to contact and invite participation with absentee landholders. • Continue to work with the Serrated Tussock Working Party to obtain educational material and investigate better educational approaches for private landholders. Also encourage stakeholders to control Serrated Tussock on adjacent crown land.

Photo above: Serrated Tussock

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 15

16 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

3.2.2 Gorse and blackberry

Gorse and blackberry are issues within the MCLG area as they can quickly spread, reducing the extent of productive land and outcompeting native vegetation.

A number of gorse and blackberry control grant programs have been provided throughout the region, both by the MCLG and other groups such as the Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT). These include: • Biodiversity Fund Round One Invasive Species Control in the Moorabool Region (2012-2014) • Communities for Nature Round Three - Woody Weed Control in the Upper Moorabool Catchment (2014-2015) • 2017-2018, a Gorse rebate program funded through the Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) with additional programs being provided through the Moorabool Landcare Network (MLN) via the Moorabool Blackberry Action Group (MooBAG)

However, as gorse infestations yield high numbers of seed within individual seedbanks and blackberry have numerous rhizomes and complex root systems, both weeds require constant monitoring and ongoing control.

MCLG will continue to apply for funding from the VGT to establish new target areas which will assist with control, follow-up, landholder support, monitoring and prevention of gorse populations. Identified target areas include Elaine, Meredith, Morrisons and Mt Egerton. MCLG will also plan to work closer with the MooBAG program to investigate any new and upcoming funding for blackberry hotspots, including Gordon, Mt Egerton, Ballan, Morrisons and Meredith. It will also work with Melbourne Water and Central Highlands Water (CHW) to target blackberry control along waterways.

Gorse and blackberry infestations will continue to be monitored and mapped by Moorabool Shire on roadsides and new infestations reported by Landcare members to the MCLG committee, particularly targeting accessible private properties, roadsides, townships and waterways.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 16

17 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

With each new control program developed, the group will continue to work closely with Moorabool and Golden Plains shires on their roadside weed spraying programs as well as Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to treat infestations on Crown land within designated weed target areas.

Proposed actions for gorse and blackberry control:

• Continue to apply for Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) grants • Liaise with the MooBAG Facilitator on local projects • Coordinate roadside weed control in target areas with Moorabool and Golden Plains shires • Seek funding to run ChemCert courses every 3-5 years that allow more landholders to obtain their Agricultural Chemical Users Permit (ACUP).

Photo above: Gorse (Ulex europaeus)

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 17

18 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

3.3 Second priority weeds

Secondary weed species identified as issues by Landcare members from an online survey and community forum include hawthorn, sweet briar, willow, boxthorn, spiny rush, thistle species, spanish heath and St John’s Wort.

A small area of hawthorn and sweet briar was targeted in the area’s south through the Communities for Nature Round Three - Woody Weed Control in the Upper Moorabool Catchment (2014-2015). However, the group will continue to investigate funding opportunities to expand and continue targeting these weeds throughout the area.

MCLG will aim to work closely with waterway programs facilitated through the CCMA and Melbourne Water targeting willow removal. Both CCMA and Melbourne Water programs can also provide other financial incentives and support (e.g. fencing, revegetation and Weed control).

3.4 Potential future weed threats

Raising awareness of new and emerging weed threats to MCLG members and the broader community is also important to ensure early identification and control. Such weeds include: • Carpet weed (Galenia pubescens) • Opuntioid cacti (Opuntia spp.) • Bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) • Spanish Heath (Erica lusitanica) • Chilean Needle-grass (Nassella neesiana) • Texas Needle-grass (Nassella leucotricha) • African Lovegrass (Eragrostic curvula)

(Refer to Appendix 5 for more information).

Action: Prevent the establishment and spread of future weed threats as part of the long-term aim for weed management.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 18

19 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

3.5 Pest Animals

3.5.1 Rabbits

Rabbits affect properties by reducing the amount of feed for livestock, spreading weeds and impacting on native vegetation.

The Moorabool region has had a severe rabbit problem for many years. Rabbit infestations along the Moorabool Gorge were one of the factors that influenced the establishment of MCLG. While the original rabbit control project did reduce population numbers at the time, lack of continued funding limited further control action and rabbit populations increased. In 2017, the introduction of RHDV K5 on a couple of Landcare member properties reduced the rabbit population in the Ballan area. However, it should be noted that the introduction of any new biocontrol needs to be used in conjunction with other control measures to have an impact.

3.5.2 Moorabool Rabbit Action Group

MCLG is part of the Rabbit Action Group (RAG), a sub-Group of the Moorabool Landcare Network. RAG has representatives from the Moorabool Shire Council as well as other local Landcare and interest groups. RAG works to secure funding for the Moorabool region and produces and distributes rabbit information, such as a Moorabool Rabbit Guide (2014). RAG has also initiated several workshops and information days which have been attended by MCLG members.

MCLG will continue to control rabbits through multiple avenues such as:

a) Continued participation with the Rabbit Action Group b) Applying for funding for strategic projects c) Seeking out complementary programs to meet the rabbit control aims of the MCLG d) Considering the purchase of a smoking machine for the group to help identify warrens

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 19

20 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Rabbit control can be implemented through several integrated methods, however only one or two may be eligible for funding at any time:

• Fumigation • Warren destruction (ripping warrens) • Harbour destruction (weeds such as gorse, blackberries etc.) • Coordinated baiting • Exploring other innovative control techniques

MCLG will aim to secure funding and become involved in programs for rabbit control and reduce the current rabbit population by at least 20% by 2024 or < 2 rabbits/Ha on all treated members properties. Prior to control, a rabbit count is required to establish the current baseline. It should be noted that the population can fluctuate (due to changing environmental conditions). Due to this, populations need to be monitored through ongoing landholder spotlight surveys prior to the implementation of control methods, followed by spotlight surveys after implementation. The Group will then seek methods to continue to reduce rabbit populations, or at least maintain the controlled population to limit increase. Rabbit control is not just a once-off approach. Education of follow up monitoring will be required.

Action: • FeralScan App will be promoted at engagement events to encourage people to enter records about pest species. • Investigate a possible future workshop on 1080 control.

Photo above: Rabbit photographed during a Fauna Camera Survey

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 20

21 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

3.5.3 Pest Animals: Foxes

Foxes are a significant pest species within the MCLG region. Foxes pose threats to both agricultural production and native wildlife. While the MCLG has not coordinated a dedicated fox control program, a proportion of the fox population would be reduced as a result of rabbit control (primarily through a reduction in resource availability). A future coordinated approach for rabbit (hence fox) control should target lambing times. Fox populations should be monitored and reassessed after the implementation of rabbit control techniques.

Agricultural Chemical Users Permit (ACUP) training to encourage more weed control will enhance the ability of landholders with larger properties to undertake fox control through weedy harbor spread and removal. During a nocturnal fauna survey in winter 2018, it was noted that the fox population was starting to increase across the whole area, indicating that it will be a high priority to address this issue in the future.

Key actions: • MCLG to investigate a coordinated 1080 fox control program.

Photo above: Fox caught on camera while undertaking nocturnal fauna surveys.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 21

22 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

3.5.4 Other introduced animals

Other pests which may become an issue for members of MCLG include exotic bird species (e.g. starlings, Indian mynas etc.), introduced rodents (e.g. house mice, black rats), feral pigs, deer, cats and wild dogs, as well as invertebrate pests.

These species are not yet a priority for MCLG but can be monitored, with records of sightings, frequency and density to be entered on the FeralScan website (feralscan.org.au) for potential future projects.

Action: Promote FeralScan App at community events and encourage landholders to enter new records on it.

3.6 Grey kangaroo population issues

Within the last couple of years, members of MCLG have expressed an increased concern about the numbers of grey kangaroos across the Moorabool region. Not only do kangaroos reduce the amount of pasture for grazing agriculture, but they can also affect the success of revegetation projects. Although grey kangaroos are not a declared pest species and are a native marsupial to the area, abnormally high numbers are attributed to increased access to abundant food and water sources which contributes to a population explosion in certain localities.

Some landholders have opted to obtain a permit to conduct a controlled cull to reduce numbers, so that livelihoods, revegetation projects and sensitive ecosystems do not suffer from the large populations.

Action: • MCLG to consider monitoring the numbers of grey kangaroos and to note any fluctuations or shifts.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 22

23 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

3.7 Bushfire

Due to increasing annual average temperatures and reduced annual rainfall due to climate change, it is predicted that bushfires within the MCLG area will be more frequent and more intense. A map of the flammable vegetation types is included in Appendix 4. Studies have indicated that fire behaviour may change dramatically, once native vegetation cover increases above 10% (Collin et. al. 2015), particularly if it contains Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua). Messmates are more hazardous than other eucalyptus species due to the ability of their fibrous bark to produce fire brands, which has a greater spotting potential than species with smooth or tightly held bark (Ellis, 2013).

