Wellington Shire Council Urban Biodiversity Plan Is

Wellington Shire Council

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INDEX

Background What is Biodiversity? ...... Page 3 Why is Biodiversity important? ...... 3 Local Government and Biodiversity ...... 3 Purpose ...... 4 Objectives ...... 4 Links to Existing Plans and Strategies ...... 4 Methodology ...... 5 References ...... 5

Township Masterplans

Heyfield ...... Page 7 Longford ...... 12 Maffra ...... 16 Rosedale ...... 23 Sale – South ...... 31 Sale – North ...... 39 Stratford ...... 47 Wurruk ...... 53 Yarram ...... 58

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Background

What is Biodiversity?

The word Biodiversity is a contraction of the term “biological diversity” and refers to the variety and variability of life. This includes the diversity within species and between species. Ecosystem biodiversity includes the relationship between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components, and all the different habitats that exist.

Why is Biodiversity important?

There are many reasons why biodiversity should be enhanced and protected. Biodiversity is important for its own sake because it provides natural living conditions and a supply of food for all creatures (including humans). Additionally, we depend on the natural world (and biodiversity within) for natural resources, supply of medicines and other products, and knowledge about the natural world contributes to human innovation. It is important for people to have a connection to nature to sustain our cultural identity, and provide opportunities for aesthetic appreciation and to experience nature in the wild.

“Nowadays, people tend to have little awareness of their lives being dependent on nature. By inhaling air, eating food and metabolising it, they are in a constant state of exchange with nature. Therefore, not only man’s very survival, but also every cultural activity is contingent on an intact nature” (Lanzerath & Friele, 2014)

Local Government and Biodiversity

Wellington Shire Council recognises the importance of protecting, maintaining and enhancing biodiversity on Council-managed land such as roadsides, parks, reserves and open space. Each year Council’s staff actively manage and restore areas of native vegetation in urban and rural settings for the benefit of biodiversity conservation and public amenity.

The Victorian Government’s strategy, Protecting Victoria’s Environment - Biodiversity 2037, has formally recognised the importance of the community connecting with nature for physical and mental wellbeing, including outdoor play contributing to building resilience and social connections in children.

“Evidence shows that connecting with nature is linked to positive long-term health outcomes, but that increasing urbanisation is leading to a decrease in people accessing nature, which in turn has been linked to poorer physical and mental health” (DELWP, 2017)

Local Government managed parks and reserves are important in providing the community with easy access to natural experiences in urban landscapes. Wellington Shire Council is committed to help people connect to nature via parks, reserves and open space, a concept explored in depth in Council’s Open Space Plan 2014-2024.

To encourage the Wellington Shire community to connect to nature, Council supports appropriate biodiversity themed projects organised by local community groups and Government Agencies, and, where possible, Council will create partnerships to improve biodiversity outcomes.

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Purpose

The purpose of this Wellington Shire Council Urban Biodiversity Plan is

• To articulate Council’s approach to managing and sharing our biodiversity assets • To align Council’s operations with the objectives of the Victorian Government’s: Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037

Objectives

This Biodiversity Plan will

1. Develop individual Town Biodiversity Masterplans 2. Identify and prioritise opportunities for maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and natural values in urban areas within Wellington Shire. 3. Guide operational delivery of Wellington Shire’s land and natural environment projects 4. Identify partnership and engagement opportunities to enhance interaction and appreciation of natural environment

Links to Existing Plans and Strategies:

The key documents whose principles and goals were integral to guiding the development of the Urban Biodiversity Plan:

• Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037 Goal 1: Victorians value nature – Victorians understand that their personal wellbeing and the economic wellbeing of the state are dependent on the health of the natural environment (DELWP, 2017) Goal 2: Victoria’s natural environment is healthy – Victoria has functioning plant and animal populations, improved habitats and resilient ecosystems, even under climate change (DELWP, 2017) • Wellington 2030 Maintain and enhance access to the Natural Environment for a wide range of outdoor pursuits at our beaches, high country, open spaces and waterways. This access to the natural environment is balanced with the need to conserve and protect Continue to have diversity of healthy native plants and wildlife with well protected habitat areas free of invasive species Manage Natural Environment assets recognising their impact on health and wellbeing • Wellington Shire Council Plan 1.1.3 Provide and manage open spaces and infrastructure that enable and encourage healthy and active lifestyles 3.1 Conserve and protect our natural environment through responsible and sustainable management practices 3.3 Build resilience in our communities and landscapes to mitigate risks from a changing climate

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• Wellington Shire Council - Public Open Space Plan 2014-2024 Vision: Have communities engaged with, valuing and using a diverse range of sustainable open spaces that are safe to use, are welcoming, engaging and accessible. These spaces will be well distributed and connected, increase the biodiversity of our urban centres and provide quality public open space that makes a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of our communities, the liveability of our urban centres and a significant contribution to our Wellington 2030 strategic vision (Wellington Shire Council, 2014) Other plans and strategies that the Urban Biodiversity Plan aligns with include • Wellington Shire Council Environmental Sustainability Strategy • Town Development Plans

Methodology

The following approach was taken for developing Town Biodiversity Masterplans

• Desktop mapping and ground truthing to identify Council assets contributing to urban biodiversity values • Document known history, features, values, current management, and future management opportunities for each identified Council asset • Subjective assessment and valuation of Council assets, relative to the urban area being assessed. The Priority Matrix (Figure 1) was created as a structured decision-making tool to assist in the valuation, prioritisation, and allocation of resources for on-ground works • Identification of other biodiversity assets and their relevant land managers occurring within the study areas • Identify Urban Biolinks that may be enhanced or created through well planned activities such as street tree planting, waterway revegetation and management, subdivision planning. • Identify one-off works actions for Council assets that will enhance existing site biodiversity values and/or create increased community engagement. Record associated costs, possible funding sources, potential delivery partners, and timeframe for delivery.

References

DELWP (2017), Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, The State of Victoria, Department of Environment Land Water and Planning, Melbourne.

Lanzerath, D., & Friele, M. (2014). Concepts and Values in Biodiversity (Routledge Studies in Biodiversity Politics and Management). Florence: Taylor and Francis.

Wellington Shire Council (2014), Public Open Space Plan 2014-2024, Wellington Shire Council, Sale

Wellington Shire Council (2014), Council Plan 2017-2021, Wellington Shire Council, Sale.

Wellington Shire Council (2014), Wellington 2030, Wellington Shire Council, Sale.

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Figure 1. Priority Matrix for WSC on-ground works in natural areas and reserves

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HEYFIELD

Biodiversity in Heyfield is dominated by the Heyfield Wetlands on the south-eastern side of town. This area has an interesting history as town common for a variety of functions including Light Horse Brigade parade ground, rifle range, a horse race track and football/cricket oval. In 1999, multiple local groups were involved in a large-scale community project to rejuvenate the area into working wetlands.

Heyfield has a number of areas that are owned/managed by Council or Crown. The Lions and Apex Park, Rail Trail Reserve and Gordon Street Recreation Reserve have biodiversity values with large trees and native vegetation, but have a primary function as POS for events, recreation and amenity. In contrast, the Heyfield Wetlands and Old Heyfield Swimming Pool Reserve have higher biodiversity value as natural landscapes associated with waterways.

1. 2.

3. 4.

1. Rail Trail Reserve Parkland 2. Lions Park / Apex Park 3. Timber Workers Memorial 4. Heyfield Wetlands, Heyfield

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APEX PARK AND LIONS PARKS

Ownership / Management: Crown/ WSC as CoM Size: 1.3 ha History: Former Railway land Features: Playground, walking trails, barbeque, picnic tables, shelter, parkland, large trees. War Memorial Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: District Open Space. Recreation and parkland.

Current Management: • Amenity planting and weed control

Future Opportunities: • Continue with maintenance and weed control

LANDSCAPE VALUES LOW MEDIUM HIGH EXCELLENT Vegetation Condition – Current  - Potential  Connectivity to natural areas  COMMUNITY VALUES Use – Current  - Potential  Connectivity to township  PRIORITY MATRIX RATING: LOW (yes – no – no – low)

RAIL TRAIL RESERVE PARKLAND

Ownership / Management: Crown/ WSC as CoM Size: 6.3 ha History: Former Railway land Features: Timber Workers Memorial, walking trails, picnic tables, shelter, skate park, parkland, large trees. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Neighbourhood Open Space. Recreation, parkland, access, and event space.

