Thank you for your help in developing the new Biodiversity Strategy

Council is developing a new Biodiversity Strategy to guide the protection and enhancement of biodiversity across the Shire.

Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. All of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life on earth, and many things such as clean water, fresh air, habitat, medicines, and food.

We sought views from 26 June to 30 July from the community about Nillumbik's biodiversity, threats and ideas for how it can be protected and enhanced.

A draft Biodiversity Strategy will be developed and presented to the community for feedback in early 2024.

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What we have heard

In recent community consultations on a range of projects, we have already heard a lot of feedback about the local environment and topics that relate to biodiversity. From these projects we have heard that people in Nillumbik:

  • Value the natural environment – trees, wildlife, biodiversity, open space, agricultural land.
  • Support action to protect the natural environment – reduce environmental degradation and tree loss, decrease invasive species and support Indigenous species, protect biodiversity and support ESD in development.
  • Prioritise Nillumbik as the Green Wedge Shire and preserve the character of the Shire.
  • Supported Council declaring a Climate Emergency - climate action leadership, zero emissions energy use, climate resilient natural environment and community, zero waste and circular economy.
  • Support investment in sustainable transport and renewable energy systems.

This feedback is a great starting point to informing the development of the new draft Biodiversity Strategy and will help shape the conversations we have with community in upcoming consultation opportunities.

More detail is available in the report 'What Council has heard so far'