Wildflowers project blooms for World Environment Day

It is World Environment Day on 5 June and a great time to celebrate the progress of one of Brimbank’s blooming conservation projects to re-introduce wildflowers in the Buckingham Reserve Urban Ecology Zone, in Sunshine West.

Over the past three years Brimbank Council has engaged with the local community to take part in planting days where more than 1,000 beautiful wildflowers and 300 small shrubs have been planted along this stretch of the Kororoit Creek.

The Federal Government recently awarded the project a new grant to commence further planting of wildflowers at the site.

This work is all in aid of improving the habitat for local animals that live in this section of Kororoit Creek. This includes the eastern long-necked turtle, growling green grass frog, Cunningham Skink, kingfisher and echidna.

Brimbank Mayor, Cr Georgina Papafotiou said, enthusiastic community support, especially from groups like Friends of Kororoit Creek, has helped to significantly improve this habitat.

‘They have helped install elements like rocks, shrubs, flowers and logs to provide shelter and nesting spots for native animals along Kororoit Creek,’ Cr Papafotiou said.

‘It is crucial to provide habitat for wildlife in urban areas. This project is creating areas where animals can move safely through our suburbs. Waterways are an ideal place for this.’

While community planting days are not permitted during the COVID-19 restrictions, there is still lots that the community can do to protect our precious environment and local wildlife.

‘Dogs walked without a leash have been known to injure our local wildlife along Kororoit Creek. Keeping them on a leash can help. Cats can also be a problem and that’s why it is important to keep them indoors at night time,’ Cr Papafotiou said.

‘Dumping rubbish in public places has also increased during the COVID-19 health emergency. It is our environment, local creeks and wildlife that suffers when we don’t dispose of our rubbish responsibly.’

During the COVID-19 restrictions, Council has seen an increased interest in activities that people can do from home to improve their local environment.

‘There has been an increase in interest in our composting program, online workshops about gardening, conservation and sustainability and that is wonderful to see,’ Cr Papafotiou said.

To learn more about Council’s Environment and Sustainability activities during COVID-19 restrictions go to https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability

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