The City of Greater Bendigo has developed a Draft Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2033 to guide the management and protection of our local unique landscapes and species for the next 10 years and is calling for feedback from the community until Friday June 30, 2023.
City of Greater Bendigo Climate Change and Environment Manager Michelle Wyatt said the draft strategy sets a shared vision for biodiversity conservation across the region through advocacy, engagement and supporting actions by the City, land managers and the community to protect, enhance and connect the natural values of the environment.
“Greater Bendigo is home to 105 threatened plants and 87 threatened animal species. We are faced with a tremendous challenge over the next decade to protect, enhance and connect our natural landscapes, stop species extinctions and engage and inform the community to ensure a safe and resilient future for all,” Ms Wyatt said.
“The draft Strategy was produced with significant community input from over 500 individuals who participated in a range of forums, workshops and individual meetings, written submissions and feedback received on the City’s Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo website.
“It provides a framework for collaboration on region-wide questions and features a clear set of management actions.”
Some of the draft strategy’s 61 actions include:
- Establishment of a permanent Biodiversity Engagement Officer position to meet growing community needs.
- Development and implementation of a detailed ‘Habitat Connectivity Plan’ to create biolinks across Greater Bendigo.
- Protection of mature native trees through the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme or a Local Law which may include use of a Significant Tree Register.
- Establishment of a biodiversity monitoring program that is representative, robust and strategic.
- Continuation and expanding of the Healthy Landscapes regenerative agriculture program.
“The development of a Biodiversity Strategy is a key action of the City’s Climate Change and Environment Strategy 2021-2026 and the Greater Bendigo Council Plan Mir wimbul 2021-2025.
“It’s now time for the community to let us know if we have got the draft strategy right or what they think is missing.”
Members of the community can view and make comment on the draft Biodiversity Strategy on the City’s Let’s Talk website at https://letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/biodiversity-strategy until Friday June 30, 2023.