Current Management: • Amenity planting and weed control

Future Opportunities: • Revegetation and understorey enhancement planting

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OLD HEYFIELD SWIMMING POOL RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown / WSC Com and Landcare Size: 0.85ha History: Thompson River swimming pool. Features: Adjacent to Thompson River. Natural area. Old swimming pool reserve. Large trees. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Natural area and river environs. Recreation and access to river.

Current Management: • Former Landcare project site. Maintenance as required.

Future Opportunities: • Continue with maintenance and weed control as required.

GORDON STREET RECREATIONAL RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown land / WSC CoM Size: 16.1ha History: Sporting facility. Features: Sporting facilities including football oval, some trees Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Sporting facility and recreation.

Current Management: • Committee of Management currently manage facility subject to WSC terms of agreement Future Opportunities: • Limitations as biodiversity / nature area due to existing use (sports ground) • Discussion with Committee of Management regarding potential revegetation

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HEYFIELD CRICKET GROUND

Ownership / Management: Crown land / WSC CoM Size: 3.2 ha History: Sporting facility. Features: Sporting facilities including oval, some trees Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Sporting facility and recreation.

Current Management: • Committee of Management currently manage facility subject to WSC terms of agreement Future Opportunities: • Limitations as biodiversity / nature area due to existing use (sports ground) • South and east boundary have potential for underplanting revegetation.

OTHER LAND (not Council-managed)

Management Purpose Features Heyfield Park & Wetlands, drainage, Wetlands, information/community Heyfield Racecourse nature conservation, centre, walking trails and extensive Wetlands Reserve Committee recreation revegetation. Thompson Public (crown) and Waterway, conservation, Thompson River, wetlands, River Corridor private agriculture, floodplain floodplain. Committee of Recreation, transport Public shared pathway, scattered Rail Trail Management corridor, connection native vegetation, historic siding east between towns of Maffra.

POTENTIAL BIOLINKS

Potential Biodiversity Location Current Purpose Barriers Achievability Improvement Improve biodiversity Open space. Some Between end of through revegetation. informal tracks and Rail Trail and Create path to link Ownership. Funding. some native Apex Park near Rail Trail to Apex Park. Agreement with High vegetation. Racecourse Current discussion adjoining landholders Former railway Road with Gippsland Plain land? Rail Trail committee. Increase street tree Davis Street planting

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Heyfield Site Specific Actions

COST FUNDING FUNDING POTENTIAL SITE RATING ACTION COST DESCRIPT. SOURCE 1 SOURCE 2 PARTNERS East and West of Rail Trail Landcare, Timber worker WSC Reserve High $8,000 Carbon offset Rail Trail Memorial – reveg operational Park Committee underplanting Lions & No projects Low Apex Park currently identified Gordon No projects Street Rec. Low currently identified Reserve Underplant native Heyfield vegetation on WSC CoM, Cricket Medium south and east $5,000 operational Landcare Ground boundary embankment Old Heyfield No projects Medium Swimming currently identified Pool Res.

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LONGFORD

The dominant landscapes for biodiversity values are the riparian corridors north of Longford that are associated with the Thompson and Latrobe Rivers. The riverine and wetland area is prone to flooding, and supports rich and complex biodiversity. The only Council-managed land in this riverine area is nearby the Swing Bridge; with the remaining wetlands and river frontages under a mix of private and public management. Sale Common to the north, and Dowds Morass to the east, are managed by Parks Victoria, whilst a large portion of the Heart Morass is owned by Field and Game Australia Inc but managed in partnership with West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.

Longford is a sprawling settlement predominantly composed of rural residential blocks, with a small residential town area at the northern extent on the escarpment above the Latrobe River floodplain. There is limited amount of public open space within the town residential area. Open space areas close to the town residential area include Sale Golf Club, Longford Pony Club, Audley Street Reserve, and Longford Recreation Reserve, with each of these places having a specific purpose and managed by Committee of Management / user groups / owners.

The Longford Development Plan 2015 identifies Hobsons Road Reserve, a former gravel pit and storage yard, as a proposed open space conservation reserve. This centrally located reserve would be the largest public open space area in the broader Longford settlement, with community access to the reserve via an extensive proposed shared path network. Currently Hobsons Road Reserve is closed to the public, but Council Officers have been undertaking revegetation and weed management works on the site for a number of years.

The Ibis Way - Old Coach Lane Reserve is the other natural area of note currently under Council management. Council Officers have been actively working to increase biodiversity outcomes in this reserve area since 2015. This reserve, and several others, would suit community volunteer action similar to that often driven by local Landcare Groups or Friends Of groups. At time of writing, the Longford Landcare Group is not currently active.

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HOBSON ROAD GRAVEL RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 7.8 ha History: Gravel pit. Former Shire of Rosedale storage yard. Features: Native vegetation representative of EVC 3 Damp Sands Herb Rich Woodland & EVC 55 Plains Grassy Woodland. Grassy tracks, dams (no permanent water). Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Not currently open to public. Some informal use as walkway, bike track. Natural reserve. Undeveloped

Current Management: • Currently no pedestrian / vehicle access • Slashing boundary and internal tracks for fire hazard reduction • Past revegetation plantings and weed control for site rehabilitation

Future Opportunities: • Longford Development Plan 2015 identifies this site as a proposed conservation area central to the Longford settlement • Develop and open to public – Further biodiversity enhancement planting, interpretive signage, formalise tracks, seating, reserve entry treatment

OLD COACH LANE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 6.3 ha History: Natural drainage line, reserved as open space during subdivision Features: Large trees and patchy understorey vegetation, ephemeral stream, walking path. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Linking track / walkway. Natural area

Current Management: • Ad-hoc revegetation planting and weed control for biodiversity and amenity

Future Opportunities: • Revegetation and understorey enhancement planting

SWING BRIDGE AREA

Ownership / Management: Crown / WSC Com Size: 1.2ha History: Original route of South Gippsland Highway. The area has the Swing Bridge of historical significance. The highway was diverted to a different location and this area was transformed into a recreational /nature area. Features: Adjacent to junction of the Latrobe and Thompson Rivers. Natural area. Large and significant redgum trees. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Natural area and river environs. Cultural and heritage values. Recreation and access to river.

Current Management: • Amenity maintenance of picnic areas. Weed control as needed.

Future Opportunities: • Continue with maintenance and weed control as required.

LONGFORD RECREATIONAL RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown land / WSC CoM (with CoM deferred to user groups) History: Sporting facility, Public Hall, Kindergarten. Size: 3.0ha Features: Facilities including sports oval, kindergarten, public hall, tennis courts, clubroom, trees Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Sporting facility and community hub.

Current Management: • Committee of Management currently manage facility subject to WSC terms of agreement Future Opportunities: • Limitations as biodiversity / nature area due to small area and existing use • Possibility of improved amenity plantings (subject to CoM desire for improvement & management)

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OTHER LAND (not Council-managed)

Management Purpose Features SALE GOLF Private Recreation – golf. Golf course, lakes, trees, clubroom. CLUB Crown CoM Open space. Previous Steep land – top section is scrubby Audley Street Landcare/WSC project vegetation, and bottom section is Reserve floodplain. Degraded walking paths. Longford Pony Committee of Pony club Some vegetation, structures Club Management associated with pony club

POTENTIAL BIOLINKS

Potential Biodiversity Location Current Purpose Barriers Achievability Improvement Create public open Converting private land Boggy Creek Private ownership space and walking Medium into public open space path Golf Club

Longford Site Specific Actions

COST FUNDING FUNDING POTENTIAL SITE RATING ACTION COST DESCRIPT. SOURCE 1 SOURCE 2 PARTNERS Develop reserve into accessible Determined State Govt Hobson Road public open space – by site Community Gravel High subject to Longford Capital Landcare concept Biodiv Reserve Development Plan specification Grants and Open Space Planning Old Coach No projects Medium Lane currently identified Swing Bridge No projects Medium Area currently identified Longford No projects Recreational Low currently identified Reserve

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MAFFRA

Biodiversity in Maffra is dominated by the Macalister River on the western side of town. Both the Macalister Wetland Reserve and Macalister River Regional Park are adjacent to the river and have had long- term and extensive biodiversity projects that have resulted in quality reserves with high natural values. Macalister Wetland Reserve has very significant value because of the seasonal occurrence of Latham’s Snipe.

