Nature conservation

The roadside network is arguably the most significant natural environment asset in the municipality. In a fragmented landscape such as Mount Alexander roadsides provide the vital link and also provide habitat for many species of flora and fauna, many of them threatened. Recognising this, Council is committed to protecting and enhancing its many roadsides by improving conservation values, reducing fuel for fire and controlling the spread of weeds.

This document is currently under review.

Roadside Conservation Management Plan

Council has an urban waterways management plan for the 70 hectares of Creekside public land currently under public license to Council.

The plan has been developed by Council in collaboration with the Friends of Campbells Creek and the Castlemaine Landcare Group to further improve the amenity of the 70 hectares of creeks and adjoining public land located in the urban parts of Chewton, Castlemaine and Campbells Creek.

Council values native vegetation on private land. To support landholders to protect and enhance remnant vegetation, Council offers rate relief for land permanently protected under covenant.

Mount Alexander Shire Council has committed to working closely with two local Landcare groups with the adoption of an Environmental Management Plan for Honeycomb Bushland Reserve, a 17-hectare reserve at Campbells Creek.

Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare and McKenzies Hill Action and Landcare Group assisted to develop the five-year plan, which aims to protect and preserve the natural, cultural and recreational values of the reserve and provide a space for the community.

The management plan includes actions that will restore the site’s ecological values and improve visitor access and facilities. Council consulted with the CFA and an independent fire ecologist to address the risk of fire within the reserve.

The reserve forms an important link to other bushland in the area and provides a direct walking and cycling link to the Campbells Creek walking and cycling trail.

The environmental management plan is available on the Plans and strategies section of Council’s website. Read the two-page Honeycomb Bushland Reserve Information sheet.