Although MCLG encourages biodiverse tree plantings, it is recommended that members do not revegetate an area on their property with more than 10% Messmate and are discouraged from planting Messmate close to new or proposed dwellings. Native plant species such as Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) contains a lower flammability and can provide an ember break or shelterbelts near dwellings.

Apart from careful native species selection and quantity, the design and shape of the revegetation site is also important and how it interacts with nearby pasture and crops. It should also be noted that pasture management plays an important role in fire management as well, e.g. Phalaris (Canary grass) has a high rate of spread.

Action: • Promote the Community Bushfire program to all new and existing residents • Provide Country Fire Authority (CFA) advise about suitable native planting and designed gardens within Defendable spaces around buildings. • Discuss fire management with the Wadawurrung and how MCLG can support cultural burns to reduce major bushfire risks as well as manage native vegetation i.e. in native grasslands. • Where concerns are raised with private landholders, MCLG will raise awareness of fire management with land managers.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 23

24 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

3.8 Climate Change

It is predicted that, as a result of climate change, the average temperature within the Moorabool region will increase around 1.0 degree by the year 2030 (Source: Climate- ready Victoria: Grampians. November 2015 (DELWP). There is evidence that increasing temperatures will also likely result in more damaging storms, i.e. thunderstorm and wind- related storm events. This may contribute to the following challenges for the Landcare area: • Farming in a drier climate and consideration of alternative crops and pastures • Survival of future revegetation with lower rainfall events • Suitability of plant species for revegetation projects • Decreased pasture growth may cause increased competition between livestock, feral and native animals • Risk of bushfire will increase over time as lower fuel moisture content will make fires more difficult to control • Increased risk of Asthma on the health of landholders who work outside for most of the day.

Actions: • Run public community forums that focus on different aspects of Climate change i.e. effect on Soils, livestock health and food sources • Seek grants to fund more Revegetation projects to assist in reducing Co2 emissions across the Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group area.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 24

25 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4. Managing Environmental Assets within Landcare area

The Key environmental assets to managed include: • Native Vegetation management • Preserving and enhancing biodiversity • Fauna Monitoring programs • Soil health • River and stream health projects and partnerships • Cultural Awareness, Aboriginal participation and inclusiveness in projects • Community engagement

4.1 Native vegetation

The Moorabool catchment lies across two bioregions (refer to Map 10 in Appendix 7). The Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP) includes several threatened communities or Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs), including Plains Grassy Woodland and Plains Grassland/Plains Grassy Woodlands Complex. It is a priority of the Landcare Group to sustainably maintain, conserve and enhance these threatened vegetation communities. The Central Victorian Uplands (CVU) bioregion contains forest and woodland vegetation, located in areas with less productive agricultural soils (refer to Maps 6, 10 & 11, Appendix 4).

It is estimated that there is approximately 42% of native vegetation remaining in all of Moorabool Shire (Miller pers. Comm. 2018). One of the aims of MCLG is to increase the extent of native vegetation across the area as much as possible each year. On average a minimum of, approx. 10ha is revegetated each year. and this can be achieved through providing annual revegetation projects for Landcare members.

The purpose of annual revegetation projects is to: • enhance biodiversity and increase local habitat values; • create shelterbelts and other beneficial structures for agriculture; • develop biolinks & ecological stepping stones throughout the landscape; • create biolinks that incorporate good quality roadside vegetation (Refer to Map 12); • create biolinks that protect existing high biodiversity areas (Refer to Map 13);

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 25

26 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

• increase carbon capture rates; • ensure genetic diversity and the continuation of locally vulnerable flora species; • encourage natural regeneration of vegetation communities; and • improve water quality for river health, biodiversity, stock and to prevent soil loss.

Current and past Biolink projects of the MCLG are included in Appendix 6.

Actions: • Map completed projects and scope out future areas where more biolink corridors could be established • Liaise with adjoining Landcare groups to investigate possible Landscape scale revegetation projects which benefit a range of landholders • Continue to seek funding to provide free trees, stakes and guards to private landholders

4.2 Preserving and enhancing biodiversity

4.2.1 Seed collection

The collection of seed from local indigenous plant species for future propagation ensures local provenance and may produce a higher rate of seedling survival. The Landcare group aims to collect native seed which can then be stored, propagated and planted in future plantings. In 2013, the MCLG purchased seed collection equipment as part of the Upper Moorabool River: revegetation and seed collection of the Victoria Volcanic Plains grant. MCLG also has sieves available to members to assist with processing seeds they collect.

Action: • Hold more seed collection days on private properties to collect from local native vegetation and store seed that can be supplied to local nurseries when new project opportunities arise.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 26

27 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.2.2 Remnant vegetation and paddock trees

Existing remnant vegetation is an important asset. With vulnerable EVC’s existing within the Moorabool region, remaining remnant patches hold species genetics as well as supplying the benefits of larger, older trees – hollows, peeling bark, large fallen limbs and other environmental ‘furniture’, seed banks etc. Preserving remnant vegetation patches and long-standing paddock trees on farms are a priority for MCLG. It would be preferred if patches and paddock trees could be linked up with environmental plantings or shelter belts to create biolinks that wildlife can move through from one patch to another. However, providing funds to fence off and develop environmental plantings around patches and single trees is also an important priority, as this will protect areas from stock, help encourage natural regeneration from any natural soil stored seedbanks and create stepping-stones that wildlife can use throughout the landscape.

Actions: • Encourage landholders to protect paddock trees and where possible revegetate around them • Investigate CCMA grants to obtain fencing to protect significant trees.

Photo above: Example of a Paddock tree which needs protection.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 27

28 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.2.3 Victorian Volcanic Plains and Grasslands

MCLG region contains Western (Basalt) Plains Grasslands, which is a threatened vegetation community as listed in the Flora & Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. The Moorabool region also contains Victorian Volcanic Plains Grassland, of which there is only 0.01% left intact in Victoria. A substantial amount of these plant communities is found on private properties, where landholders are not always aware of their significance or the threatened species they contain, such as Golden Sun Moths or Clover Glycine.

A funded project on Raising Awareness of Threatened Grasslands and Their Species in the Moorabool Region (2015) aimed to educate the community about how to identify remnant grasslands and threatened species, and how to register their findings using tools such as the Atlas of Living Australia.

The project raised awareness and taught identification skills through Grasslands Awareness workshops including visits to significant grassland communities and information regarding grazing regimes, as well as protecting areas on private properties. This workshop also showcased the threatened grassland communities, as well as specific threatened species, such as the Golden Sun Moth.

Action: • To identify high priority waterways and remnant grassland and woodland areas with high biodiversity values and keep in mind for future projects. • Hold native grassland walk days to educate private landholders about importance of native grasslands and how to identify different species. • Liaise with the Wadawurrung about possible future Cultural burning opportunities.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 28

29 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.2.4 Golden Sun Moth

In 2018, two new Golden Sun Moth sites were identified on private properties with good mixed stands of Wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia spp.) in the Meredith and Elaine area which have been registered on Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (VBAgo) located at: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/victorian-biodiversity-atlas/vba-go and also on Bowerbird at http://www.bowerbird.org.au/ . Prior to this, there were no nearby recorded GSM sites. It is likely there are several more Golden Sun Moth sites within the MCLG area that are yet to be discovered and further funding should be sought to conduct future fauna surveys during November - January.

Actions: • Educate landholders about how to identify Golden Sun Moth • Investigate any potential siting’s and record in Victorian Biodiversity Atlas

Photo above: Golden Sun Moth found near Elaine in December 2017

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 29

30 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.2.4 Nest box projects for additional habitat

Installation of nest boxes for both bird species and mammal species provide another level of biodiversity enhancement. With several revegetation sites not yet old enough to contain hollows which are essential for many Australian bird and mammal species, the installation of nest boxes is valuable for sustaining these species populations until such time.

Nest box construction and placement can also be used as an initiative to collaborate with other groups, schools or agencies within the community and for volunteers to participate, as well as raise awareness about the conservation of local species.

Introduction to nest boxes on private properties can be introduced in stages, with more common shaped and sized boxes (parrot nest boxes, possum nest boxes) used first to introduce participants to the concept of nest boxes for conservation. Once these boxes have been established, more complicated boxes can also be incorporated (bat nest boxes etc.).

There is also the potential of placing infrared/motion cameras inside nest boxes to complement projects with real-time results which can be monitored online on the group’s website by group members. This would provide a valuable and educational resource for group members, students and the community and contribute to conservation and biodiverse learnings and outcomes.

