Biodiversity Bus Tour (Geelong Landcare Network)

Sunday 12 October 2014

World-Habitat-Day-20131012

25 people from all seven landcare groups in the Geelong Landcare Network gathered in Inverleigh at 8.30am a on a beautiful, misty morning to visit five of over 40 properties to have received support from the Biodiversity Grant. This grant is managed by the Geelong Landcare Network and funded by the Federal Government’s Biodiversity Fund from 2012.

The tour was undertaken to showcase and celebrate the completion of the project. The intent of the project proposal was ‘To link and bridge remnant grassy woodlands to areas of high conservation values.’

Stops were made at Murnong Farming - Inverleigh, Dog Rocks Flora and Fauna Sanctuary - Batesford, Austin’s Wines - Sutherlands Creek, Paul Towart’s - Maude and Shelburn Farm – Shelford

At the Dog Rocks Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, Mark Trengove, Ecological Consultant who prepared the Dog Rocks Flora and Fauna Sanctuary Vegetation Assessment and Vegetation Management Plan, highlighted the importance of this rare remnant 200 acres of native vegetation and the need to control invasive pest plants and animals.

Helen Percy, Secretary, BFS Landcare group outlined the progress in implementing the long-term management plan for the Sanctuary and need for continued funding support from GLN and assistance in implementing the management plan from City of Greater Geelong, volunteers, schools and agencies.

Visitors were impressed by the amount of work involved in the removal of boneseed and other Weeds of National Significance, the beauty of this natural landscape and the proximity to Geelong.