A former farming paddock south west of Geelong is being transformed into a native habitat to help restore biodiversity to the Surf Coast Shire.
The 11-hectare area located next to Lake Modewarre in Buckley connects directly to the lake’s ecosystem and provides a refuge for birds, reptiles and insects, along with shade for kangaroos and wallabies.
Councillor Tony Phelps said the project to turn the former paddock into native habitat was about more than planting trees and that it was about restoring an “entire landscape”.
Mr Phelps said the project has also brought together schools, community groups and volunteers to help restore the biodiversity to the area.
“It will support wildlife and give our community a living connection to the land for generations to come,” he said.
“Working with landcare, schools and the community, we have been able to create something that will grow stronger every year.
“I really enjoyed getting on-site recently and planting some trees, and I will now proudly watch them grow and enjoy seeing this area revegetated.”
More than 10,000 trees have been planted, with rocks and timber logs strategically placed across the site to add complexity and diversity to the habitat.
Species like spotted marsh frogs and quail have returned to the site since planting started, with the project helping reverse the loss of native vegetation.
Surf Coast Shire Council endorsed to retain and protect the site for a minimum of 50 years to ensure its success as a carbon offset site.