Actions: • Seek additional funding to obtain more nest box kits and provide nest box building workshops for landholders • Investigate purchasing an endoscope to check nest boxes

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 30

31 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.3 Fauna Monitoring programs

4.3.1 Tale of the Tuan program

On 22 March 2016, a MCLG member found the body of a male Tuan (or Brush-tailed Phascogale) on their property in Mt Egerton. The last time a Tuan was confirmed in this region was in Millbrook in 1933. The Tuan is a vulnerable species in Victoria and listed in the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. In 2017, MCLG obtained a DELWP grant called Tale of the Tuan, where 14 fauna cameras were purchased to undertake a monitoring project at sites with previous observed Tuan sightings and where suitable habitat existed. As a part of this project, several Tuan next boxes were constructed by the local Men’s Shed and some habitat trees were distributed to raise awareness across in the Moorabool region. Since the start of the project, there have been two sites that have captured nocturnal images of Tuans. There have been several recent sightings within the Moorabool region and the camera monitoring project has now been extended into a longer-term program (behind the grant timeline) in an effort to locate and register more sightings on the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (VBA) site. To date, all new Tuans locations within the MCLG area have been recorded on VBA.

Actions: • Continue to seek additional funding to continue fauna camera monitoring • Educate landholders to record any finding into Victorian Biodiversity Atlas • Ensure continuation of animal ethics approval to use bait lures through Federation University.

Photo above: Tuan / Brush-tailed Phascogale found at She Oaks in 2019

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 31

32 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.3.2 Threatened Bats of the Upper Moorabool River Catchment region

Recent survey results revealed MCLG members felt that conservation and rehabilitation of bats within the area had been overlooked. The group developed a program which was funded by the R E Ross Trust: Threatened bats of the upper Moorabool River catchment region (2015-2018) to survey for native bat species, with the hope of locating the threatened Southern Bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii bassanii) – which is an EPBC Commonwealth-listed threatened species. MCLG combined local citizen science and academic science (partnering with Federation University) to run a three-year monitoring and conservation program. This program surveyed and monitored local bat populations on private properties, as well as provide nesting boxes and plants suited for bat conservation (trees with peeling bark like Manna Gum or Messmate Stringybark) over three years, in an effort to provide knowledge for the Group as well as provide habitat and linkages for bats. During the 3-year survey, 13 bat species were identified as inhabiting the MCLG area.

Actions: • Encourage more update and installation of Bat Boxes through area • Investigate purchasing a Bat Echo Detector and iPad which can be lent out to landholders to survey for bats. • Record all new findings on Victorian Biodiversity Atlas

Photo above: Micro Bat found during a survey at Meredith (Photo: Ian Penna)

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 32

33 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.3.3 Locating & protecting Growling grass frog and its habitat in the MCLG area

During 2017 – 2018, a frog survey was conducted on several properties across the MCLG area by Central Highlands environmental consultancy to locate and identify as many frog species as possible. The aim was to locate the presence of the Growling grass frog (which is federally vulnerable and state endangered). As part of this survey, all frogs found were swabbed to test for the presence or absence of Chytrid Fungus, which is detrimental to frog populations. Any landholder found to have positive Chytrid results were given a hygiene foot bath to prevent it being spread to other sites. Frogs found were recorded on databases such as the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas. Wetland plants were also supplied to participating landholders to improve habitat for frogs around waterways and dams. During the study, five frogs were identified within the MCLG area: Ewings Tree frog, Victorian Smooth froglet, Common tree frog, Spotted Marsh frog and Pobblebonk. Chytrid fungus was found in four locations – two locations in Elaine on private property, Paddock Creek (Gordon) and in North Gordon on private property.

Actions: • Seek further funding to continue to survey for frogs across the area • Investigate using eDNA to find frog species.

Photo above: Spotted Marsh frog found at Elaine along a creek.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 33

34 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.4 Soil Health

MCLG has recognised soil health as a high priority amongst members. During 2016-2018, several trial soil sample sites were established on several member’s properties, including the construction of a soil pit. This program was funded by the Corangamite CMA in collaboration with Southern Farming Systems (SFS). As a part of this program, one field day and two information evenings were held for the group to educate members about the use of lime and other fertilisers and its effectiveness to improve soil quality. It also involved looking at different pasture types and the results of recent crop trials provided by an agricultural consultant.

Action: • Continue to be involved in longer term soil health projects and trials that may be conducted within the catchment • Look into obtaining further information relating to soil microbiology, carbon capture and pasture and soil improvement • Seek further funding to run soil health information forums relating to a changing climate and impact on pastures and soil.

Photos above: Lisa Miller from SFS collecting soil samples from private properties (left) and Lisa presenting results in August 2018 to the Landcare group.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 34

35 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.5 River and Streamside Health projects and partnerships

4.5.1 Barwon Water partnership

Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group and Barwon Water have a longstanding partnership.

Barwon Water understand that managing and protecting water supply catchments is essential to maintaining high quality, safe drinking water for our community.

Barwon Water is just one of the many beneficiaries of healthy catchments and waterways. Catchments and waterways are a shared community asset, supporting a range of social, environmental and economic values across the community and natural environment. It is for this reason that catchments and waterways are best managed through both individual and collaborative efforts to protect and improve these values.

An example of this is the MCLG partnership with Barwon Water. The main objectives of the partnership are to enable MCLG to undertake Landcare activities such as:

• Plan and strategy development • Funding and grant applications • On-ground projects • Landholder capacity building • Community education and engagement

Barwon Water have also supported the Landcare group by providing 5,000 – 10,000 free native indigenous tubestock plants for revegetation projects annually across the catchment.

Actions: • Seek new joint stakeholder projects such as eDNA which aim to further investigate Waterway health • Encourage further uptake of CCMA streamside programs that focus on improving catchment health along priority waterways.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 35

36 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.5.2 Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) Partnership

The MCLG aims to submit River Health and Streamside projects to the CCMA annually. The Landcare group will aim to complement any River Health or Streamside projects on MCLG members’ properties alongside the Moorabool River by supplying seedlings, stakes and guards and/or weed control (if funding is available).

The CCMA have three priority waterways within the Moorabool Catchment Landcare area (please also refer to map 4, Appendix 7):

• East Moorabool River; • West Moorabool River; and • Moorabool River

Actions: • Work with the CCMA to identify key priority areas within the MCLG area which may be eligible for funding. • Direct and encourage all new and existing landholders that adjoin priority waterways to investigate being involved in CCMA streamside / waterway funding program.

Photo above: CCMA Streamside program near the East Moorabool River (Photo: Chris Callaghan)

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 36

37 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.5.3 Moorabool Shire Council partnership

The MCLG and the Moorabool Shire Council have had an ongoing agreement to enhance the Moorabool River on private properties. This is achieved through environmental plantings, erosion and salinity management. The Moorabool Shire Council has funded the MCLG with $18,500 - 21,000.00 annually to carry out these works. This agreement will continue while the Shire Council has the funding to support river health activities.

The Shire also manages several waterways on public land throughout the Moorabool region, and where this is in the boundary of MCLG, the group can offer to help with aspects of maintenance such as revegetation or weed removal in conjunction with council works for a greater overall environmental outcome.

The Moorabool Shire is also an active promoter of the “Gardens for Wildlife” program and aims to work with MCLG to encourage more landholders to be involved in this program.

Action: • MCLG will continue to collaborate with the Shire Council and seek opportunities to rehabilitate our local waterways, including the Moorabool River, the Werribee River and all associated tributaries. • MCLG to liaise with Moorabool Shire and Melbourne Water in relation to any future Werribee River projects. • MCLG volunteers to carry out Garden for Wildlife assessments in the Gordon, Ballan and Mt Egerton area and report back to Shire on progress made.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 37

38 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.5.4 Friends of Paddock Creek (Crown land)

Friends of Paddock Creek is a sub-committee of MCLG and primarily focuses on the Gordon Public Reserve, or Paddock Creek Reserve (Crown land, for which the Moorabool Shire is the designated Committee of Management), located approximately 200m north of Main Street in Gordon.

Paddock Creek Reserve currently includes Paddock Creek, a dam, walking tracks bordered by native trees and shrubs, a small playground with rotunda and an open park area often used for dog exercising and passive recreation.

Prior to 2006, the 4-hectare site was choked with woody weeds particularly willows and poplars. No native trees or shrubs were present. In 2006, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority in partnership with Moorabool Shire decided to clear the site of willows. From 2006 the site was cleared, and a masterplan drawn up by a landscape architect. The Friends of Paddock Creek Working Group formed at this time to provide community input and volunteer labour.

Additional works included the construction of a car park, playground, walking paths, plant signage and installation of bird breeding boxes. By 2010, over 10,000 trees, shrubs and grasses had been planted across the site involving many volunteer planting days. After five years of intense activity the Friends of Paddock Creek group went into recess. In 2017, the Friends of Paddock Creek decided to reform to support a plan for maintenance works and weed control, but also seek new community ideas to enhance the Paddock Creek Reserve for community benefit and the township of Gordon in general. In 2018, work recommenced to install weed matting (on previous blackberry infested site) and revegetate to reduce soil erosion and improve biodiversity at the site.

Action: • Create and define a clear Terms of Reference for the Friends of Paddock Creek subcommittee • Continue to scope out potential grants to improve the usability of the area

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 38

39 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.5.5 Melbourne Water & Port Phillip and Westernport CMA Partnerships

MCLG will continue to work with Melbourne Water in relation to encouraging any Landcare members within the PPWCMA area to participate in the Streamside frontage programs funded by Melbourne Water. These programs provide landholders with the opportunity to access funding for streamside improvement including: weed control, fencing and revegetation projects.

