The City of Greater Geelong is preparing a plan to protect, restore and manage the region’s natural habitats by 2030 and is inviting residents to contribute to the conversation.
The Plan for Nature takes the City’s vision to 2030 and will protect and enhance the region’s diverse habitats - supporting a wide range of native plants, animals and fungi.
In 2003, the City’s first Biodiversity Strategy estimated that only five percent of former vegetation that existed in the City remains, and that is often severely degraded.
Since that time, many positive changes for natural habitat have occurred, including three times more land protected and managed for nature, extensive pest plant and animal programs, and restoration programs along our waterways.
We do, however, acknowledge that the City’s native vegetation, habitat and biodiversity is under increasing pressure from threats associated with climate change, pest plants and animals, population growth and changes to land use.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, as well as broad community, input will be sought in the preparation of the plan which will set the future direction for nature programs in Greater Geelong.
The opportunity for community members to share their ideas about nature and contribute towards the plan has begun and continues through to 5:00pm on Monday 16 January 2023.
Residents can contribute and share their ideas for nature and talking about the wild places they enjoy.
City of Greater Geelong residents can also join a variety of in-person and on-line forums:
- On-line: From 10:00am to11:30am on Wednesday 9 November - register now
- Wurriki Nyal: From 3.:0pm to 6:30pm on 16 November 2022 at 137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong
- Geelong Waterfront Makers and Growers Market: 6 November 2022 at Steampacket Gardens, Eastern Beach Road, Geelong
- Lara Community Market: 13 November 2022 at the corner of McClelland Avenue and Rennie Street, Lara
- Drysdale Community Market: 20 November 2022 at the Drysdale Recreation Reserve, Duke Street, Drysdale.
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Mayor Peter Murrihy
I encourage community members to contribute to the formation of the City’s nature plan for the next decade.
We’re really fortunate to live in a region that is so rich and diverse in terms of natural habitats and biodiversity.
The plan supports our community’s 30-year vision for a clever and creative future in Greater Geelong which recognises the uniqueness and significance of our natural environments.
Now we have an opportunity to play our part by ensuring those habitats are protected, restored and managed for future generations to enjoy.
Councillor Jim Mason - Chair, Environment portfolio
I urge community members to have their say on how to best protect and enhance the region’s natural habitats.
Our region is so widespread and comprises such a variety of habitats from marine and coastal environments, waterways and wetlands, woodlands and grasslands and lowland forests.
It’s really important that our community members contribute to supporting this rich diversity of native plants, animals, and fungi, much of it in our very own backyards.