Grant to protect biodiversity in Gippsland
Gippsland Water has been awarded a state government grant to enhance biodiversity and protect threatened species at their Dutson Downs property.
The water corporation will invest $165,000 over the next three years to manage high threat weeds and pests such as rabbits and foxes at Dutson Downs.
Senior Environmental Scientist at Gippsland Water, Dr Deb Archer, said the funding would protect conservation values at Dutson Downs and also benefit the surrounding area.
"Along with the adjoining Gippsland Lakes, Dutson Downs has long been recognised as a haven for rare and threatened flora and fauna. Reducing pests such as rabbits and foxes will benefit both our property and the region, including National Parks and local farms,
“Rather than targeting individual threatened species, the funding will allow us to focus on reducing threats to biodiversity on a landscape scale to protect the biological and environmental significance of the local area,” she said.
Located east of Sale, Dutson Downs spans 8,300 hectares and is home to rare species such as the New Holland Mouse, Metallic Sun Orchid and the Green and Golden Bell Frog.
Approximately half of the property is comprised of native vegetation with high conservation significance including woodlands, heathlands, scrubs, wetlands and grasslands.
This project has been funded by the Victorian Government’s Biodiversity Response Planning program and is helping to ensure that Victoria’s natural environment is healthy, valued and actively cared for.