Other POS areas in Maffra include Island Reserve, Hillcrest Estate, Victoria Park, Mafeking Hill Reserve, and these places all have biodiversity values particularly with large trees and native vegetation.

4. 3.

1. Macalister River Regional Park, Maffra 2. Mafeking Hill Reserve, Maffra 3. Macalister River, Maffra 4. Macalister Wetland Reserve, Maffra

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MACALISTER WETLAND RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown Land/ WSC CoM Size: 22.3 ha History: Swamp and town stormwater drainage. Development Plan created in 2007. Major excavations 1997. Some Landcare / Friends Group involvement. Features: Large wetland adjacent to Macalister River with important bird habitat. Extensive paths, boardwalks interpretative signage and bird hide. Significant flora & fauna: Latham’s Snipe. Current Purpose: District Open Space. Recreation, drainage, bird habitat, nature reserve. Current Management: • Ad hoc revegetation planting and seasonal weed control – ongoing project

Future Opportunities: • Update 2007 Macalister Wetland Reserve Development Plan • Continue with maintenance and weed control • Promotion of site and high biodiversity significance

MACALISTER RIVER REGIONAL PARK

Ownership / Management: WSC and Crown / WSC Com Size: 6.1ha History: Macalister River floodplain. Commercial river port. Features: Walking trails, shared paths, large play space, BBQ and shelters, toilets, and Macalister River. Close proximity to town centre. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: District Open Space. Recreation, natural features and parkland.

Current Management: • Ad hoc revegetation planting and seasonal weed control – ongoing project

Future Opportunities: • Continue with maintenance and weed control • Replacing indigenous species in gaps as needed

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ISLAND RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown land / WSC CoM Size: 4.1ha History: Former landfill site. Features: Large trees, skate park, shared paths, exercise equipment circuit. Links to Macalister River Regional Park. Adjacent to back of shopping centre and carpark Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Neighbourhood Open Space. Event Space. Urban park, recreation.

Current Management: • Mowing and weed control Future Opportunities: • Underplant fringing tree groves with native species to increase biodiversity • Potential for community planting • Create stronger perception of link to Macalister River Regional Park

HILLCREST ESTATE Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 0.8 ha History: Recent subdivision. Drainage. Features: Small lake, path and play space Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Neighbourhood Open Space. Drainage, recreation and amenity planting.

Current Management: • Establishment of vegetation around wetlands. • Weed control as required

Future Opportunities: • Maintenance and weed control • Infill revegetation area as needed.

LANDSCAPE VALUES LOW MEDIUM HIGH EXCELLENT Vegetation Condition – Current  - Potential  Connectivity to natural areas  COMMUNITY VALUES Use – Current   - Potential Connectivity to township  PRIORITY MATRIX RATING: MEDIUM (yes – no – yes – no – no - medium)

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MAFEKING HILL RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown land & road reserve/ WSC CoM Size: 3.5ha History: Former gravel pit. Pre-formalisation of parkland the site hosted community celebrations (Guy Fawkes night, bonfires, etc). Historic planting of sugar gums Features: Site is divided into fenced-off sugar gums area & separate play space area. Paths. Views. Significant flora & fauna: Some native grasses. Current Purpose: Neighbourhood Open Space. Recreation. Amenity. Current Management: • Severe limitations on planting opportunities/success due to degraded/poor soils. Need good preparation of planting sites. • Monoculture of sugar gums (not local species) • Previous understorey plantings have had limited success

Future Opportunities: • Ongoing planting of native grasses and understorey to improve representation of local natural environment • Deadwood in sugar gums need ongoing monitoring. Risk reduction. • Develop site Management Plan for sugar gum area. School involvement?

VICTORIA PARK

Ownership / Management: Crown land / WSC Com Size: 2.3ha History: One of the first parks in Maffra – late 1800s. Named to commemorate Queen Victoria’s jubilee. Features: Vegetation is common native species largely representative of the area. Also includes significant European species. Lake, paths, play space, BBQ and shelter, toilets. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: District Open Space. Urban parkland, recreation, landscaped reserve.

Current Management: • Mowing, weed control, infill planting and maintenance

Future Opportunities: • Continue as above

CAMERON SPORTING COMPLEX

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Sports clubs manage as CoM to WSC History: Sporting facility Size: 16.6ha Features: Large trees, sporting facilities. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: District Open Space. Sporting activities, recreation.

Current Management: • Committee of Management currently manage facility subject to WSC terms of agreement Future Opportunities: • Establish native vegetation in conjunction with development of District Level Park (capital works)

OTHER LAND (not Council-managed)

Management Purpose Features Community Nature conservation, Junction of Macalister River and Bellbird Corner Committee of recreation Newry Creek. Picnic areas, trails. Management Historical site. Macalister Public (crown) and Waterway, conservation, Macalister River, wetlands, River Corridor private agriculture, floodplain floodplain. Maffra Golf Private Golf – recreation Scattered patches of native Club vegetation. Maffra Public Maffra Cemetery Cemetery Significant native grassland – EPBC Cemetery Trust Act 1999 & FFG Act 1988 listed Community Recreation, transport Public shared pathway, scattered Rail Trail Committee of corridor, connection native vegetation, historic siding east Management between towns, of Maffra.

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POTENTIAL BIOLINKS

Potential Biodiversity Location Current Purpose Barriers Achievability Improvement Boisdale Street Street Native Street trees. Existing exotic species High Existing trees within McLean St Street Native Street trees. Low useful life expectancy Near corner Urban stormwater Urban stormwater Landy Street Patch Revegetation Medium drainage drainage and Morison St Behind Davis Urban stormwater Urban stormwater Patch Revegetation Medium Street drainage drainage Narrow width and Medium Gueno Path Public Access Patch Revegetation possible neighbour concerns

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Maffra Site Specific Actions

COST FUNDING FUNDING POTENTIAL SITE RATING ACTION COST DESCRIPT. SOURCE 1 SOURCE 2 PARTNERS

Birdlife Aust, Macalister Review Management Internal High $0 Landcare, Wetland Plan review WGCMA As Birdlife Aust, Macalister Implement Revised informed WSC High Landcare, Wetland Management Plan by revised operational WGCMA Mngt Plan Birdlife Aust, Macalister Event: “Welcome WSC Landcare, High $500 Internal Wetland Latham’s Snipe” operational WGCMA, Bugblitz Macalister No projects currently High River Park identified Landcare, Understorey planting Collaborati Island WSC Schools, Medium of existing beds under $2,000 on with Reserve Operational Scouts, trees. Raquel Guides Hillcrest No projects currently Low Estate identified Mafeking Install interpretive Maffra WSC Hill Medium signs – site history $1,200 Historical operational Reserve and natural values Society Victoria No projects currently Low Park identified Capital works – Determine Cameron District Park Committee d by site Capital Sporting Low development. Tree of concept works Complex planting and Managemt. specs. revegetation patches

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ROSEDALE

Although the Latrobe River is nearby to Rosedale, there are limited places for public access to places of high biodiversity within the Rosedale area. The majority of public open space in Rosedale are parks and gardens.

A major project is planned for Blind Joe’s Creek, and this will be important to increase biodiversity in Rosedale. The project will improve the creek corridor with revegetation and weed control, and increase public accessibility to a biodiversity corridor via the planned path network. Rosedale has many opportunities to improve biodiversity with potential bio-link projects, however, it is likely that substantial works associated with Blind Joe’s Creek will take priority into the near future.

Willow Park RV Camping Reserve and town connection is another planned project that will improve access to biodiversity for Rosedale residents and visitors. Council will maintain the current biodiversity and landscape values in the POS areas of Prince Street and Edward Crooke Park. Other POS areas (Cansick Street Recreation Reserve, Great Eagle Park, Footy Club) currently have low biodiversity, and any improvements will need to assessed on a case by case basis.

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BLIND JOE’S CREEK

Ownership / Management: Crown Land and WSC / WSC CoM Size: 23.3 ha History: The earliest European inhabitant was thought to have been named Blind Joe who lived in a hut on the Latrobe River. Features: Linear reserve, riparian landscape of Blind Joe’s Creek, some native vegetation. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Natural Area. Drainage, creek, nature reserve, access route for nearby residents.

Current Management: • Slashing for fire mitigation

Future Opportunities: • Deliver 2019/20 capital program • Includes weed control (incl. spiky rush), revegetation, path network, etc.

