Restoring wide-scale ecological function through collaboration

To continue our work to restore ecosystem function across Central Victoria, we are in the midst of designing a project plan for a large-scale biolink project that looks to eventually extend from Melbourne to Echuca.

The Upper Maribyrnong Landscape and Deep Creek Biolink project is a collaborative initiative with Melbourne Water and our Network Member Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network, as well as Upper Maribyrnong Catchment Group and Macedon Ranges Shire Council. It is designed to restore ecological connectivity and enhance biodiversity across the upper Maribyrnong catchment. 

Phase 1 of the project focuses on establishing the foundational elements to guide the entire project, including the identification of key environmental values, stakeholder engagement strategies, and ecological assessments at both landscape and property scales.

The aim is to leverage existing data, continue to research, and gain community input to map priority areas for biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration. This phase sets the stage for the remaining phases of the project, ensuring that the approach is both science-based and community-driven.

Image credit: Sasha Dobson, Biolinks Alliance Programs Manager