MCLG will also continue to work with both Melbourne Water and the Moorabool Shire in relation to any conservation related works along the Werribee River within the Ballan township.

There has been a long partnership with Melbourne Water including via groups such as the Rushing Water Group, which operated from 2012 – 2016 to focus on Melbourne Water’s Caledonian Park planting project which was established in 2012 to focus on Melbourne Water’s Caledonian Park planting project.

Actions: • Liaise with PPWCMA on planned community forums • Seek funding to enhance aspects of the Werribee river near Ballan i.e. Revegetation, bridges, interpretation signage etc.

Photo above: Werribee River near Caledonian Park which has the potential for more revegetation and other community projects.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 39

40 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.5.6 Central Highlands Water Partnership

MCLG are seeking more support from Central Highlands Water (CHW) in relation to any future projects and the availability of free trees for catchment revegetation projects.

Action: • Continue to liaise with CHW on potential community awareness programs in relation to water quality.

4.5.7 Ongoing Waterway Health

As well as the current initiatives with the local water authorities, the MCLG will strive to branch out and encompass new waterway related projects when the opportunity presents itself. Future projects may also include collaboration with local schools and authorities such Southern Rural Water, as well as other Landcare Networks or ‘Friends Of’ groups.

Another issue facing our waterways is environmental flows through either lack of rainfall or river regulation, which are designed to benefit both biodiversity and the health of the waterway and can also affect many landholders along major waterways. This will become an increasing issue with increasing temperature changes.

Action: • Liaise with the CCMA over concerns about Environmental flows • Liaise with local schools and provide educational information sessions for classes.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 40

41 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.6 Cultural Awareness, Aboriginal participation and inclusiveness in projects

The MCLG is working to build a partnership with the Wadawurrung to include indigenous people in new projects.

In March 2019, the MCLG held an event for the local Gordon community at Paddock Creek, where local Wadawurrung man Barry Gilson spoke and sung about the indigenous history of Gordon.

The Landcare group then held a Cultural Awareness workshop in May 2019 which attracted over 60 people to raise awareness of several cultural issues and to also discuss how to identify and protect significant sites. This was then followed by selected private landholders experiencing a Traditional Owner visit, where they learnt about the indigenous history of their property and any significant findings found during the visit. The landholders then went on to present at the Landcare group’s AGM about their personal experiences.

In August 2019, with assistance from NAIDOC funding, the MCLG organised a Basket Weaving workshop facilitated by local Wadawurrung woman Tammy Gilson, who demonstrated the art of how to make a basket and dilly bag.

During October 2019, with funding assistance from the CCMA, MCLG also held a Cultural Walk at Gordon, where Barry Gilson facilitated two walks to speak about local indigenous aspects in the local bushland and along waterways.

Actions: • Continue to plan new activities that aim to raise awareness of local indigenous culture • Liaise with the Wadawurrung and aim for joint leadership on future projects.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 41

42 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

4.7 Community Engagement

4.7.1 Peri-urban Activities

Future proposals for peri-urban projects include sustainable energy options, nest box implementation and organic-grown vegetables. Some past and current initiatives the MCLG has offered or is offering in an aim to build upon include:

4.7.1.1 Volunteer Tree Planting Group

The Volunteer Tree Planting Group is a sub-Group of MCLG made up of peri-urban members dedicated to helping large-scale farmers or property holders complete their tree planting projects each year. The aim is to continue to build the Group to regular peri-urban members but also include students, community members, and other volunteers who would be interested in volunteering for Landcare projects. The volunteer Group can then also be utilised in other capacities, other than revegetation. One group that was established to deal with volunteer projects was the Moorabool Environment Group (MEG), who still meet and undertake occasional tree planting activities.

4.7.1.2 The Nectar Project

The Nectar Project was piloted in Ballan and was then picked up in Gordon. This project is aimed at peri-urban MCLG members to become involved in planting nectar producing plants in their front or backyards to link up whole streets or courts and encourage nectar seeking species such as butterflies, native bees, birds and mammals (gliders, possums etc.) back into local towns such as Ballan, Gordon and Mount Egerton. As part of the project, MCLG provided plants for participants (funded partially by the MCLG, 20 Million trees Round 1 and R E Ross Trust projects.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 42

43 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

MCLG is planning with additional funding to continue the project over the next two years but potentially aiming to provide:

• larger numbers of plants to more people, • reprint information brochures, • project participant signs; and • becoming involved with the new developments in Ballan and surrounds (provide native street trees in new housing developments).

4.7.1.3 Bee Keeping workshops

A couple of Bee keeping workshops have been held for the MCLG in 2015 and again in 2018. The workshops were another way to encourage landholders to improve biodiversity on urban, peri-urban and larger properties.

47.1.4 Fungi workshops

A workshop on Fungi identification workshop and a night seminar were held in June 2018 which attracted a large interest from both members and the general community. It is hoped to run this workshop either annually or biannually.

4.7.1.5 Gardens for Wildlife Project

The Gardens for Wildlife Project is a similar project to the Nectar Project, but it follows a program that was developed by Knox City Council. It involves two volunteers to visit an urban or peri-urban garden and provide advice and support aimed at improving the biodiversity within that garden (incorporating many of the Nectar Project principles). It will also involve providing local native indigenous plants that encourage wildlife. The program includes a before and after visit by volunteers to observe any changes in the garden and to provide free useful local native plants to help enhance gardens.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 43

44 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

MCLG obtained a grant from the Moorabool Wind Farm in 2018 to kickstart this project on a small scale and offer it to members within Ballan, Gordon and Mt Egerton townships in 2018-2019. There are plans to upscale this program within the Moorabool Shire to other local townships within the next few years. MCLG also hopes to work in partnership with Ballarat plant nurseries as well as community nurseries including Geelong and Moorabool Landcare Network community nursery.

4.7.1.6 Promotional: Events and Social media

The MCLG is present at as many community events as possible to promote the range of programs and activities provided by the group. The regular events attended include:

• Ballan Autumn Festival (March) • Trees for Mum in Ballan (May) • Gordon Fair (November / December)

The group also heavily promote activities and events on their website, Facebook, Twitter and soon Instagram.

4.7.1.7 Schools and Education

Local primary schools and scout groups have actively participated in MCLG activities and programs. The MCLG provides the opportunity for projects on both private and public property. MCLG also can help with writing funding applications. The group also provides plants, stakes and guards for revegetation, as well as seeking out other opportunities for program expansion. The MCLG looks to continue and strengthen relationships with local schools, as well as other education programs such as scouts. Local schools have participated in: • Revegetation projects, both on and off school grounds; • ‘Clean Up Australia Day’ programs on school grounds; • ‘Trees for Mum’ Landcare Australia; • School environmental working bees (cleaning up litter, removing weeds); and • National Tree Day.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 44

45 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

There are many avenues in which the MCLG can collaborate with schools and other educational groups, including applying for:

• Junior Landcare grants; • educational bus trips; • bushfood gardens; • volunteer opportunities such as revegetation; and • applying for educational programs through Corangamite CMA, such as Waterwatch.

Actions: • Continue to seek feedback on what workshops that interest people • Look for emerging interesting trends, which encourage landholders to participate and get involved in landcare through: volunteering, education etc.

Photo above: A few years on - Gordon Primary School planting on a roadside verge in Ballan to create a Nectar garden for a Landcare member using native grasses and wildflowers.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 45

46 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

5. Future Opportunities for the Landcare group

MCLG aims to maintain a sustainable and active level of participation through: continuing to provide revegetation, waterway protection and pest plant and animal control activities for members. MCLG, however, would like to expand its membership and diversity of projects to include activities such as: raising awareness of threatened flora and fauna locally and soil health awareness and improvement within a changing climate.

MCLG has been successful in past grants to help boost membership such as the Corangamite CMA 2012 grant: Landcare recruitment drive for upper Moorabool River catchment landholders. The group will continue to explore and apply for similar grant opportunities of this nature.

To maintain a successful Landcare group, the MCLG must continue to maintain and strengthen relationships and partnerships with local authorities as well as continue to apply for funding opportunities where possible.

Next steps for MCLG include: • Registration with Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC) • Exploring funding opportunities through Corporate sponsorship • Upscaling projects to larger landscape connectivity projects • Strengthening relationships with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and undertaking joint planning for NRM activities across the Moorabool Catchment area. The aim is to involve the Wadawurrung in the initial planning phases for any future joint projects. • Creating more Landcare volunteering opportunities for Corporate, school and community groups

This Strategic Plan has been designed as a framework for the group’s priorities and a guide for applying for funding opportunities. The document allows for new opportunities which may come up in the future or a change of group priorities during the next five years. The document will be revisited and edited as necessary on an ongoing basis.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 46

47 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

5.1 Future projects

Future projects for the MCLG area are based on the vision for the group:

MCLG aims to substantially increase native vegetation cover, eradicate weeds and pests, protect and enhance waterways, encourage native fauna and undertake extensive community engagement activities to raise environmental awareness and community involvement in these activities.