WILLOW PARK NATURE AREA

Ownership / Management: Crown land & road reserve/ WSC CoM Size: 18.5 ha History: Former grazing land and camping reserve, now naturally regenerated native vegetation Features: Natural area adjacent to Latrobe River. Significant flora & fauna: Some native grasses, wedge-tail eagle nest. Current Purpose: Natural area. Current Management: • Weed control and monitoring as required.

Future Opportunities: • As above. Is there a need for a Management Plan for this area?

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WILLOW PARK RV CAMPING RESERVE & town connection

Ownership / Management: Crown Land/ WSC CoM Size: 51.6 ha (total) History: Rosedale was a staging post on the Port Albert to Sale coach run. Reserve was original alignment of stock route and Princes Hwy. Features: Adjacent to Latrobe River, some large eucalyptus trees. Interpretative signs, pedestrian bridge over river and path. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: RV Camping park (overnight), natural features and access path to Rosedale township. Willow Park floods when Latrobe River breaks its banks.

Current Management: • Mowing, slashing. Weed control.

Future Opportunities: • Major Project planned for 2018/19 • Riverbank enhancement • Revegetation areas to improve representation of local natural environment • Town connection - path upgrade and planting natives to enhance amenity

PRINCE STREET RESERVE Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 1.4 ha History: Former School site. Is heritage listed. Features: Grassy areas, play space, off street parking, skate park, basketball, old school building. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: District Open Space. Urban park and recreation.

Current Management: • Mowing, and weed control

Future Opportunities: • Maintain current landscape values

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EDWARD CROOKE PARK

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 1.5 ha History: Former residential blocks. Upgraded recently. Features: Large trees, paths, play space, furniture. Adjacent to Community Centre Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Neighbourhood Open Space. Urban park and recreation.

Current Management: • Mowing and weed control Future Opportunities: • Maintain current landscape values

EAGLE PARK

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 0.5 ha History: Carved eagle stature. Original site of memorial to a former Rosedale Shire employee. Features: Eagle statue. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Passive recreation.

Current Management: • Slashing, weed control

Future Opportunities: • Patch revegetation

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CANSICK STREET RECREATIONAL RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC and Crown / WSC. Part of this area is leased. History: Road reserve and nearby former Sporting facility. Size: 5.7 ha Features: Some large trees, former sporting facilities. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Informal walking access. Adjacent to Sporting activities, recreation.

Current Management: • Slashing, weed control Future Opportunities: • Path network and patch revegetation

ROSEDALE FOOTBALL-NETBALL CLUB RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Sports clubs manage sports turf areas as CoM to Crown History: Sporting facility Size: 8.5 ha Features: Large trees, sporting facilities. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Sporting activities, recreation. Dryland salinity issues.

Current Management: • Slashing, mowing, weed control Future Opportunities: • Limitations as biodiversity / nature area due to existing use (sports ground) • Possible amenity planting/revegetation south-west corner

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QUEEN STREET RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC History: Road closure reserve Size: 0.1ha Features: Small playground, scattered trees. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Local Open Space. Urban park and recreation. Gippsland Water involvement.

Current Management: • Mowing, weed control Future Opportunities: • Limitations as biodiversity / nature area due to size and current use • Possible amenity planting

GRAVEL RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown / WSC as CoM History: Gravel reserve Size: 2.4 ha Features: None Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: None

Current Management: • Slashing, weed control Future Opportunities: • Limitations as biodiversity / nature area due to former use (gravel reserve)

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OTHER LAND (not Council-managed)

Management Purpose Features Latrobe River Public (crown) and Waterway, conservation, Latrobe River, wetlands, floodplain. Corridor private agriculture, floodplain Rosedale Golf Private Golf – recreation Scattered patches of native Club vegetation. Rosedale Public Rosedale Cemetery Cemetery Degraded grassland. Cemetery Trust

WSC role in improving Biodiversity outcomes for land that is not directly Council-managed.

• Advocate for Community Group initiatives for appropriate biodiversity enhancement works o Participate in discussions to understand future directions of community group activities o Provide letters of support for funding applications o Promote WSC Biodiversity Plan as a reference to help justify funding applications • Collaborate with Groups/Agencies for cross-tenure Biodiversity project planning and delivery where outcomes complement Council plans and policy objectives

POTENTIAL BIOLINKS

Potential Biodiversity Location Current Purpose Barriers Achievability Improvement Road is currently Willung Road Street Roadside vegetation Low strategic firebreak Who has Drainage area Drain / river Revegetation project and Ownership? Is there North of King / Medium floodway weed control. Pathway appetite for project? Queen Sts Who pays? Drainage area Ownership in farmland Drain / swamp Revegetation project and Does farmer want Low north of Princes Floodway fencing implement project? Hwy Swampy area of Blind Joes Creek Revegetation and weed Ownership? Swamp, creek Low north of Cricket control. Pathway. Funding. Street Revegetation and weed Blind Joes Creek control. Pathway. Funding. Ownership area south of Swamp, creek This land will join the two and permissions. Medium Rosedale-Flynns Council-managed Logistics. Creek Rd reserves

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Rosedale Site Specific Actions

COST FUNDING FUNDING POTENTIAL SITE RATING ACTION COST DESCRIPT. SOURCE 1 SOURCE 2 PARTNERS

Capital works - Determined Blind Joe’s weed control, by site Capital High Landcare Creek revegetation, concept works and path, etc. specification No projects Willow Park Medium currently Nature Area identified Willow Park Capital works - RV Camping weed control, Site concept Capital Medium Res & town revegetation, specification works connection and path, etc. No projects Prince St Low currently Reserve identified No projects Eagle Park Low currently identified Edward No projects Crooke Low currently Reserve identified Queen No projects Street Low currently Reserve identified Cansick Develop reserve Determined Street into accessible by site Capital Recreation Low public open concept works Reserve space – subject specification (LOW) to concept plan Rosedale No projects Football- Low currently netball identified reserve No projects Gravel Low currently Reserve identified

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SALE - NORTH

FLOODING CREEK LINEAR PARK (A) Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 3.7ha History: Former agriculture and rubble dump land. Stormwater drainage from adjacent Livestock Exchange and town industrial and residential developments. Developed in partnership with West Gippsland CMA and Landcare into parkland in 2005 to better filter stormwater before entering Flooding Creek. Features: Partially revegetated creek line, gravel paths, park seats. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Neighbourhood Open Space. Passive recreation, urban drainage, amenity planting.

Current Management: • Ad hoc revegetation planting and seasonal weed control – ongoing project

Future Opportunities: • Continue with maintenance and weed control. Replacing natives in gaps as needed • Planned connecting path network in 2018/19?

FLOODING CREEK LINEAR PARK (B) Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 5.4ha History: Agricultural land, temporary holding paddocks for Livestock Exchange. Creek banks fenced and revegetated – initially in partnership with Sale Urban Landcare Group, then via other non-Landcare affiliated individuals volunteering directly to Council. No group/volunteers currently active. Features: Grassy paddocks. Revegetated creek banks on north, west and south boundary. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Agricultural land. Planned shared pathway through part of this land. Current Management: • Majority of area grazed sporadically. Ad hoc reveg. planting and weed control along creek banks

Future Opportunities: • Amenity planting linked to possible alignment of shared pathway through part of this land • Expansion of Flooding Creek Linear Reserve into this area – associated native plantings

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GOVERNMENT ROAD PADDOCKS (FLOODING CREEK)

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 4.3ha History: Agricultural land. Creek banks fenced and revegetated – initially in partnership with Sale Urban Landcare Group, then via other non-Landcare affiliated individuals volunteering directly to Council. No group/volunteers currently active. Features: Grassy paddocks. Revegetated creek banks on eastern boundary. Revegetated roadsides on west and south boundary. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Agricultural land, under lease/licence.

Current Management: • Agricultural land, under lease

Future Opportunities: • Continue with current grazing • Expansion of Flooding Creek Linear Reserve into this area – associated native plantings

NORTH SALE DRAINAGE BASIN RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 5.5ha History: Storm water retention basin. Features: One large eucalypt at southern boundary Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Storm water retention basin.

Current Management: • Storm water retention basin

Future Opportunities: • Perimeter amenity planting • Develop into permanent wetland area with amenity plantings and public access • Opportunities somewhat limited due to disconnect from other natural areas.

