Pearcedale resident Sharon Berry is encouraging coastal village residents to attend an expo next month to discover more about a biolinks project. 41968Picture: Kim Cartmell
By Bridget Brady
A PROJECT to create biolinks to protect native bushland and animals is underway in the coastal villages.
Residents have a unique opportunity to receive significant subsidies to protect and improve native bushland on their properties as part of the Western Port Woodlands project, and an expo will be held in Pearcedale next month.
The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority received a Federal Government grant of $500,000 to offer discounts for landowners to build fences, or protect bushland on their properties in Casey and also between Pakenham and Drouin.
Julie Weatherhead, who is delivering the project, said the idea was to create pathways and links from the Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne South through to the Yaringa National Park, therefore including all coastal villages in Casey.
“Some people have got some really nice patches of bushland and we want to assist people in looking out for it,” Ms Weatherhead said.
“The dream is we can have a whole lot of different linkages so animals are able to find their way back and forward.”
Sharon Berry from the Pearcedale Landcare Group said there were some valuable patches of bush habitat in Cranbourne South and the coastal villages.
“We are keen to protect and improve the condition of as much of this as we can. Our native wildlife depends on it,” Ms Berry said.
Those who sign up to take part in the project will also receive a free property assessment for advice about protecting bushland.
Some properties may not require fencing, but owners could be given tips on enhancement, weed and rabbit control, Ms Weatherhead said.
The project was a special and rare opportunity for residents, Ms Weatherhead said.
“The area hadn’t had a lot of assistance from Canberra, that’s why we targeted that area. There is still some really good remnant vegetation in that area.”
Ms Weatherhead said animals such as horses, cows and sheep were responsible for most of the damage to understorey. “It’s a first for this area. People should grab it with both hands. It is a wonderful opportunity for landowners.”
The Pearcedale Landcare Group is holding a free expo and launching the project at the Pearcedale Public Hall on 13 February. The expo starts at 11am and runs until about 3pm. Lunch will be provided.
To find out more or register attendance call Julie or Anthony on 5942 8580.