Some of the future projects that MCLG are considering include (also refer to map 9):

• Werribee River improvement - As part of the Open Space and Recreational Plan from Ballan Strategic Direction (Moorabool Shire Council), there are plans to investigate a walking track along the escarpment and to rezone areas as residential along the Werribee River with a perimeter road. Further discussion is planned with Moorabool Shire and Melbourne water to investigate new funding opportunities.

• Friends of Paddock Creek subcommittee – support the group to become more proactive through community awareness events that promote health, wellbeing and connection to the environment.

• Rope ladder across Western Highway – There is a lot of interest in creating a connective corridor across the Western Highway which is a major biodiversity barrier for small mammals. This would complement the long-term aim of connecting a biodiversity corridor between the Wombat Forest to the Brisbane Ranges.

• Wind Farm projects: Moorabool Wind Farm / Yalloak Estate Wind Farm and Goldwind (Lal Lal) Wind Farms will soon all have active turbines and offering grants to community groups. The Landcare group would like to explore obtain funding for projects that are outside the scope of standard fund sources, i.e. Revegetation in non-priority catchment areas, Weed control, fencing and specialised flora surveys.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 47

48 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

• Gardens for Wildlife program (Nectar Gardens) – With seeding funding from the Moorabool Wind Farm, the MCLG initiated a Gardens for Wildlife program in Gordon, Mt Egerton and Ballan to encourage more biodiversity into urban and peri- urban gardens. It is hoped that this will lead into a larger scale Moorabool Shire- wide program.

• Citizen Science data collection – MCLG members will be encouraged to either record any environmental findings onto online databases and where possible to record any significant flora or fauna into VBAgo. This also includes ongoing fauna camera monitoring on private properties More recordings mean greater chances of MCLG obtaining grant funding for protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

• eDNA project – Several local Landcare groups are starting to use eDNA to detect the presence of platypus, fish and frogs in waterways. Expressions of interest will be explored in 2019, to seek interest in utilising this citizen science approach within the MCLG area.

• Cultural heritage workshops and working with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners – the MCLG organised a workshop in May 2019 on cultural heritage awareness which focused on dispelling myths around cultural sites of significance and how to better manage these sites. Three private property visits were also organised with Traditional Owners to encourage more access to Country and to also improve awareness and understanding with private landowners about cultural heritage. The next step is to obtain further funding to encourage more engagement and involvement with Wadawurrung through a variety of activities, i.e. basket weaving, and cultural heritage interpretation walks and private property visits in 2020.

• Cross-boundary and joint Landcare projects – Investigate future joint projects with adjacent Landcare groups and networks such as: Leigh Catchment Group, MLN and the Bunanyung Landscape Alliance (BLA).

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 48

49 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

• ‘Connected Landscapes project - Adapting Corangamite's Natural Assets to Climate Change’ project. The project is a new and innovative one and will be delivered through engaging with a broad and diverse range of stakeholders and community NRM groups and will address regional and local NRM priorities. (Corangamite CMA & Bunanyung Landscape Alliance). Funding has been provided to start this project in 2019.

• Climate Change / Changing Climatic Revegetation projects – There is a real need to continue to develop revegetation programs aimed at reducing carbon emissions and the effects of future predicted heat related stress on native flora, fauna and on local communities.

• School education programs – Continue to liaise with local schools on projects and take any opportunities to speak on a range of Landcare topics.

• Environmental interpretation through art – Investigate the use of a range of mediums that provide a hands-on experience for community and local schools that promotes environmental issues and wellbeing through participation.

• Environmental Surveys - Ongoing participation - Flora, Frog, Bird and Fauna camera surveys to identify and register any significant species within the MCLG area.

• Land management field days and workshops: - Carbon Offsets - Investigate alternative weed treatments and new products - Livestock feed management - Farm and livestock hygiene practices - Investigate purchasing of shared equipment for members including: smoke machine for rabbit warren control and a deep ripping machine.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 49

50 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

• Educational and training workshops – The following workshops were identified as being of much interest to the local community as part of MCLG member surveys:

- Agricultural Chemical Users Permit course (ACUP) - Bee Keeping field trip (to continue from past workshops) - Bird photography and identification – also role of birds in insect control - Bushfire planning for properties - Education on different types of land tenure (particularly on waterways) - Environmental Astronomy - Environmental photography - Eucalypt identification workshop - Feel blue, touch green seminar – dealing with mental health - Field demonstrations: weed control, rabbit control, sustainable agriculture - First Aid level 2 training - Forest Bathing - Forestry / Agriculture - Fungi workshop - Grassland wildflower walks - Horse care and Landcare - Night-time photography - Permaculture workshop & growing alternative foods i.e. bush foods - Plant identification workshop - Rabbit and fox control techniques - Seed collection

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 50

51 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

6. Actions to meet objectives over the next 5 years

Objectives Description & Priority Grant / How Actions Connection to Action Source can be local, regional, Low measured state and national Medium strategies. High Referring to Sec 7. “References”

Provide Ensure a total Barwon Number of trees 2 – CCMA revegetation minimum of High Water and species Landcare Support programs on an 5,000 free plants provided, area Plan ongoing basis is available revegetated, annually to and number of 7 – Barwon Water members Australian landholders Landcare government engaged in partnership Apply for larger CCMA activity. grants to expand DELWP 10 – Climate revegetation Number of Change Victoria – program landholders Grampians participating DELWP Provide Weed The group’s and Pest overall objective High Number of 3 – CCMA programs on an is to reduce the Landholders Invasive Pest and ongoing basis top three priority attending animal weeds in the information management MCLG area by sessions 60%. However, 5 – DELWP: this is dependent Number of Biodiversity 2037 on successful Expressions of Strategy. grants and Interest to committed participate 6 – Moorabool landholders. Shire council Gorse Meredith, Elaine VGT Grant Hectares of Environment & Morrisons High gorse treated Policy

Blackberry All MCLG area CCMA Hectares of 8 – Golden Plains Medium blackberry Shire Environment treated Strategy Serrated Tussock Annual aerial Self-funded Hectares of spraying control High Serrated where 100% State or Tussock rebate is Australian treated. provided for government chemical cost funding Rabbits Aim to reduce Landcare Spotlight counts rabbit numbers Medium Victoria to measure by 20% by 2020 population – this objective changes will be affected by environmental conditions and grant availability.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 51

52 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Foxes To develop a Fox counts coordinated Medium before and after 1080 fox control baiting / program shooting.

Deer Monitor numbers Individuals Fauna Camera in the area Medium counts to measure population changes Cats To support the Individuals Loss of wildlife council program Low to keep cats indoor at night

Other introduced Monitor impact Individuals Observation animals of other Low introduced animals

To maintain a Attend Ballan Volunteer Change in steady Autumn Festival High activities membership 2 – CCMA membership of a and Gordon Fair CCMA numbers from Landcare Support minimum 130 to undertake one year to the Plan members membership next. annually. drives Number of 7 – Barwon Water Attend Trees for renewals Landcare Mum each year annually. Partnership at Ballan IGA and encourage schools to also participate by providing free trees to hand out

Provide a range of workshops to encourage new members to join

Provide a Provide a range Ballan Aim to provide a minimum of five of events that High Community minimum of 5 of Local Businesses community upskill, improve and Region events provided engagement and knowledge and Bank per year. 2 – CCMA educational improve capacity Landcare Support events to appeal to better manage Moorabool Number of Plan to a range of land and Wind Farm property visits landholders maintain that lead to on- 7 – Barwon Water biodiversity ground Landcare across the area activities. Partnership

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 52

53 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Encourage Identify any Corangamite Aim to obtain at landholders to existing and new High CMA any one time 3 4 – CCMA protect and members that streamside landholders with Waterway strategy enhance may qualify for program CCMA streams and CCMA agreements. 7 – Barwon Water rivers streamside Landcare funding and partnership encouraging them to investigate joining the program.