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COBAINS ESTATE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 1.0ha History: Farm paddocks until recent subdivision. Adjacent residential development commenced 2017. Features: Large remnant Gippsland Forest Red Gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana) over predominantly exotic pasture grasses Significant flora & fauna: Large remnant Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana Current Purpose: Entry reserve currently under development – anticipated to be Local Open Space category. Additional scattered trees and understorey plantings to be completed during 2018/19

Current Management: • Under development as per agreement between Wellington Shire Council and developer

Future Opportunities: • Minimal opportunity post-development

GLENHAVEN ESTATE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 2.5ha History: Farm paddocks until recent subdivision. Adjacent residential development commenced 2016. Features: Long chain of constructed storm water treatment ponds. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Currently under development – anticipated to be Local Open Space category. Additional scattered trees and wetland fringe plantings to be completed during 2019/20

Current Management: • Developer maintaining site until handover to Council

Future Opportunities: • Scattered trees and wetland fringing vegetation establishment

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WOONDELLA ESTATE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 2.3ha History: Farm paddocks until recent subdivision. Adjacent residential development close to completion. Features: Two main park areas – Woondella Boulevard and Sugargum Close. Playground area at Woondella Boulevard park. Large remnant Gippsland Forest Red Gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana) over predominantly exotic pasture grasses. Significant flora & fauna: Large remnant Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana Current Purpose: Local Open Space. Informal recreation activities.

Current Management: • Amenity maintenance by Wellington Shire Council Parks Services post-handover from developer

Future Opportunities: • Underplanting of remnant Red Gums with native grassy woodland species

GIPPSLAND REGIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX (GRSC) Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 8.9ha History: Former agricultural land, zoned for Public Park and Recreation (PPRZ) when land was subdivided for development. Stage 1 of Regional Sports Complex completed in 2011. Features: Indoor sports complex, outdoors netball courts, constructed stormwater management wetland with fringing native vegetation. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Sporting complex. Stage 2 development planned for large open paddock area to west and south of current complex.

Current Management: • Amenity maintenance of gardens and wetland surrounding existing sports complex. • Fire hazard mitigation slashing of Stage 2 development area

Future Opportunities: • Will be informed by Stage 2 development plan, but will be predominantly sporting facilities with some amenity planting

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PADDOCKS NORTH OF GRSC

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 27.9ha History: Agricultural land, rezoned for Public Use – Local Government (PUZ6) to reserve right for future Council use. Features: Irrigated paddocks Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Irrigated paddocks

Current Management: • Irrigated paddocks

Future Opportunities: • None identified, subject to development planning

LIONS PARK

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 3.4ha History: Significant sized public reserve area at the north of Sale. Sunken tennis court area provides some stormwater control function. Features: Grass athletics track and sports field, tennis courts, club rooms, playground, formal garden beds and boundary trees. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Neighbourhood Open Space. Little Athletics, tennis, other informal sports and recreation activities.

Current Management: • Amenity maintenance by Wellington Shire Council Parks Services • Little Athletics and Tennis clubs have some limited management responsibilities

Future Opportunities: • Formal sporting activities moved to GRSC Stage 2 expansion • Redevelop park (subject to planning) and introduce native vegetation via additional planting areas

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BALDWIN RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 3.4ha History: Sports fields - soccer Features: Three soccer pitches, club rooms, car park Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Sporting facility. Soccer club use for training and competition

Current Management: • Mowed by Wellington Shire Council Parks Services • Soccer club has some limited management responsibilities

Future Opportunities: • No projects currently identified

BRENNAN PARK

Ownership / Management: Crown / WSC as CoM Size: 2.8ha History: Public land reserve area, public park and CFA fire fighting training track. Features: Small sports oval with cricket pitch, fire fighting training track and building, playground, scattered trees over mown grass, some formal garden beds Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Neighbourhood Open Space. Informal recreation activities, CFA fire fighting training

Current Management: • Amenity maintenance by Wellington Shire Council Parks Services • CFA has some limited management responsibilities

Future Opportunities: • Understorey planting beneath existing trees to increase site biodiversity

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STEAD STREET RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 2.7ha History: Public open space Features: Sports oval with synthetic cricket pitch, St Johns Ambulance building, scattered trees and native vegetation garden beds, walking paths, basketball quarter court Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Neighbourhood Open Space.

Current Management: • Amenity maintenance by Wellington Shire Council Parks Services

Future Opportunities: • Understorey planting beneath existing trees to increase site biodiversity

SALE OVAL

Ownership / Management: Crown / WSC as CoM Size: 4.1ha History: Sports ground reserve for football, netball and cricket centrally located in Sale. Pavillion, club house, function facility, gymnasium. Native vegetation perimeter planting on south and east outer embankments completed 2012/13. Features: Sports oval, multiple buildings, perimeter planting of native vegetation on south and east boundary. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Sporting Facility

Current Management: • Maintenance by Wellington Shire Council Parks Services • Sports club has some limited management responsibilities

Future Opportunities: • Limited opportunities – biodiverse amenity plantings in consultation with users

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Sale North Site Specific Actions

COST FUNDING FUNDING POTENTIAL SITE RATING ACTION COST DESCRIPT. SOURCE 1 SOURCE 2 PARTNERS Flooding Flooding Install interpretive WSC Creek Creek Linear High signs – site history $1,200 operational Landcare, Park (A) and natural values WGCMA Develop reserve into accessible Determined Flooding Flooding public open space by site Capital WSC Creek Creek Linear High – subject to concept works operational Landcare Park (B) concept plan (as specification Group informed by FC Masterplan) Government No projects Rd Paddocks Medium currently identified (Flood. Ck) Capital works - Glenhaven weed control, Site concept Capital Medium $36,000 Estate revegetation, tree specification works planting, etc. Capital works - Woondella Site concept Capital Medium weed control, $20,000 Estate specification works revegetation, etc. Cobains As per agreed site Site concept Medium $40,000 Developer Developer Estate development plan specification Subject to drainage Determined Nth Sale requirements. by site Capital Medium Drainage Existing concept concept works plan (to be specification updated) Brennan No projects Low Park currently identified Paddock Nth No projects Low Grsc currently identified Post development landscaping – Site concept Capital GRSC Low subject to specification works development design Determined Subject to concept by site Capital Lions Park Low plan development. concept works specification Baldwin No projects Low Reserve currently identified No projects Sale Oval Low currently identified Stead St No projects Low Reserve currently identified

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SALE - SOUTH

LAKE GUTHRIDGE & LAKE GUYATT PARKLANDS

Ownership / Management: Crown and WSC / WSC as CoM Size: 44.1ha History: Lake Guthridge developed from a shallow seasonal wetland into an ornamental lake in 1890. Lake Guyatt excavated and created in the mid-1990s. Features: Two large permanent water bodies surrounded by parkland. Truncated southern section of Flooding Creek on western and southern boundary. Playground areas, paths, picnic facilities. More formalised garden beds and amenity planting around Lake Guthridge. Surrounding vegetation on Lake Guyatt managed to closer replicate native vegetation habitat. Refer to Lakes Guthridge, Guyatt & Environs Management Plan (2001) for additional details. Significant flora & fauna: Many records of native bird species using the wetland habitat and surrounding vegetation recorded in the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (VBA). Refer to VBA for details. Current Purpose: Regional Open Space. Active and passive recreation, amenity, natural values and Indigenous cultural values awareness.

Current Management: • Refer to Lakes Guthridge, Guyatt & Environs Management Plan (2001) for details.

Future Opportunities: • Review Lakes Guthridge, Guyatt & Environs Management Plan (2001) • Implement outstanding management actions from Management Plan

SALE BOTANIC GARDENS

Ownership / Management: Crown / WSC as CoM Size: 5.1ha History: Botanic Gardens site reserved in 1860. Original site included area that is now AquaEnergy swimming complex and Sale Bowls Club. Site was temporarily converted to a golf course 1922-1950, before significant rejuvenation efforts commenced in 2000. Features: Scattered trees (mix of exotic and native), formalised garden bed plantings, path network, playground, tennis courts, picnic facilities, Fauna Park (subject to planned closure and redevelopment into public use gardens). Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Several large remnant Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana present within gardens. Majority of the exotic trees have historical significance. Current Purpose: Regional Open Space. Active and passive recreation, amenity, natural values.

