Distinctive Areas and Landscapes
The Bellarine Catchment Network has been granted funding through the DELWP Distinctive Areas and Landscapes programme. This investment of $500,000 will be spread across three financial years and will support existing programmes, new initiatives and on ground works across the Bellarine Peninsula.
In total, 30 projects have been identified to be supported through the funding, with further initiatives to be developed over the three years through community workshops, input and priority projects. Across the program areas broad project categories include; Landholder / Landcare projects (5), on ground works (7), community engagement, education (9) and resources and materials (9).
President of the Bellarine Catchment Network, Mr Graeme O’Leary, said this funding will support initiatives including up to 20 school environment days annually, a Coastal Education Trailer, Indigenous Flora Booklet publications and up to a dozen on ground works sites annually. It will allow action planning and community priority setting for projects including biolinks, Gardens for Wildlife, weed control and cultural connections. The Bellarine Catchment Network will work closely with the community and provide annual progress report through the Network. We look forward to this exciting opportunity for environmental protection, enhancement and education activities.
Below is a list summary of each project. For more information, please get in contact with the officer listed.
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Biolinks
- connecting habitat
- reducing habitat fragmentation
- enhancing movement between critical habitat
- contact lachlan@bcn.org.au
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Bellarine Rail Trail Rabbit Control
- targets control of invaisve rabbits
- aims to restore native habitat
- contact sophie@bcn.org.au
Bush Heroes
- flora and fauna species to raise awareness about biodiversity
- utilise imagery on public bins and facilities
- raise awareness about impacts of habitat loss
- contact info@bcn.org.au
- download a summary document here
Coastal Education Trailer
- provides coastal education activities in the region including aquascope adventures, foreshore fossicks, beachcombs and birdwatching
- contact matt@bcn.org.au
- download a summary document here
Coastal Erosion Monitoring
- aims to understand sand movement at Point Lonsdale
- community focused with volunteer opportunities
- contact naomi@bcn.org.au
- download a summary document here
Gardens For Wildlife
- teaches local residents how to encourage wildlife into their garden
- links into local native community nurseries
- contact lachlan@bcn.org.au
- download a summary document here
On Ground Works
- habitat restoration
- revegetation and weed removal
- installation of tree guards and fencing
- contact lachlan@bcn.org.au or matt@bcn.org.au
Regeneration Awareness Signage
- signage at local regeneration sites
- raises awareness about regeneration techniques
- contact lachlan@bcn.org.au
- download a summary document here
Saltmarsh Restoration
- collaborative project in partnership with Bellarine Landcare Group
- a focus on land holders adjoining critical saltmarsh habitat
- contact sophie@bcn.org.au or rebecca@bcn.org.au
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Education Program
- engages primary, secondary and tertiary students students in environmental education
- tailored enviornment days at a local reserve or beach
- provides deeper education about local issues
- contact info@bcn.org.au
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Train the Trainer
- allows higher training for local community members on education and environment techniques
- contact info@bcn.org.au
- download a summary document here
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