Work closely Regular Produce 3 with Barwon meetings in High Barwon Barwon water 7 – Barwon Water Water and person, over the Water reports Landcare Moorabool Shire phone and Moorabool annually. Partnership to develop quarterly report Shire annual priorities updates 6 – Moorabool for group Shire Council Environment policy Strengthen Email all Part of the Increased partnerships stakeholders High Landcare presence of 2 – CCMA with MCLG Coordinator stakeholder Landcare Support stakeholders newsletter. role involvement in Plan Attend meetings MCLG on issues that programs. 6 – Moorabool directly affect the Shire council Landcare group. Environment Policy Provide ongoing mapping 8 – Golden Plains information to Shire Environment the CCMA to go Strategy into the NRM portal

Explore new Explore new and Ballan Participation in grant emerging areas High Regional activities Local Businesses opportunities and develop community i.e. Moorabool that connect and activities that bank Surveys to Wind Farm and strengthen support: health, measure Goldwind. communities well-being and Moorabool improvement connection to Wind Farm environment

Challenges of CCMA & No. Field days 2 – Corangamite agriculture in a High Landcare held and No. of Landcare Support drier climate Vic participants Plan 2013

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 53

54 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

To continue to Continue to DELWP Number of survey, monitor undertake flora Medium grant registered 5 – DELWP: and record any surveys and VBAgo sites Biodiversity 2037 significant flora fauna camera CCMA strategy and fauna surveys & record species findings as Citizen science – VBAgo

Provide a clear Continue to CCMA Number of 2 – Corangamite accountability promote High Federal promotions & Landcare Support for funding in outcomes for Govt Statistics on Plan 2013 the form of projects and Landcare field work. measured report results. Vic outcomes.

Photo above: Atlas of Living Australia educational Session. The need to continue to train, educate and record information about various aspects relating to the MCLG, will form a fundamental part of future activities.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 54

55 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

7. References: Supporting Documentation

The Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group Strategic Plan 2019-2024 is a document which has been written to complement other natural resource management documents including:

Reference No:

1. Central Highlands Region Strategic Directions Statement - IWM 2018 Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) https://www.water.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/395460/Central-Highlands- SDS-web-version.pdf

2. Corangamite Landcare Support Plan 2013 Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Landcare Australia http://www.ccma.vic.gov.au/admin/file/content2/c7/CCMA%207643_SUPPORT%20PL AN_WEB.PDF

3. Corangamite Invasive Plant and Animal Management Strategy Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Colac, Victoria. http://www.ccma.vic.gov.au/admin/file/content2/c7/CIPAMSfinal[1].pdf

4. Corangamite Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Colac, Victoria. http://www.ccma.vic.gov.au/Publications/Corangamite-Waterway-Strategy.aspx

5. Biodiversity 2037 Strategy Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/51259/Protecting- Victorias-Environment-Biodiversity-2037.pdf

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 55

56 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

6. Moorabool Shire Council Environment Policy Moorabool Shire Council, Darley, Victoria http://www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/CA257489001FD37D/Lookup/StrategicCouncilDocu ments2012/$file/2012%20Moorabool%20Environment%20Policy.pdf

7. Barwon Water Landcare Partnerships Barwon Region Water Corporation: https://www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au

8. Golden Plains Environment Strategy 2019 – 2027 Golden Plains Shire, Victoria file:///F:/Moorabool%20Catchment%20Landcare%20group%202017/MCLG%20Strategic% 20Action%20Plan/Five%20year%20plan%202015- 2020%20draft/Stakeholder%20Ref%20documents/Golden%20Plains%20Shire%20Enviro nment%20Strategy%202019-2027%20-%20FINAL.pdf

9. Golden Plains Biodiversity Strategy 2016 Golden Plains Shire, Victoria file:///F:/Moorabool%20Catchment%20Landcare%20group%202017/MCLG%20Strategic% 20Action%20Plan/Five%20year%20plan%202015- 2020%20draft/Stakeholder%20Ref%20documents/Golden%20Plains%20Biodiversity%20 Strategy%202016%20-%20Deakin%20-%20no%20actions%2030%20Aug%202016.pdf

10. Climate-Ready Victoria – Grampians (2015) Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/60741/Grampians.pdf

Scientific References: Collins, L., T. D. Penman, O. F. Price, and R. A. Bradstock. 2015. Adding fuel to the fire? Revegetation influences wildfire size and intensity. Journal of Environmental Management 150:196–205. Ellis, P. F. M. 2013. Firebrand characteristics of the stringy bark of messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua) investigated using non-tethered samples. International Journal of Wildland Fire 22:642–651.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 56

57 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Appendix 1: Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group Membership

Membership

The membership fee is $15 per year and open to one person per household (or land holding) within the defined catchment district.

To quality to be a full member of the group, a landholder must: • Own land or be living within the boundaries of the Landcare group area • Each new member will need to be assessed by the committee to determine if they qualify in being a full member or an associate member. • Due to past history with the group’s old Landcare boundary covering the Greendale area, some long-term full memberships will still be honoured by the MCLG – at the discretion of the committee.

Others who support the statement of purpose can apply for associate membership. Associate membership is free of charge, and they can enjoy full benefits of membership excluding voting rights. However associate members need to request continuation of their associate membership annually. Below is a list of what Associate members can and cannot do:

They can: • Attend workshops or forums and pay the any applicable fees as for full members. • An associate member can be located anywhere outside the MCLG, but they still need to be assessed by the committee as to become an “associate member”. • They do not pay for membership • They must request continuation of their associate membership annually

They cannot: • They cannot access any of the Landcare grants • They cannot vote at an AGM • They cannot attend volunteer events (as they are not covered by the Landcare insurance that full members are covered by).

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 57

58 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Newsletter

The Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group newsletter is a bi-monthly publication, which is distributed to all members both as a hard copy and electronically, ensuring that the full list of members has access to current and upcoming information (not all members have consistent internet or email access) about the Group. The newsletter will also contain other Landcare news, including events and opportunities being hosted by other Groups, incorporations or authorities may be offering that would interest and be of value to MCLG members. Copies of the newsletter will also be sent to other stakeholders i.e. Catchment Management Authorities, water authorities, shire councils and other Groups and authorities that are associated with the Landcare Group. The newsletter is issued every alternative month that does not host a general meeting.

Website and the Internet

The MCLG website located at https://mooraboolcatchment.com.au will be updated by the MCLG Landcare coordinator regularly with upcoming events, photos, projects and anything else relevant to the webpage.

The MCLG also has a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MooraboolCatchmentLandcareGroup/?ref=bookmarks and Twitter feed (@MooraboolCLG) which will be continuously updated with Landcare news and events by the coordinator or members who volunteer to help administrate social media pages.

The MCLG will also maintain a presence on Landcare Gateway webpages and other local webpages where the group is featured and update details where necessary.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 58

59 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Appendix 2: Meetings and The Executive Committee

General Meetings

The Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group will hold a General Meeting bimonthly, every alternative month to the MCLG Newsletter. Any major decisions and/or issues will be brought to the General Meeting.

Annual General Meetings

The Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group will hold an Annual General Meeting once a year, usually in October.

Changing Group Rules

For more information regarding the rules of the Annual General Meeting, please refer to The Model Rules of Incorporation.

Any changes to the rules are considered to constitute what is called 'special resolutions' (refer to page 24 of the Model Rules). It requires three-quarters of the members present at a meeting (and including any proxy votes) to be in favour of a special resolution for it to be carried (see page 13 of the Model Rules). This differs from other matters put to the vote, which purely require a majority of members (present) to carry a motion.

The Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is comprised of the following positions: - President - Vice President - Secretary and Public Officer - Treasurer - A representative on the Moorabool Landcare Advisory Committee (MLAC) - 2 x Regular Committee Members

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 59

60 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Each year the positions will be made vacant at the Annual General Meeting and members will vote to fill the positions during the AGM.

Only members who are financial members can vote and nominate for positions. Only one vote per property.

The number Regular Committee Members may be added to or removed depending on the size of the group membership at the time of voting. The Regular Committee Members exist on the committee to ensure a true representative number of the group is present on the Executive Committee.

Executive Committee Meetings will occur bi-monthly, a week before General Meetings. Topics for the general members present at the upcoming General Meeting will be discussed, as well as topics which do not necessarily need to go forward to the General Meeting.

The Landcare Coordinator is to put all major decisions or problems to the Executive Committee for a decision. The Executive Committee will decide if the decision or problem can be resolved independently of a General Meeting.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 60

61 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Appendix 3: History of the group

MCLG was first established in 1989 as the East Moorabool Landcare Group. The Group’s original focus was controlling serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) and rabbits in the Moorabool Gorge. Over the following years, the Landcare Group developed a highly successful project known as “The Moorabool Gorge Revegetation Project”, which involved a partnership between the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Barwon Water, Department of Environment and Primary Industries and the Moorabool Shire. Since then the Group has taken on more projects and challenges and increased the size of the area targeted.

During 2011-12, the Landcare membership base started to expand, which inspired the name change from East Moorabool Landcare Group to Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group (MCLG) as it had grown to encompass a much wider region of the upper Moorabool catchment. The new name reflected the growth and includes all areas of the region. It should be noted that some areas previously covered by the group were reduced due to changes in circumstances i.e. Greendale Landcare group became an independent group.