Current Management: • Refer to Sale Botanic Gardens Masterplan (2003) for details

Future Opportunities: • Limited opportunity due to formal nature of Botanic Gardens

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STEPHENSONS PARK

Ownership / Management: Crown & WSC / WSC as CoM Size: 13.8ha History: Land reserved in late 1800’s for sports grounds. Site was temporarily converted to a golf course 1922-1950. Redeveloped into large sporting complex with sports oval, baseball field, tennis courts, croquet lawns, overflow sports ground area. Former Sale Transfer Station was located at southern end on Lacey Street, now decommissioned and rehabilitated. Features: Area generally devoid of significant vegetation, scattered trees between sports grounds. Large remnant Gippsland Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana) at southern end of oval. Former Transfer Station embankment planted out with native vegetation. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Sporting facility

Current Management: • Maintenance by Wellington Shire Council Parks Services • Sports club has some limited management responsibilities

Future Opportunities: • Limited opportunities – biodiverse amenity plantings in consultation with users

ROSS STREET RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown / Council as CoM Size: 8.5ha History: Former stock grazing paddocks, now undeveloped public open space. Revegetation plantings completed since early 2000’s by various stakeholders including Flooding Creek Landcare Group, Green Army volunteers, other unaffiliated volunteers to Wellington Shire Council, and Council’s contracted project works. Features: Two wetland billabongs, large open grassy expanses, scattered mature trees. Partial revegetation focussed on creek and wetland banks, and steep slopes. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Local / Natural Values Open Space. Future reserve development site.

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Current Management: • Grass slashed periodically by contractors for WSC Parks Services to maintain. • Sporadic revegetation works focussed on riparian areas and steep slopes.

Future Opportunities: • Develop reserve for public use in line with Flooding Creek Landscape Masterplan 2005. • Develop site Concept Plan identifying revegetation areas and other open space assets • Opportunity for community planting days – Landcare, school groups, etc

HERB GUYATT RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown and WSC / WSC as CoM Size: 5.4ha History: Former grazing paddocks, partially vegetated around waterways, heavy weed infested. Site management plan developed in 2010 and implemented by Council with some assistance from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. Ongoing maintenance and improvement works have continued to present day. Features: Seasonally inundated billabong wetland on abandoned river meander, mixed age riparian forest, gravel walking track, seats, interpretive sign at reserve entry gates. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Natural Area Open Space. Passive recreation.

Current Management: • Seasonal weed control and vegetation management activities conducted by Council

Future Opportunities: • Maintain function as a good example of a riparian forest and passive recreation destination.

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PORT OF SALE SOUTH

Ownership / Management: Crown / Council as CoM Size: 4.9ha History: Public land reserve around boat ramp and private moorings. Features: Scattered trees over grassy lawn, boat ramp, car park, BBQ facility. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Local Open Space. Passive recreation.

Current Management: • Amenity maintenance by Wellington Shire Council Parks Services • Boat ramp and moorings managed by Ports Authority

Future Opportunities: • Revegetate backwater drainage line at south-west boundary of reserve. • Weed control and revegetation on Canal Bank at east of reserve.

REDGATE RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown / Council as CoM Size: 3.4ha History: Former grazing land and quarantine paddock. Revegetation plantings commenced in early-1980s with Sale High Schoool. Further revegetation planting commenced 2011. Features: Large old trees, riparian forest vegetation, open patches of grassy groundcover. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Natural Area. Passive recreation.

Current Management: • Seasonal slashing for fire hazard mitigation • Ad-hoc revegetation patch planting for biodiversity enhancement

Future Opportunities: • Further revegetation works to fill gaps and enhance site biodiversity

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MCMILLAN PARK

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 1.7ha History: Open grassy parkland with scattered trees around the perimeter, War memorial and rose garden at south-west corner of reserve, school bus interchange shelter at east of reserve. Features: Scattered Eucalyptus species trees, war memorial and formal rose garden. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Local Open Space. Passive recreation.

Current Management: • Amenity maintenance by Wellington Shire Council Parks Services

Future Opportunities: • Limited opportunities • School bus shelter planned for renewal 2018-2020.

VICTORIA PARK

Ownership / Management: Crown / Council as CoM Size: 2.7ha History: European style formal park, numerous exotic trees over grass lawns, several large old remnant Gippsland Forest Red Gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana), historic brick water tower at north of park. Features: Scattered trees (mix of exotic and native), Lake Waldron ornamental pond in south-west corner, path network, rotunda, two water towers. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Several large remnant Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana present within reserve. Several of the exotic trees have historical significance. Current Purpose: Neighbourhood Open Space. Passive recreation.

Current Management: • Amenity maintenance by Wellington Shire Council Parks Services

Future Opportunities: • Limited opportunities

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EAST SALE DRAINAGE RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 5.2ha History: A linear strip of narrow connecting reserves set aside for drainage infrastructure at time of subdivision. Reserves run generally north-south between Raglan Street to Montgomery Street. A bicycle velodrome is a feature of a flood water retarding basin approximately half way along the reserve. Features: Narrow reserves with central path and scattered trees over exotic grass lawns. A number of large Eucalypt species trees can be found around the perimeter of the velodrome. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Local Open Space – Linking reserves. Passive recreation, cycling at velodrome, dog obedience club.

Current Management: • Amenity maintenance by Wellington Shire Council Parks Services

Future Opportunities: • Limited opportunities due to narrow dimensions of reserves • Mulch and underplant existing trees where appropriate • Replace exotic tree species with natives as trees reach useful life expectancy

MOTORBIKE TRACK RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown / WSC as CoM Size: 7.7ha History: Land area reserved as a rifle range. Small bore rifle range exists off Stephenson St, but remainder of reserve now unused for shooting activities. Predominant use of land is as an informal motorbike track. Minimal management of reserve by Council other than fire hazard mitigation slashing. Features: Patches of Eucalyptus trees in centre of reserve and around perimeter. An unvegetated abandoned river meander at southern end of reserve. Approximately 1 ha of the current area occupied by the motorbike track is on Parks Victoria land. Abandoned river meander crosses the boundary between Council and Parks Victoria land. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded on site – numerous flora and fauna records on adjacent Sale Common. Current Purpose: Local Open Space. Informal motorbike track, rifle range.

Current Management: • Minimal management of reserve by Council other than fire hazard mitigation slashing • Sale Small Bore Rifle Club has some limited management responsibilities

Future Opportunities: • Return management of 1ha area at south of reserve to Parks Victoria. • Revegetation and weed control to restore abandoned river meander • Remove motorbike use from reserve and rehabilitate site

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CANAL RESERVE & ROBERTSONS PARK

Ownership / Management: Crown / WSC as CoM Size: 19.4ha History: Public open space used for a range of activities including rowing club facilities, dog obedience training, historic boat building works, circuses and public events, the Former Thomson River Caravan Park occupied part of this reserve area, Robertsons Park was planted as a semi-formal arboretum. Features: Linear stretch of open space alongside Sale Canal and Thomson River between the Port of Sale to the Swing Bridge Reserve. Regular use as an event space for circuses at the northern end, as well as housing schools rowing sheds, angling club rooms, and hosting dog obedience training. The middle section has McArdles Gap, a historic boat building dry dock. To the south of McArdles Gap is the site of the Former Thomson River Caravan Park. Robertsons Park extends south from the former caravan park to where the reserves narrows to follow the old South Gippsland Highway alignment. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded on site – numerous flora and fauna records on adjacent Sale Common. Current Purpose: District Open Space – Linking reserve. Shared pathway linking Sale township with Thomson River, Swing Bridge, Sale Common, Longford township. Passive recreation, walking, cycling.

Current Management: • Amenity maintenance by Wellington Shire Council Parks Services • Maintenance of past revegetation completed by Wellington Shire Council • Minimal maintenance at Former Thomson River Caravan Park

Future Opportunities: • Develop management plan for long term rehabilitation and maintenance of Former Thomson River Caravan Park land • Strategic revegetation around sensitive waterway and wetland areas at Robertsons Park

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Sale South Site Specific Actions

COST FUNDING FUNDING POTENTIAL SITE RATING ACTION COST DESCRIPT. SOURCE 1 SOURCE 2 PARTNERS

Develop reserve into accessible Determined Flooding Ross Landcare public open space – by site Capital Creek Street High project subject to concept concept works Landcare Reserve funding plan (as informed specification Group by FC Masterplan) Lake Landcare, Guyatt & Birdlife Aust, Review Internal Lake High $0 WGCMA, Management Plan review Guthridge Field and Parklands Game Assoc. Lake Landcare, Guyatt & As informed Birdlife Aust, Implement Revised WSC Lake High by revised WGCMA, Management Plan operational Guthridge Mngt Plan Field and Parklands Game Assoc. Herb No projects High Guyatt currently identified Redgate No projects

Reserve currently identified Port Of No projects

Sale South currently identified Re-align fence and revegetate Parks Motorbike Victoria land. Need $6,000 Parks Vic Parks Vic Track community and WSC engagement. operational Canal Enhance reserve Determined Reserve & natural values – by site WSC No Robertson subject to concept concept operational Park plan specification Post development landscaping – Mcmillan Site concept Capital subject to Park specification works development design Victoria No projects

Park currently identified Stephenso No projects

ns Park currently identified Botanic No projects

Gardens currently identified East Sale No projects Drainage currently identified Reserve

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STRATFORD

The township of Stratford has good geographic connections to local natural values via the Avon River, Blackall Creek and the Knob Reserve. Although these areas are generally not Council-managed land, there is strong support from Council for local projects via community groups such as Landcare (Avon River, Blackall Creek, Niel Street), and GLaWAC for Knob Reserve. The Knob Reserve is an important site for biodiversity as well as having strong indigenous, cultural, historical and social values.

