Deep Creek biolink

Creating a biolink for Upper Deep Creek

A new locally initiated and designed initiative, Deep Creek biolink, is a highly collaborative, science-driven project set to bring life back to the creek. Part of an exciting long term plan, this project is the first stage of establishing a biolink that will reach from Melbourne all the way to Echuca.

Led by local Landcare groups (Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network) and ecological experts from Biolinks Alliance, and with funding from Melbourne Water, the project aims to restore ecological connectivity and rebuild our creek’s biodiversity so it can be more resilient now and into the future.

Using simple and accessible ecological practices tailored to our local region, we are looking to partner with local landholders to improve water quality and rebuild habitat along our creek.

You can play a critical part in this legacy for our community by supporting our efforts to improve the water quality and rebuild habitat around our creek. Not only will our creek be more resilient and thrive, but our local forests and farms will also be healthier.

If you want to get involved in the project direcly you can click the link below to the upper deep creek landcare network website or alternatively email: udc.landcare.facilitator@gmail.com for further information.

Deep Creek has always been important to our community. It helps keep our forests and farms healthy and brings people together. It’s a special part of our local area that many of us feel proud of.

The creek was once a healthier, more lively place where families would swim and picnic in permanent clear pools even during drought. But after years of degradation it has become fragmented and disconnected.

Despite this, local Landcare groups and individual landholders have made huge achievements in restoring the creek to bring back species like Koalas and Platypus.

This project is about creating a lasting legacy for future generations and building a stronger, healthier landscape. You can become part of the Landcare community, connect more deeply with your local landscape, and help promote and protect the iconic species that make our region special.

If the creek could speak, what would it ask of us? Let’s listen and act together.

Click on the map to open interactive version.

Ecological connectivity modelling can be used to identify existing habitat linkages as well as potential new biolinks to restore connectivity in a specified area for a species or a group of species of interest.

For the Deep Creek Biolink project, Biolinks Alliance defined and ran connectivity models for project focal species using ArcMap Linkage Mapper. Species modelled were the Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa), Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and various species of woodland birds.

The models identify core habitat areas within the study area for focal species, based on habitat type, habitat condition and minimum patch size requirements. It then used information on what poses a barrier to movement to those species to determine ‘least cost pathways’ or potential biolinks. Biolinks were modelled over a 2 km buffer around the Deep Creek catchment. The Deep Creek itself was assumed to be a key habitat area, given waterways do provide key habitat and act as biolinks themselves.

These models will serve a dual purpose: guiding the location of targeted habitat restoration works where possible, and engaging landholders within the project area by showing where their property sits within the key areas for these focal species to move across the landscape.

Core patch and connectivity pathway models produced very similar outputs for Brush-tailed Phascogale & Koalas and for woodland birds. The key difference is the presence of more, smaller core patches for woodland birds due to the parameterised smaller minimum patch size.

There are a number of key areas across the area that present as high priority connectivity pathways for both groups of species. Within the proposed biolink, the eastern and southern extent show strong potential for connectivity to the broader landscape. Just south of the western edge of the biolink is another area of high connectivity potential, linking to the Cobaw Biolink that is being led by Newham & District Landcare Group, connecting the Cobaw Ranges to Mount Macedon.

You can view more details about the project area, including the priority pathways for phascogales, koalas and woodland birds by visiting the online map.

Koala

The Koala is a flagship species for forest and woodland health, iconic and widely recognised. Its presence indicates large, connected, high-quality eucalyptus habitat. There are records of Koalas in the area going back decades and current populations in the Cobaws and Macedon Ranges represent a great opportunity for wildlife corridors.
Koalas thrive in eucalyptus forests and woodlands, particularly where preferred food trees are abundant. They require a mix of tree species for food and shelter, access to water, and safe, connected corridors—ideally at least 20 metres wide. Effective habitat management, including the restoration of native vegetation and careful planning in plantation areas, is essential for supporting Koala populations.

Platypus

The Platypus is a unique and iconic species found in freshwater ecosystems across eastern Australia. It serves as a key indicator of waterway health, and its presence reflects the quality of riparian zones and catchment-wide ecological function. Platypus have been recorded in Deep Creek as far north as Doggetts bridge however their occurrence has been significantly less over the last decade.
Platypus require clean, permanent, slow- to fast-flowing freshwater systems with intact riparian vegetation and stable banks for burrow construction. Healthy streamside vegetation provides shade, regulates water temperature, stabilises banks, and supports ecosystem health.

Hooded Robin

The Hooded Robin is a ground-foraging woodland bird that has suffered major declines across southeastern Australia due to habitat loss and degradation. It is a key indicator of the health of Box-Ironbark and grassy woodland ecosystems. Hooded Robins require open eucalypt woodlands with a healthy ground layer of native grasses and herbs, scattered shrubs, fallen logs, and low-intensity grazing. They need mature trees for nesting and open ground for foraging.
They are sedentary and territorial, with small home ranges (typically 10–20ha). However, population viability depends on connectivity. Given their minimal movement range they represent a need for well-connected forests and woodlands.