Today, MCLG is one of more than 400 major Landcare groups Victoria wide. The Landcare program has been in operation for more than 30 years and benefits from considerable support and funding provided by the Victorian Government through DELWP. Landcare groups make a significant contribution to environmental management across Victoria. In 2016-17, DELWP estimates that the major Landcare groups contributed over 32,000 full-time equivalent days of volunteer activities to community based environmental events and programs (DELWP 2016-17 Annual Report, p61). MCLG contributes significantly to that environmental volunteering effort.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 61

62 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

The success of MCLG, in part has been the willingness to: visit others, share ideas, learn new programs and make changes. The MCLG are also keen to undertake a broad range of programs from environmental works to soil health, productivity and education to ensure the Group has something to offer for all our members. The large area that our Landcare Group now covers (extending from Spargo creek and down to She oaks – see map 1) provides an opportunity for MCLG to provide many important social, economic and environmental opportunities within our regional community.

MCLG incorporates members from rural and peri-urban communities including those with farming backgrounds and large-scale properties, as well as members with small- scale properties and house blocks within townships. MCLG aims to develop and provide programs and projects that all members can enjoy and participate in, as well as create a cohesive Group connection and relationship between its peri-urban and rural members.

Photo above: One of the popular workshops organised by MCLG includes Bee Keeping (Photo by: Elspeth Swan).

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 62

63 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Appendix 4: Funding Matrix - Local, Regional, State, Federal & Philanthropic

The following table integrates where the MCLG objectives correlate with local and regional strategies and plans. Please note that this is only a sample of common funding sources.

LOCAL COMMUNITY GRANTS Grant Type Detail and funding Event most suited to

Bendigo & District Concentrates on: Suited to one-off Events: Community Bank • Community Involvement • Promotes the Bank (Product • Bee Keeping No requested funding synergies) • Fungi Workshops limits • Market research pre- and • Community events post-event All year around • Does not fund guest speakers

Moorabool Shire Community Strengthening Grants Suited to projects that Community Grants support community projects, bring people together programs and initiatives with a Community specific focus on connecting • Workshops Strengthening grants: communities and building • Community community capacity. This includes strengthening i.e. Up to $5000 projects that improve community Membership facilities, encourage community • Outdoor facilities Autumn and Spring participation and volunteerism, as • Cultural activities well as those that build leadership that encourage skills and community well-being. inclusiveness

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 63

64 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Moorabool Shire Community Events Grants support Suited to projects which Community Grants the development of new and showcase the Landcare existing community events that group: Community Events promote vibrant and cohesive grants: communities by bringing people • Community together for common goals, information, Up to $3,000 for one- celebration and expression. educational or off events Community based organisations are awareness events encouraged to develop and deliver • Community Autumn – complete events that showcase local talent, Celebrations BW Jan – July provide public entertainment, foster community participation, Spring – complete connectedness and diversity. BW July - December

MOORABOOL & Grants are suited to community- Suited to projects to GOLD WIND based projects that benefit the well- projects that promote Community Grants being of local landholders. health and well-being.

Improvement in the landscape

REGIONAL GRANTS (Corangamite Catchment Management Authority)

CCMA Community Grants that are suited to projects Suited to streamside Grants which focus on improving projects, waterway health catchments or river health and wetlands.

Research i.e. eDNA

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 64

65 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

STATE GRANTS (DELWP)

DELWP This grant funds: Suited to what Community Skills • Communication & promotion training (e.g. Landcare wants: Development writing media releases / promo material) Grants for • Workshop on benefits of collaboration & • First Aid Volunteer Partnerships training community-based • Employment & human resource training • GPS / environment • First Aid / refresher training Mapping groups & • Fundraising & writing grant applications • Citizen Networks workshop science work • Governance training i.e. Bowerbird Runs: Sept – Oct • GPS / Mapping training • Cultural

• Leadership & Succession planning Heritage Individual group workshop Awareness grant: Up to $5,000 • Monitoring & Reporting workshop (use of • Social Media citizen science) training • Training in the planning & delivery of community events • Project development & planning workshop • Workshop on how to recruit new members / volunteers • Strategic planning & action planning workshop • Social media training

FEDERAL GRANTS (Examples of Past and current grants) This grant is suited to large scale Suited to biolink projects / 20 Million Trees projects such as tree planting or landscape weed control Project (Finished large biodiversity corridors. grant – yet to be replaced)

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 65

66 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Alignment with Stakeholder Strategies

Key Objective of Moorabool Shire MCLG Objectives

2B: Minimising environmental impact To attract new sources of funding or subsidies natural environment that enable activities such as Revegetation, pest and weed control to be available to landholders each year. 4A: Improving Social outcomes health To explore new grant opportunities that connect & wellbeing and strengthen communities which can results in healthier, stronger communities and focuses on well-being. 4B: Improving social outcomes and To provide a range of useful engagement and community connectedness and educational programs i.e. Workshops and on- capacity. ground activities to Urban landholders through to Broad acre landholders.

Key Objective of CCMA MCLG Objectives

Halt the decline in quality (condition) To attract new sources of funding or subsidies of existing extent of high value native that enable activities such as Revegetation, pest vegetation and enhance its and weed control to be available to landholders connectivity. This project would each year. increase connectivity.

"Retain the ecological function of To encourage landholders to protect and riverine and estuarine floodplains and enhance streams and rivers with assistance of protect community infrastructure and programs offered by the Corangamite CMA. values".

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 66

67 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

PHILANTHROPIC GRANTS OBJECTIVES

R E Ross Trust High priority

Program area: Protection and • Purchase of or regeneration of land of preservation of Australian flora and significant conservational value fauna • Securing and preserving environmental corridors • Increase accessibility of preserved landscapes for the broader public • Preserving biodiversity • Combined community response • Research related i.e. Surveying Norman Wettenhall Projects should involve: • monitoring, recording & sharing data Projects: • delivering community education • providing community capacity building • Flora and fauna conservation (e.g. training) • Threatened mammal • research and science conservation • Landscape restoration and Fund: education (Victoria only) • Projects that directly make positive changes to biodiversity conservation in Australia. • Projects with long term objectives and values. • Projects that show the following: enthusiasm, collaboration, passion, innovation • Projects that use citizen science • Projects that are about community education relating to conservation

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 67

68 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Appendix 5: Potential future weed threats

Raising awareness of new and emerging weed threats to MCLG members and the broader community is also important to ensure early identification and control. Such weeds include: • Carpet weed (Galenia pubescens) • Opuntioid cacti (Opuntia spp.) • Bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) • Spanish Heath (Erica lusitanica) • Chilean Needle-grass (Nassella neesiana) • Texas Needle-grass (Nassella leucotricha) • African Lovegrass (Eragrostic curvula)

1 Carpet weed (Galenia pubescens)

Carpet weed is an aggressively invasive weed to the MCLG’s east and has devastated properties and landscapes in neighbouring eastern Groups and regions. This weed smothers competing vegetation and creates dense mats which are unpalatable to stock. Unfortunately, it is not listed on any state or federal control lists, so it is difficult to secure funding for carpet weed. However, members of the Group and the community need to be aware of the weed, so that populations can be controlled before they infest the Moorabool region in medium to high proportions.

2 Opuntioid cacti (Opuntia spp.)

Cacti species like wheel cactus (Opuntia robusta) and prickly pear (Opuntia stricta) are high priority weeds to the MCLG’s northern and eastern regions. Some properties in the Moorabool region have used opuntioid cacti as barriers along fence lines, and without constant monitoring and pruning, these species have the potential to quickly invade.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 68

69 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

3 Bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides)

Bridal creeper is a highly persistent vine, which is damaging many areas to the south-west of the MCLG area. The tactical efforts of other Landcare Groups in the south-western region has so far restricted the weed, however bridal creeper has the potential to become highly invasive should it take hold in the central and northern sections of the MCLG.

4 Spanish Heath (Erica lusitanica)

Spanish heath is a woody weed which can be found along roadsides and is spread by tires and grading equipment. It is a heath-like plant with a white flower and produce numerous fine seeds. It can be commonly confused with the native common heath (Epacris Impressa). This weed invades areas of mid and ground storey, smothering and displacing indigenous groundcovers, herbs, grasses and orchids. It is very flammable.

5 Chilean Needle-grass (Nassella neesiana)

Chilean needle grass is a Weed of National Significance (WoNS). It is highly invasiveness, has a large potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts. It is closely related to another Weed of National Significance, serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma). It is relatively unpalatable and reduces farm productivity by displacing more desirable pasture species and can decrease productivity during summer. It also causes injury to stock and downgrades wool, skins and hides with its long, sharp seeds. As an environmental weed it reduces biodiversity in native grasslands, where it outcompetes indigenous species and can be confused with a similar native species – Spear grass (Austrostipa sp.)

MCLG would like to advocate for changed roadside management practices to better limit the spread of this weed, which is spread through slashing. Prevention is better than treatment.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 69

70 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

6 Texas Needle-grass (Nassella leucotricha)

Texas needle grass is a tussock forming perennial grass, which is highly invasive and can form dense infestations, particularly on poorly managed sites. It prefers open grassland sites like those favoured by native grassland species. Similar to Chilean Needle grass, Texas needle grass is also unpalatable, and can severely reduce the carrying capacity of pastures. It is closely related to serrated tussock, and Chilean needle grass.

