Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Friday, 28 June, 2024. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Friday 28th of June, 2024,
Greater Shepparton City Council, in conjunction with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, is working to protect cultural and environmental values and facilitate Caring for Country works by the local Aboriginal community at the Mooroopna sand hills site.
In Summary
Fences, gates and bollards had previously been installed at the culturally significate site to prevent vehicle access, however large sections of these were damaged over time. Council have since engaged contractors to repair management tracks and install new boundary fencing and other assets, including large rocks and logs to prevent vehicle access to the site, with all works now complete.
The sand hills are culturally significant to the Yorta Yorta People and the last remaining intact sand hill in the Greater Shepparton region. The site holds great importance to the region’s Traditional Owners and it is vital that the site is closed off to unauthorised vehicles to assist with the protection and rejuvenation of the area.
The site has previously been used for illegal dumping of rubbish and 4WD activity, all of which have contributed to the deterioration of the land. Council’s Manager Environment, Sharon Terry, said the site boundaries have been hardened and there is now only one official entrance to allow authorised vehicles to access the site.
“It is important that Greater Shepparton City Council protect and work with Traditional Owners to rejuvenate this land back to its original state. The sand hills hold very significant cultural values for our local Aboriginal community and significant biodiversity value for the area, providing a habitat for many bird species and fauna. These are the largest sand hills within Greater Shepparton and they need to be protected,” she said.
“Throughout the years we have seen illegal dumping of rubbish, removal of native trees and four wheel drive tracks resulting in severe damage. Closing the area off to vehicles will improve the revegetation and weed management in this incredible landscape.” Pedestrian and bicycle access will still be permitted, as these will have low impact on biodiversity and cultural values, and so the broader community can still enjoy the site.
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority have provided Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation land management arm Woka Walla with funding to revegetate and regenerate native vegetation at the sand hills, as well as to control pest plants and animals.
Council will continue to support the Traditional Owners and assist in educating the wider community on the important cultural and biodiversity values within Greater Shepparton. The site will be monitored by Council, Victoria Police and other authorities, with unauthorised vehicle access to the sand hills without permission incurring penalties.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 27th of August,
Get ready to discover Greater Shepparton one business at a time with Spotlight on Business campaign
Greater Shepparton City Council is gearing up to launch a new campaign to raise awareness of local businesses and highlight the unique experiences and offerings in our shopping precincts and small-town strips. Read more
Wednesday 27th of August,
Council commits to the future of KidsTown
Greater Shepparton City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and revitalising KidsTown Adventure Playground, a community landmark and major tourist attraction in the Goulburn Valley, at its August Council Meeting on Tuesday. Read more
Wednesday 27th of August,
Positive results in the 2024/2025 Community Satisfaction Survey
Greater Shepparton City Council has recorded strong results in the 2024/2025 Community Satisfaction Survey, with many of the indicators showing improvement compared to the previous financial year. Read more
Wednesday 27th of August,
One vision, three plans – have your say on Greater Shepparton’s future
Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting the community to have their say on three of Council’s largest and most important strategic documents – the Draft Council Plan 2025–2029, Draft Asset Plan 2025–2035 (including the Asset Management Policy), and… Read more
Wednesday 27th of August,
Progress report shows strong recovery from October 2022 flood event
Greater Shepparton City Council has released a progress report on the implementation of the Greater Shepparton Municipal Recovery and Resilience Plan 2023–25, highlighting significant achievements since the October 2022 flood event. Read more
Wednesday 27th of August,
More than $450,000 awarded through Council’s 2024/2025 Community Grants Program
Greater Shepparton City Council has awarded more than $450,000 in funding to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and residents through its 2024/2025 Community Grants Program. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Friday 29th of August,
Puff Walk
Did you know walking together helps build stronger friendships and healthier habits? Read more
Thursday 4th of September,
Macrame Keychain Workshop at Shepparton Library
This small, simple project is perfect for beginners. Read more
Thursday 4th of September,
Women's Health Week at Shepparton Library - Menopause and Perimenopause
Women's Health Week information session with Dr Margreet Stegeman. Read more
Thursday 28th of August,
Riverlinks and RAV present Artemis: Utter Mess - Dookie -- An In Your Town Show
ARTEMIS: UTTER MESS welcomes you to join Artemis Muñoz as they unpack their journey to self-acceptance live on stage. This 60-minute cabaret featuring nine-original songs is a show for anyone who has… View on Riverlinks
Tuesday 2nd of September,
Exploring Virtual Worlds
Explore under the sea, travel to locations throughout the world, kayak in Antarctica or fly between skyscrapers like a superhero. This is a beginner level Virtual Reality session. Read more
Sunday 24th of August, – to Sunday 31st of August,
Riverlinks presents Goulburn Valley Concert Orchestra - Chamber Series
The Orchestra will perform a series of free Sunday afternoon Chamber Concerts, in August View on Riverlinks
See All Events