Southern Grampians Shire Council has adopted the 2023-2033 Plan for Nature, with the plan aiming to deliver a shared vision to protect and enhance the local biodiversity and natural values across the Southern Grampians Shire.
Mayor Councillor David Robertson highlighted the importance of the shire’s environmental and landscape assets, which are crucial to the local ecosystem and the shire’s tourism industry.
“We are very fortunate to be surrounded by an outstanding natural environment here, with the Grampians National Park, the Glenelg and Wannon Rivers and ancient Volcanic plains attracting visitors year-round, and fertile farming land supporting a prosperous economy,” said Cr Robertson.
“Council places a high value on our natural environment, and the adoption and implementation of this plan will ensure that our environment has a chance to thrive in the face of continued threats including climate change, land use change, pest plants and animals, and destruction of native vegetation.”
The 10-year Plan was developed in consultation with the community of the Southern Grampians, agency stakeholders, Traditional Owners, and Council staff, and included a community-wide engagement phase. All comments were reviewed, addressed, and updated in the final plan.
The goal of the plan is to support biodiversity, resilience and encourage best practice stewardship of Council roadsides and nature reserves, protect and improve natural habitat quality, support Traditional Owners to protect and manage Country and work with community and stakeholders to protect and enhance the Shire’s significant natural assets.
Cr Robertson said all actions directly contribute to other plans at Southern Grampians Shire Council, as well as state and regional strategic plans aimed at protecting the natural environment – particularly the Glenelg Hopkins Regional Catchment Strategy and Biodiversity 2037.
“Thank you to all those who worked alongside Council to get this important plan in place,” concluded Cr Roberston.
Copies of the Plan for Nature 2023-2033 can be found on council’s website or from council’s Brown Street Customer Service Centre.
