Seven local projects benefit through new partnership
The Upper Mount Emu Creek Landcare Network has received funding from RACV, through its partnership with Landcare Australia to undertake work involving 60 landholders and the creation of eight hectares of new habitat for native wildlife.
It is one of seven groups that will benefit from funding through the partnership, with close to $180,000 going to conservation and agriculture projects in the Goldfields region.
The visitor experience at Creswick Forest will also benefit, through a project managed by Wattle Flat-Pootilla Landcare Group, which will see the installation of four BBQs, signed pathways, as well as weed removal and the planting of indigenous understory plants.
The funded works will benefit the local environment and local communities, resulting in improved biodiversity, the creation of habitat for wildlife, improved water quality, education for local students, and the eradication of many hectares of invasive weeds.
The projects being undertaken through the RACV and Landcare Australia partnership will take place across the region, from Daylesford to Ullina and Invermay, and in between. The RACV Goldfields resort employs 140 people and those staff members will have the opportunity to volunteer at the projects, gaining hands-on experience in natural resource management, and providing assistance to the local community groups involved.
Project Descriptions:
Ullina Landcare Group
Active for 20 years and predominantly made up of local primary producers, the Ullina Landcare Group is working to restore Birch Creek, and will be removing exotic weeds, collecting seeds, planting, erecting fencing and installing water tanks and pumps. This long-term project will see an improvement in water quality, habitat for native fauna, and a reduction in erosion.
Upper Mount Emu Creek Landcare Network
Six landholders will be involved in this project which will see the creation of biodiversity corridors, with eight hectares of new habitat created, and a further 16 hectares enhanced. Species in the area include the koala, brush tailed phascogale, growling grass frog and striped legless lizard.
Bald Hills-Creswick Landcare Group
This community group has been eradicating weeds and planting native trees in the area for over 25 years. The group will undertake a project at Park Lake Botanical Reserve to help restore it to its former glory. Local community groups will be involved in the work which will include clearing weeds and lining walking trails with native flora.
Wattle Flat-Pootilla Landcare Group
Visitors to Creswick Forest will benefit from this project, which involves restoration works to Slaty Creek Picnic Ground and the Great Dividing Trail walk. Signed pathways, fencing and BBQs will be installed, weeds will be removed, and a number of indigenous understory plants planted.
Upper Loddon and Avoca Landcare Network
The Smeaton Farming for Sustainable Soils Group will undertake a project to measure the ability of management practices shown to improve soil microbiology and overall soil health. Intensive tests will be undertaken and a soil masterclass conducted, with the aim of increasing the economic and environmental sustainability of production in the district.
Blampied-Kooroocheang Landcare Group
Farmers and landholders work together in this group which has been active since 1988. Pest plant species will be actively controlled, including gorse, blackberry and boxthorn, and indigenous plants used to revegetate, including yarra gum, tree violet and silver banksia.
Friends of Cornish Hill
Working on the restoration of Cornish Hill, this group will undertake three projects involving and educating local students, providing hands on experience with native animals and taking part in a ‘River Detectives’ program.
