Biodiversity management at Council
Greater Shepparton City Council is committed to the protection and enhancement of our native flora and fauna assets.
Council is undertaking activities to achieve our objectives and demonstrate our commitment, including:
One Tree Per Child
In 2016, Council commenced its involvement in the “One Tree Per Child” project with the aim of planting a plant for each person aged under 18 in our municipality.
Roadside Management Strategy
The Roadside Management Strategy focuses on the management of remnant vegetation located on roadsides and recognises the opportunities to protect and enhance our indigenous vegetation. It covers all rural roads within Greater Shepparton City Council that are not under direct control of VicRoads.
Our road reserves often represent one of the few remaining examples of intact ecosystems where the remnant vegetation provides many services. These include important fauna habitat corridors and connections between isolated areas of bushland. They can provide a store for important genetic flora and fauna resources and are a source of seeds. Further, they can provide protection for livestock on adjoining properties, assist in erosion control and influence water quality.
Sandhills Indigenous Seed Orchard
Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seed-bank, located at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus, consists of local shrubs of known provenance that can be harvested in the future for seed for revegetation projects.
Management of native vegetation removals
Council is the key referral agency for any requests to remove native vegetation, and permits are required if you intend to remove, damage or lop native vegetation. Native vegetation removal must always be the last option considered when working in an area with native vegetation. Council’s Environment team can inspect for identification of Native Vegetation and advise on options to avoid removal.
Details on native vegetation guidelines and permits
Environment Victoria