City of Stonnington Sustainability Snapshot 2015/16
20
Biodiversity
06 Biodiversity
Key achievements Council » Continued working with the Federal Government’s Green Army who assisted with indigenous revegetation, weed control, mulching, and clean up at the Yarra River, Malvern Valley Golf Course, Glen Iris Wetlands and Como Park North. » Commenced work on Stages 4 and 5 of the Yarra River Biodiversity Linkages Project which includes reconstruction and widening of the shared path east of Chapel Street, installation of new retaining walls, improved access to the bus stop, weed and invasive tree removal and native revegetation. » Undertook maintenance of Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the Yarra River Biodiversity Linkages Project including weed control, removal of dead vegetation, replaced jute matting, native vegetation infill planting and watering. » Participated in trialling the Biodiversity Monitoring Framework for Melbourne’s East, developed in partnership with the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA) Councils, to monitor urban biodiversity and habitat health. Focus for 2016/17 Council » Complete Stages 4 and 5 of the Yarra River Biodiversity Linkages Project and commence work on Stage 6 which includes weed removal, native revegetation and bicycle path upgrades. » Develop a maintenance program for all completed stages of the Yarra River Biodiversity Linkages Project. » Investigate a routine biodiversity monitoring program for Stonnington using the EAGA Biodiversity Monitoring Framework as a guide. » Continue to explore opportunities to expand habitat and corridors for local wildlife, including additional nesting boxes at key biodiversity sites.
The vast majority of land in Stonnington has been developed for housing, business, transport and public open space. This long-term, wide scale development has depleted the natural environment and resulted in a significant loss of indigenous vegetation. There are, however, still some important areas of native flora and fauna within the city. As the City of Stonnington will continue to be highly developed, protecting and enhancing existing biodiversity areas is critical. Council is concentrating its efforts on enhancing areas where some remnant habitat already exists and Council has management control over the land. The benefits of biodiversity for the community are numerous; not only does a high level of biodiversity result in a healthy and attractive physical environment, but it can facilitate educational opportunities, recreational activities, and add to the amenity of the area.
» Commenced development of an Urban Forest Strategy to provide a long-term strategic direction for Council to plan and manage Stonnington’s urban forest. » Continued to improve biodiversity in our key sites through planting and building habitat. Community » Installed interpretive signage at Glen Iris Wetlands with engaging and interactive information on indigenous plants, wetland birds, frogs, waterbugs and stormwater treatment. Interactive elements include buttons which feature frog and bird sounds. » Engaged our community, schools and early learning centres on biodiversity through a series of new bike and walking tours along the Yarra River and on Herring Island and an Earth Hour event at the Glen Iris Wetlands. » Celebrated National Tree Day with a community tree planting event at Glen Iris Wetlands. » 232 students from 10 schools participated in Council events for National Tree Day at the Urban Forest and Glen Iris Wetlands. » Incorporate plant species into parks and gardens that provide food and habitat resources for wildlife throughout the year. » Install outdoor signage at Percy Treyvaud and TH King Oval to engage the community around local biodiversity. Community » Continue to engage our community, schools and early learning centres on biodiversity through workshops, tours and planting days. » Launch the Yarra River Audio Tour to increase community engagement and connection to the Yarra River biodiversity site, through an accessible audio tour, available to all residents and visitors to Stonnington. » Increase Council’s partnership with local friends groups working to enhance local biodiversity. » Explore opportunities to support the community to develop wildlife friendly gardens. » Investigate opportunities to support the installation of green infrastructure retro-fits in Stonnington apartment buildings.
Goal
A
Protect and enhance biodiversity and public amenity through enhancing environmental values
“The students love planting trees for National Tree Day because it is hands on and the children get their hands dirty. They love to be directly involved and can see their own personal contribution to the improvement of habitat in an urban area.” Malcolm Dow, Assistant Principal, Armadale Primary School
» Continue to plant a diversity of tree species in the City’s streets, parks, gardens and reserves to increase the biodiversity values and resilience of the Urban Forest.
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