Stratford Apex Park (Council-managed land) and is located adjacent to the Avon River. This area has multiple uses that includes recreation (playground), tourism (travel stop), cultural (arts trail) and biodiversity (riparian vegetation). The Council has an ongoing project with Avon Landcare to enhance biodiversity in this area and reduce weeds. The other Council-managed land in Stratford has a parks and gardens focus (Memorial Park, Market Reserve) or sporting functions (Recreation Reserve).

1. 2.

3. 4.

1. Apex Park, Stratford 2. Memorial Park, Stratford 3. Market Reserve, Stratford 4. View of Avon River from Knob Reserve, Stratford

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APEX PARK

Ownership / Management: Crown/ WSC Size: 3.7 ha (including east of rail bridge) History: As the park is adjacent to Avon River it is prone to flooding. Features: Playground, walking trails, barbeques, picnic tables, shelter, artwork, parkland, large trees & shared paths. Access to Avon River. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: District Open Space. Recreation, Arts Trail, traveller stop, walking path, nature reserve and access to Avon River. BMX Track.

Current Management: • Ongoing revegetation planting with Avon Landcare and seasonal weed control

Future Opportunities: • Enhance planting between two paths with community assistance • Continue with maintenance and weed control

MARKET RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown / WSC Size: 0.8ha History: ??? Require input from others Features: Shelter, barbeque area, path, gardens, skate park. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Neighbourhood Open Space. Recreation, gardens and parkland.

Current Management: • Maintenance and weed control as required.

Future Opportunities: • Continue to maintain landscape values • Enhance patches of trees with biodiversity underplantings

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MEMORIAL PARK

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 0.47ha History: ??? Require input from others Features: Shelter, barbeque area, path, gardens. War Memorial. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Small District Open Space. Recreation, gardens and parkland.

Current Management: • Public amenity - Maintenance and weed control as required.

Future Opportunities: • Continue to maintain public amenity values

STRATFORD RECREATIONAL RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown land / WSC CoM – Stratford Recreational Reserve CoM History: Sporting facility. Size: 5.3ha Features: Sporting facilities including football oval, some large trees Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Sporting facility and recreation.

Current Management: • Committee of Management currently manage facility subject to WSC terms of agreement Future Opportunities: • Limitations as biodiversity / nature area due to existing use (sports ground) • Possibility of improved amenity plantings (subject to CoM desire for improvement & management)

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PINE LODGE RECREATIONAL RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Crown land / WSC CoM – Pine Lodge Committee of Mgmt History: Sporting facility. Size: 8.3ha Features: Sporting facilities including tennis courts, oval, some large trees and frontage to Avon River Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Sporting facility and recreation.

Current Management: • Committee of Management currently manage facility subject to WSC terms of agreement • African Love-grass control (including trial methods of control) to limit spread of weed Future Opportunities: • Some potential at western end of reserve – subject to development of agreed reserve improvement plan • Continue trials of African Love-grass control methods to determine effective approaches

STRATFORD TRANSFER STATION

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 4.8ha History: Landfill? Operating Transfer Station Features: Transfer Station. Some scattered vegetation. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Transfer station adjoining railway line

Current Management: • No current biodiversity management on site Future Opportunities: • Limitations as biodiversity / nature area due to existing use (Transfer Station)

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SANDHILL ROAD RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 4.9ha History: Some natural bush that Council leases to Avon Landcare for revegetation and restoration. This area has multiple past uses - night cart dump, pound, and as a sand mine. Features: Natural areas with vegetation including grasses, shrubs and large trees. Walking trail and creek. Creek / drainage. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Nature reserve.

Current Management: • Landcare manage their area in agreement with the lease Future Opportunities: • Support for Landcare project as per lease agreement.

OTHER LAND (not Council-managed)

Management Purpose Features GLaWAC Nature and heritage Significant Aboriginal heritage site. conservation, recreation. Large redgums and other native vegetation, recreational facilities Knob Reserve (oval, pony club, toilets, BBQ and shelter, interpretation signs and walking trails). Avon River Public (crown) and Waterway, nature Thompson River, wetlands, Corridor. private conservation, agriculture, floodplain. Blackall Creek floodplain, recreation Corridor Committee of Recreation, transport Public shared pathway, scattered Rail Trail Management corridor, connection native vegetation, historic siding east between towns of Maffra.

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POTENTIAL BIOLINKS

Potential Potential Location Current Purpose Biodiversity Infrastructure Barriers Achievability Improvement Improvement Improve Road reserve. biodiversity Long Llowalong Wide nature through established Road, Medium strip on revegetation. residential Wyndham St Wyndham St. area.

Redbank Road Maintain and Public and Princess Road reserve enhance existing perception of High Hwy vegetation fire risk. Lee St, Carter Road reserve. Native street tree St and Slavins New residential Extreme plantings Lane. developments

Stratford Site Specific Actions

FUNDING COST FUNDING POTENTIAL SITE RATING ACTION COST SOURCE DESCRIPT. SOURCE 1 PARTNERS 2 Enhance planting between two paths WSC Landcare. Apex Park High $4,000 with community operational Schools? assistance Market No projects currently Low Reserve identified Memorial No projects currently Low Park identified Recreational No projects currently Low Reserve identified Pine Lodge Revisit African WSC Medium $2,000 Landcare Reserve Lovegrass Control trial operational Mixed native species Determined Tennis Pine Lodge under-planting the by site WSC club. Medium $10,000 Capital Reserve existing trees around concept operational Cricket perimeter. specification club. Stratford No projects currently Transfer Low identified Station Sandhill No projects currently Road Medium identified Reserve

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WURRUK

Originally a separate town on the western bank of the Thomson River, Wurruk is now well connected to Sale via the Princes Highway upgrade and the subsequent shared path network instated on the former highway alignment. Wurruk was established as a town of standard residential blocks between the Thomson River and the Princes Highway, interspersed with small urban parklands, a recreation reserve oval, and an industrial area to the west. More recent development has seen an expansion of the town to the south of the highway, with larger residential and rural living blocks being established.

The main biodiversity asset related to Wurruk is the Thomson River corridor that runs along the north and eastern edge of the town. The Thomson River corridor includes the Herb Guyatt Reserve, a Council managed flora reserve which provides residents of both Wurruk and Sale an easily accessible destination to experience a natural riverine forest environment.

Although a major upgrade for vehicle and pedestrian access between Sale and Wurruk, in terms of biodiversity and gene flow, the highway duplication has created a significant barrier between the Thomson River in the north and the limited biodiversity assets remaining in Wurruk south of the highway. A large privately owned wetland surrounded by residential land between Settlement Road and The Ridge provides the community with the best opportunity for significant biodiversity enhancement south of the highway, however this would be subject to willingness of the owners of the 33 intersecting properties to employ a mutually agreed biodiversity management plan for the wetland.

A Wurruk Development Plan exists which identifies future town planning direction for Wurruk. This will influence future development and decisions regarding placement of community facilities, including public open space and opportunities for the community to interact with the natural environment.

