A $200,000 Victorian Supreme Court penalty stemming from environmental offences at Cranbourne’s SBI landfill will be redirected into a major conservation project aimed at boosting habitat for the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot.
The funding, ordered by the Supreme Court following enforcement action by EPA Victoria in mid-2024, will support the planting of more than 30,000 indigenous shrubs and groundcover at Brookland Greens Bushland Reserve, creating critical shelter and food sources for the threatened native species.
Mass planting will begin in mid‑2026, with surveys of bandicoot numbers and vegetation conditions to follow in 2027.
The Court ordered SBI Landfill Pty Ltd to fund the works after EPA charged the company over persistent odour issues from its Ballarto Road landfill, which affected surrounding residential areas.
Rather than imposing a traditional fine, the court directed the money into a restorative environmental project designed to deliver long-term ecological benefits to the local community and wildlife.
The project responds to habitat loss pressures in the south east and will enhance biodiversity in an area known to support Southern Brown Bandicoots.
EPA South Metropolitan regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema said it’s great to see a court penalty go back into the community that was impacted.
“By planting more vegetation, it not only helps support the bandicoot population, but it will also give several environmental and human health benefits. Better groundcover and shrubs will improve soil and water quality, help with dust control and create a diverse open space for Cranbourne residents,” he said.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said the project would bring the community together to protect a threatened species.
“We’ll be encouraging residents to report bandicoot sightings, plant suitable species in their gardens, and adopt responsible pet ownership,” he said.
“Educational signage, volunteer planting days, Bandicoot bungalow building, and a guided walk through Brookland Greens Bushland Reserve will all help raise awareness and support for this important work.
“This is a great outcome, turning a penalty for an environmental offence into a project that benefits both the environment and the community.”
