ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Preserving a
HIDDEN SUBURBAN OASIS OF FLORA AND FAUNA
Roberts Court Reserve. Image: Friends of Drouin Trees.
by Annabelle Powell, Journalist, Council magazine
Baw Baw Shire Council, located in rural Victoria, is in the midst of purchasing a piece of land which houses many rare species and local wildlife, with the vision of creating an oasis for locals and critters alike.
B
aw Baw Shire Council has purchased a 10.53ha property in Drouin with the intention of creating a community bushland reserve for preserving local wildlife. Council is in the process of acquiring the Roberts Court Bushland Reserve, located at Longwarry Road, Drouin. Purchase of the Reserve was identified within the Drouin Development Contribution Plan (DCP01) and included in Council’s Long Term Infrastructure Plan to occur in the 2021/22 financial year. The reserve was identified as a high value environmental property due to its significant biodiversity values and potential
52
Winter 2022 // ISSUE 3
for future enhancements, such as meandering walkways, educational signage and wildlife viewing areas. Retaining the bushland reserve will preserve natural habitats for local wildlife with species such as burrowing crayfish, lorikeets, Crested Shrike, rosellas, Eastern Yellow Robins, kookaburras, and many more calling the site home. The reserve will also provide benefits for the surrounding community by lowering ambient temperatures, purifying air, and encouraging residents to adopt healthy recreational activities such as walking. Baw Baw Shire Council Mayor, Cr Michael Leaney, said Council is pleased to be able to secure the future of this stunning bushland reserve, right in the heart of Drouin.
www.councilmagazine.com.au
