Nature conservation
Mount Alexander Shire is home to a beautiful and diverse natural environment that spans uplands, goldfields and volcanic and riverine plains.
Notable natural features include Mount Alexander and Tarrengower, and rivers Loddon and Coliban.
While the shire retains a relatively high level of vegetation cover, much of the natural environment bears marks from past human activity, most significantly from the Goldrush era.
The shire community is very active in restoring the condition of the natural environment, and in improving its extent and connectivity.
Community Carbon pilot program
Help us reach net-zero by planting natives on your property
Are you a landholder with ten hectares or more? Are you passionate about native planting and taking action against climate change? Or maybe you know someone who is?
We’re partnering with North Central CMA, City of Greater Bendigo, Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Hepburn Shire Council to deliver a native planting program, helping us reach our goal of net-zero emissions.
We want to hear from local landholders who are keen to take part in this exciting, large-scale revegetation pilot project: Community Carbon.
There are so many benefits to taking part in this project:
- Attracting diverse wildlife
- Improving the aesthetic appearance of your property
- Reducing soil erosion
- Improving soil health
- Enhancing water quality
The project aims to leverage carbon offset needs of local councils and provide financial support to revegetate local habitat.
By drawing down carbon with trees and shrubs grown on local private land, we also combat biodiversity loss, restore native habitat and tackle climate change.
Help Central Victoria grow to net zero.
Expressions of interest are open until Saturday 30 September 2023.
Find out more at www.nccma.vic.gov.au/climatechange/community-carbon
This program is contributing to our goal of zero-net operations from 2025. Find out more on our page: A zero-emissions shire.
Castlemaine Urban Waterways Management Plan
Council has an Urban Waterways Management Plan(PDF, 6MB) 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.
Honeycomb Bushland Reserve
Mount Alexander Shire Council has committed to working closely with two local Landcare groups with the adoption of the Honeybomb Bushland Reserve(PDF, 5MB) , 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.
Trust for Nature Rebate
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.