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WURRUK OVAL RESERVE

Ownership / Management: Housing Commission of Victoria / WSC CoM History: Sporting facility Size: 2.9ha Features: Facilities including sports oval, cricket nets, clubrooms, Thomson River riparian forest vegetation Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Sporting facility

Current Management: • Council manages reserve and facilities, including mowing ovals and surrounds

Future Opportunities: • Limited due to small area and existing use • Improved management and enhancement of river bank vegetation, including extensive blackberry control, subject to consultation with user groups

BMX TRACK RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 1.1 ha History: Reserved as open space during town development Features: Scattered trees, BMX track, adjacent to Thomson River. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Neighbourhood Open Space. Recreation

Current Management: • Mowed by Council’s Parks Services

Future Opportunities: • Revegetation and understorey enhancement planting

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SOVEREIGN DRIVE RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 0.2ha History: Reserved as open space during subdivision development. Also serves stormwater drainage function. Features: Scattered trees, seasonally inundated dam (stormwater from neighbouring properties) Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: No public open space value currently – not easily publicly accessible.

Current Management: • No regular management services

Future Opportunities: • Limited due to landlocked nature of reserve area • Maintenance and weed control as required • Revegetation and understorey enhancement planting

SARAH COURT RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 2.5ha History: Reserved as open space during subdivision development. Also serves stormwater drainage function. Pedestrian connection between Sarah Court and Counahan Drive, Wurruk. Features: Scattered trees, connecting paths, stormwater dam/wetland Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Local Open Space. Linking reserve.

Current Management: • Mowed by Council’s Parks Services

Future Opportunities: • Revegetation and understorey enhancement planting – wetland and drainage lines as priority.

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HERB GUYATT RESERVE

Refer to Sale Township Biodiversity Masterplan

OTHER LAND (not Council-managed)

Management Purpose Features Crown River Natural river system – Native vegetation along river banks Frontage - mix of modified floodplain, but Some areas of willow and blackberry THOMSON cleared farmland river banks infestation RIVER and riparian forest predominantly vegetated. Occasional larger (>1ha) patches of remnant vegetation – including Herb Guyatt Reserve Private – multiple Amenity Large permanent waterbody. owners, property Recreation Four islands with some native SETTLEMENT title boundaries vegetation. ROAD & THE intersect at centre Perimeter of wetland predominantly RIDGE of wetland devoid of vegetation. WETLANDS Would suit biodiversity enhancement plantings – need landholder willingness.

POTENTIAL BIOLINKS

Potential Biodiversity Location Current Purpose Barriers Achievability Improvement Acceptance by neighbouring Untenured land, properties – partially vegetated Enhance and perceptions of with native complete native increased fire hazard, Sovereign species. Purpose species revegetation complaints of blocked Estate (Eastern for subdivision to create linkage Moderate views Boundary) unclear – linear between Sovereign Planned development linkage or partial Drive Reserve and of large paddock to future road Sarah Court Reserve east – how does this reserve? impact the potential biolink? Roadside planting – need to maintain safe Create connection Part road distances from Arnup Road between Sarah Court easement, part carriageway, may be (Sarah Ct to The Reserve and the Low crossing private too narrow to be of Ridge) Settlement Rd & The farm land great effect Ridge Wetlands Private property – need landholder consent

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Wurruk Site Specific Actions

FUNDING FUNDING COST POTENTIAL SITE RATING ACTION COST SOURCE SOURCE DESCRIPT. PARTNERS 1 2 Wurruk No projects Oval Medium currently identified Reserve BMX Track No projects Low Reserve currently identified Sovereign No projects Drive Low currently identified Reserve Develop reserve into accessible Sarah WSC public open space – Wurruk Court Low $10,000 carbon subject to concept school Reserve offset plan (note: refer to Wetland Plan)

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YARRAM

Yarram does not have a remnant natural area of high biodiversity (such as river, lake or flora reserve) adjacent to the town. Yarram wetlands has been a major ongoing project, and is a successful example of a man-made wetlands with revegetation that aims to create public access to an area of high biodiversity. Revegetation around the wetlands has been a slow process, and complicated by poor and compacted soil, and exposed sites. Currently the wetlands are functioning well, biodiversity is improving as the plants establish, and the project has been successful to create a new POS with access for the community.

Other POS in Yarram include Memorial Park that has some biodiversity values, and is regularly maintained and upgraded. Memorial Park is linked to the wetlands and to the Rail Trail that is another substantial POS area in Yarram. Scott Street Reserve is part of the drainage scheme, and additionally provides another POS with some biodiversity value.

1. Scott St Reserve 2. & 3. Yarram Tarra Trail Reserve 4. Memorial Park

1. 2

3. 4.

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YARRAM TARRA TRAIL RESERVE - WETLANDS

Ownership / Management: Crown Land/ WSC Size: 5.6ha History: Adjoining former railway land and part of the Tarra Trail. Features: Wetlands, path network, exercise equipment, skate park, bbq and picnic tables. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: District Open Space. Drainage, waterway, recreation and parkland

Current Management: • Revegetation planting and seasonal weed control – ongoing project

Future Opportunities: • Continue with maintenance and weed control

MEMORIAL PARK

Ownership / Management: Crown and WSC/WSC Size: 1ha History: Site of Yarram’s original cemetery. Converted to Memorial park around 1913. Features: Play space, BBQ and shelters, toilets, and paths. Close proximity to town centre. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: District Open Space. Recreation, gardens and parkland. Nearby to Yarram wetlands.

Current Management: • Minor upgrade of waterway/pond during 2017.

Future Opportunities: • Continue to maintain landscape values

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SCOTT STREET RESERVE

Ownership / Management: WSC / WSC Size: 0.8ha History: Reserve created for drainage management as part of recent residential subdivision Features: Some trees, waterway adapted for urban drainage. Significant flora & fauna: None recorded. Current Purpose: Local Open Space. Drainage, waterway, open space, and recreation.

Current Management: • Mowing and weed control Future Opportunities: • Continue to maintain landscape values.

YARRAM RECREATION RESERVE & SHOW GROUNDS Ownership / Management: WSC /WSC Sports clubs manage as CoM to WSC Size: 6.2 ha History: Recently upgraded clubhouse facilities Features: Sporting facilities Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Sporting activities, recreation.

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YARRAM TARRA TRAIL RESERVE - RAIL TRAIL

Ownership / Management: Crown/ Great Southern Rail CoM, DELWP Size: 2.6ha History: Former railway line between Yarram to Melbourne. Features: Shared gravel pathway and scattered vegetation Significant flora & fauna: None recorded Current Purpose: Recreation. Amenity. Access. Current Management: • Mowing and weed control

Future Opportunities: • Revegetation for amenity and as wind break

PARKSIDE YARRAM AERODROME

Ownership / Management: Crown land / WSC Com Size: 68.3 ha History: Originally grazing land, converted to aerodrome. Site is reference area for National and State listed threatened flora species and flora communities Features: Aerodrome. Significant flora & fauna: Natural Damp Grassland of the Victorian Coastal Plains (EPBC Act 1999 listed ecological community – Critically Endangered); Plains Grassland (South Gippsland) Community (FFG Act 1988 listed threatened community); Maroon Leek-orchid (Prasophyllum frenchii) (EPBC Act 1999 listed species – Endangered; FFG Act 1988 listed threatened species – Endangered) Current Purpose: Aerodrome

Current Management:

• In accordance with Management Plan.

• Slashing and weed control

Future Opportunities: • Review Management Plan with Aerodrome Manager

OTHER LAND (not Council-managed)

Management Purpose Features Community Recreation and transport Public shared pathway, scattered Tarra Trail - Rail Committee of corridor, tourist native vegetation Trail Management attraction. Nightingale Nightingale Park Recreation, natural Scattered native vegetation Park (off Society amenity Devonshires Lane)

POTENTIAL BIOLINKS

Achievable Potential Biodiversity Location Current Purpose Barriers in next 5 Improvement years? Planted trees and large Narrow road Railway Ave / shrubs to create better easements, possible Devonshires La Access roads/lanes Unlikely biolink to Nightingale residential access / Nightingale St Park. Walking track. restrictions

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Yarram Site Specific Actions

FUNDING COST FUNDING POTENTIAL SITE RATING ACTION COST SOURCE DESCRIPT. SOURCE 1 PARTNERS 2

Yarram Patch planting Determined Tarra Trail around old by site WSC High Landcare Reserve - station concept operational Wetlands building. specification

Extend existing Scott Street WSC Medium patch $4,000 Reserve operational plantings

No projects Memorial Low currently Park identified

Yarram Rec No projects Res & Show Low currently Grounds identified

Yarram Extend existing Friends of WSC Tarra Trail Low patch $5,000 Tarra Trail. operational Reserve plantings DEWLP

Depends on Parkside current High Aerodrome Management arrangements

The End.

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