7 African Lovegrass (Eragrostic curvula)

African lovegrass produces vast quantities of seeds, which quickly develop into a large viable seed bank, making the plant very difficult to eradicate. It is extremely competitive with other pasture species and is an aggressive invader, quickly overtaking overgrazed or poor-quality pastures. There have been some plants found recently in the Ballan- Mt Egerton area and it needs to be controlled and monitored for new outbreaks.

If any opportunities to control, prevent or further monitor these species arises the MCLG will participate, however specific funding will not be sought unless the species become both an environmental and agricultural issue within the area.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 70

71 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Appendix 6: Current and past Biolink Projects of the MCLG

Moorabool Gorge Recovery Project: north-south biolink: The Moorabool Gorge Recovery Project (2001-2010) established biodiverse and agricultural plantings along the Moorabool Rivers (both east and west branches), to create a north-south biolink down the centre of the MCLG region.

Increasing Habitat Connections in the Moorabool River Catchment: east-west biolink: The Habitat Connections Project (2012-2013), funded through Caring for Our Country, provided the group with the opportunity to complement the north-south biolink with an east-west biolink to revegetate the landscape between the east and west branches of the Moorabool River. This east-west project was designed to establish greater capacity for movement of species throughout the landscape.

Wombat Forest to Brisbane Ranges – A Linked Moorabool Landscape: The Wombat Forest to Brisbane Ranges – A Linked Moorabool Landscape Project (2015-2017) was funded federally by the 20 Million Tree Programme Round 1 under the National Landcare Programme. The project aimed to reconnect major intact forest areas and fragmented native vegetation on private properties between the Wombat State Forest and the Brisbane Ranges National Park. Several private properties were involved in reconnecting these two large forests by linking the smaller sections of intact remnant vegetation that still exists in Gordon, Mt Egerton, Bungal, Mt Doran and Meredith. This funding covers the entire MCLG region.

Improving the East Moorabool River: The Improving the East Moorabool River project (2018-2020) was funded federally by 20 Million Tree Programme Round 3. Three private properties with various project sites aim to link remnant vegetation along riparian areas to revegetation sites. The aim is also to link corridors across farmland that will eventually link established revegetated areas to sections on the East Moorabool River.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 71

72 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

On-going annual revegetation projects: Barwon Water Free Trees: Barwon Water has provided 5,000 – 10,000 free plants to the Landcare group annually. Barwon Water nursery prefer to grow locally collected seed. The group is also hoping to obtain plants from Central Highlands Water in the future to improve biodiversity within the catchment.

Photo above: Barwon Water free tree program has been an invaluable program to the Landcare group on an annual basis.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 72

73 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Appendix 7: Mapping information and resources

Map 1: Locality Map in relation to CMA boundaries Map 2: Moorabool Special Water Supply Catchment map and MCLG area Map 3: Local Government areas and MCLG area Map 4: Priority Waterway CCMA area only map Map 5: Membership Map 2017 - 2018 Map 6: Assets Map Map 7: DELWP NatureKit priority map Map 8: Issues and Challenges Map Map 9: Future opportunities and Projects Map 10: Bioregions Map 11: Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC) map Map 12: Significant Roadside map (Moorabool Shire) Map 13: Native Vegetation Regulation (NVR) Locations Map 14: Ecological Vegetation Divisions (EVD) – Fire prone vegetation

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 73

74 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 1: Locality Map in relation to CMA boundaries

The bulk of MCLG area (purple line indicates Landcare area boundary) falls within the Corangamite CMA (Shaded light blue) area with a small section along the eastern boundary falling within the Port Phillip and Westernport CMA area (shaded red).

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 74

75 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 2: Moorabool Special Water Supply Catchment map and MCLG area

Moorabool Special water supply catchment managed by Barwon Water is shaded in blue.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 75

76 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 3: Local Government areas and MCLG area

The bulk of the MCLG area falls with Moorabool Shire (shaded blue) and the bottom half within Golden Plains shire (Shaded light yellow).

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 76

77 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 4: Priority Waterway CCMA area map

The priority waterways within the MCLG area include: Moorabool river west branch (from Lal reservoir), Moorabool River East branch (from Bostock reservoir) and Moorabool River

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 77

78 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 5: Membership Map 2017 - 2018

This map shows where full membership (yellow) located within and around the MCLG area.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 78

79 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 6: Assets Map

In 2017, Landholders were asked to identify on a map where all the key assets were located. Key to map:

Fauna Biodiversity Rivers & Creeks Native Vegetation

Native grasslands Wetlands Offset sites

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 79

80 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 7: DELWP Nature Kit priority – Cost effective map

This map describes where the highest priority DELWP funding is based within MCLG area. Source: NatureKit (DELWP) Indicative Prospects & Response Planning Areas

Indicative Prospects Areas

Biodiversity Response Planning (BRP outlines)

SMP Cost-effective Actions

Top 20% of ranked prospects

Control Large Herbivores

Control Large Herbivores, Weeds

Control Predators, Grazing

Control Predators, Large Herbivores

Control Predators, Large Herbivores, Weeds

Control Predators, Rabbits, Weeds

Control Predators, Weeds

Control Rabbits, Large Herbivores, Weeds

Control Rabbits, Weeds

Other Combinations

Permanent Protection, plus Other

Revegetate, plus Other

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 80

81 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 8: Issues and Challenges Map

In 2017, Landholders were asked to identify on a map where all the key issues and challenges were located. Key to map:

Native Vegetation Weeds Rabbits

Rivers and Creeks Soil health & erosion

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 81

82 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 9: Future opportunities and Projects

In 2017, Landholders were asked to identify on a map where all the key future opportunities and project sites could be located. Key to map:

River and Creek restoration Weed control Native Vegetation work

Future biodiversity corridors Native grasslands

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 82

83 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 10: Bioregions

There are two main bioregions located within the MCLG area: Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP) shaded in red and Central Victorian Uplands (CVU) shaded in brown.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 83

84 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 11: Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC) map

The below map shows the main EVCs for the area – this map only displays the EVC numbers. The most commonly occurring EVC’s represented in the area include: EVC 23 – Herb-rich Foothill Forest EVC 47 – Valley Grassy Forest EVC 55 – Plains Grassy Woodland EVC 132- Plains Grassland

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 84

85 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 12: Significant Roadside map (Moorabool Shire)

Moorabool Shire and Golden Plains shire have mapped all their roadsides and rated them according to the condition of native vegetation present. The lower condition roadsides have either no biodiversity values or have a high weed cover. This map also shows sites of where future Biolinks could benefits existing high condition / quality road reserves.

Key to condition on roadsides:

Low condition Medium condition High condition Very high condition.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 85

86 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 13: Native Vegetation Regulation (NVR) Locations

The below map represents the different vegetation & biodiversity condition sites across the MCLG area. Light green represents Location 1 (which contains common and less significant biodiversity and native vegetation), Dark green denotes Location 2 (which contains some significant biodiversity and native vegetation and Brown denotes Location 3 (which may contain some very significant biodiversity and remnant native vegetation). Location 2 & 3 sites should be incorporated into or included into future Biolink projects.

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 86

87 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Map 14: Ecological Vegetation Divisions (EVD) – Fire prone vegetation

A report by David Cheal – Growth stages and Tolerable fire intervals for Victoria’s Native data sets (2010) – Department of Sustainability and Environment report (DSE) has described the development and application of Victoria’s native vegetation data sets for fire management, and the classification. Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC’s) have been grouped into ‘ecological vegetation divisions’ (EVDs), and their fire response characteristics have been attributed using an ‘ecological fire group’ (EFG) attribute field. On the map below, 5 key EVD’s have been depicted for the MCLG area. Future large-scale revegetation projects need to consider the future risk posed by Climate Change and threat from Bushfire to project sites and properties. Foothill Forests – Highly flammable in the warmer months Forby Forest – Flammable in warmer months and fires tend to be “all-consuming” Grassy / Heathy Dry Forest – Regime of high frequency fires through to severe fires for most of the year Orange – Inland Plains Woodland – Flammable in warmer months with more fires occurring in grassland Moist forest – Flammable only in Summer on high fire danger days. Dark Grey area is the background aerial map and indicates either low risk or areas of managed farmland

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 87

88 M MOORABOOL CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP 2019-2024

Appendix 8: Acronyms

AV: Agricultural Victoria CCMA: Corangamite Catchment Management Authority CFA: Country Fire Authority DEDJTR: Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources DELWP: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning MooBAG: Moorabool Blackberry Action group PPCMA: Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Management Authority SFS: Southern Farming Systems TO: Traditional Owner VBA: Victorian Biodiversity Atlas VBAgo: Victorian Biodiversity Atlas data capture database on a mobile or via website. VGT: Victorian Gorse Taskforce (Part of DELWP). VSTWP: Victorian Serrated Taskforce Working Party

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024 VERSION 1 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE | 88