Brush-tailed Phascogale

The Brush-tailed Phascogale, also known as the Tuan, is a small, nocturnal, carnivorous marsupial that once occurred widely across much of south-eastern Australia. It is a charismatic yet rarely seen species, easily identified by its distinctive black, bottlebrush tail. The species is strongly associated with mature, hollow-bearing trees and healthy woodland understoreys. Its presence in the landscape signals intact habitat structure, making it an excellent focal species for woodland conservation and hollow habitat restoration.
Their dependance on hollows makes the importance of large old trees (hollow bearing 100+ year old trees) all the more significant.

Growling Grass Frog

The Growling Grass Frog is a large, vibrantly coloured frog once common throughout south-eastern Australia. It is now endangered in Victoria due to widespread loss and fragmentation of its wetland habitats. It is a strong indicator species for healthy, well-connected wetland systems.
Growling Grass Frogs rely on a network of permanent and ephemeral wetlands with aquatic vegetation, open basking areas, and good water quality. They breed in warm, shallow water bodies and require nearby refuge habitats during dry periods. Vegetated wetland edges and connectivity between wetlands are critical to their survival. Dams, of which there are many in the area, represent a key connectivity pathway for species like the Growling Grass Frog once they are enhanced by planting semi-aquatic and aquatic species.

Deep Creek Biolink: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Deep Creek Biolink?

The Deep Creek Biolink is a locally driven effort to restore health to Deep Creek and the landscape around it. It brings together landholders, Landcare groups, local government and ecologists to improve biodiversity, support productive land, and build resilience into the future.

The first phase of work has now wrapped up. It produced a Biolink Plan for the catchment, a land stewardship guide, an interactive map of the biolink, and on-ground works with landholders along the creek. Those resources are all available on this page and are free to use.

Who is involved?

The biolink was developed by Biolinks Alliance with the Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network, local Landcare groups, Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Melbourne Water, with funding support from Melbourne Water.

Day to day coordination now sits with the Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network and the local groups. Biolinks Alliance stays involved as a partner and continues to support the wider biolink network across central Victoria.

What has happened to the creek?

Deep Creek has long supported the communities that rely on it for agriculture, cultural connection and recreation. It has played a central role in the identity of the region.

Once a thriving waterway characterised by permanent deepwater pools, Deep Creek has been damaged over time. Water flow has been altered, water quality has dropped, and many native plants and animals have lost their habitat connectivity.

Species such as platypus, koalas, phascogales and growling grass frogs are much less common than they once were. As biodiversity declines, the land becomes more vulnerable to drought and flood, and local productivity suffers with it.

Where is the biolink?

The biolink follows Deep Creek from the Cobaw Ranges to north east of Romsey, and takes in the tributaries and micro catchments that feed it.

It forms part of a broader effort to repair and reconnect habitat from Melbourne through to the Murray River near Echuca. There is interest in extending the biolink across the rest of the Maribyrnong catchment over time.

You can see the full extent, along with vegetation, waterway and threatened species layers, on the interactive map.

I'm a landholder. How do I get involved?

Get in touch with the Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network. They coordinate landholder involvement, know what funding and support is available in any given year, and can connect you with your local group.

The land stewardship guide is a good place to start in the meantime. It sets out what management suits different vegetation types across the catchment, so you can work out where your property sits in the landscape and what would make the most difference on your patch.

What does the work actually involve?

It depends on the condition of each site. Commonly it includes:

• planting locally appropriate native vegetation to reduce erosion and improve habitat

• fencing to protect sensitive areas from stock

• controlling weeds and invasive species

• improving water quality through vegetated filtration and erosion control

• taking part in citizen science and monitoring

Restoring the creek can also do good things for your land, including shade and shelter, better water for stock, and healthier soil.

Will I still have full control of my property?

Yes. Nothing happens without your agreement, and any work is done in partnership with you. The point is to support your priorities using ecological methods that are practical and proven in this region.

What if I don't want work done on my property?

There is no obligation. If you are unsure or just want to learn more, come along to an event or have a conversation with your local Landcare group. You can decide what feels right for you.

Are there ways to get involved if I'm not a landholder?

Yes. Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Landcare groups run events, walks and volunteer days along the creek through the year. Watch the Shire's environment e-news and the Landcare network for what's coming up.

What's next for the biolink?

The Biolink Plan sets out a long term vision that runs well beyond the initial phase of works. The partners are continuing to meet, and are looking at both further funding and extending the biolink across the wider Maribyrnong catchment.

Acknowledgements

This project is in partnership with Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network, Biolinks Alliance, and Macedon Ranges Shire Council and with funding from Melbourne Water.