What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the array of plants, animals and other organisms that make up our local environment.
Why is biodiversity important to us?
Biodiversity relates to many of the vital services we rely on to keep us alive and healthy. The air we breathe, water we drink and the food we eat all come from biodiversity. So we think it’s pretty important to protect.
Biodiversity is also important as a source of recreational opportunities and provides a strong cultural connection to place.
Biodiversity in the City of Whittlesea
Our municipality is located at the juncture of three bioregions (areas that are defined and differentiated by things like geology, climate, vegetation and soil type):
Highlands Southern Fall Bioregion area in the north east
Features extensive forested areas at the foothills of the Kinglake National Park and west to Eden Park and surrounds.
Central Victorian Upland
An isolated pocket is located in South Morang and Mernda and supports a variety of ecosystems.
Victorian Volcanic Plain
More than half of our area sits on Volcanic Plan, a fertile landscape that supports River Red Gum Woodland and Grassy Woodland Habitats that once dominated, but are now under increasing pressure from urbanisation.
Significant flora and fauna in the City of Whittlesea
We have some of Australia’s rarest species of flora and fauna here in the City of Whittlesea. 52 threatened flora and fauna species have been recorded within our municipality including:
Critically endangered:
- Regent honeyeater
- Golden Sun Moth
- Swift Parrot
Endangered:
- Australian Painted Snipe
- Matted Flax-Lily
- Australasian Bittern
Vulnerable:
- Greater Glider
- Clover glycine
- Growling Grass Frog
Consultation has now closed.
Thanks for your feedback on the Biodiversity Strategy. Consultation has now closed.
We'll be announcing the prize winners soon and we'll update you about the development of the strategy.
If you have any questions, contact Sustainability Planning on 9217 2170.