Thank you to everyone who contributed to the conversation on Council's first Nature Plan. We are now considering your feedback and developing a draft. We will share a draft with you in mid-2024 for further comment.

Biodiversity loss poses a threat to public health, social wellness, culture, science, the environment, and every sector of the economy. There is a close link between preserving biodiversity and our goal of reaching zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, given biodiversity loss contributes to and is affected by climate change.

Today much of our natural environment is endangered - some critically - including the Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, which once covered much of Victoria but of which there is now less than 5% left.

With the ‘mighty’ Maribyrnong River defining our north-eastern boundary, enjoying biodiversity and protecting our natural environment plays a key role in daily life in our municipality.

Approximately 10% of the municipality (313.5 ha) is open space, including sections located along the Maribyrnong River, which are thought to contain the majority of the municipality’s higher quality publicly accessible biodiversity values.

Learn more about the importance of biodiversity and how to contribute to the development of the Nature Plan below, including sharing what you value and what's important to you in terms of biodiversity.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity encompasses all components of the living world: the number and variety of plants, animals and other living things including fungi and microorganisms across our land, rivers, coast and ocean. It includes the diversity of their genetic information, the habitats and ecosystems within which they live, and their connections with other life forms and the natural world.

Learn more about biodiversity by watching this short video about Biodiversity 2037 - the State Government's plan for protecting Victoria's environment.

Why is it important?

The value of biodiversity can be measured by the numerous benefits it provides; food and shelter, clean air and water, cultural relationship to country, improved mental health, aesthetic quality, increased recreation opportunity, opportunities for research, and safeguarding us against the symptoms of climate change.

Since settlement, all vegetation types have been grossly depleted and most remnants are now severely modified from their original state. Many plant species have become extinct within the municipality and populations of some remaining species are considered endangered.

If we are to support the recovery and survival of our threatened native plants and animals we need to find ways to better protect and manage our natural habitat.

Why does Council need a Plan?

Maribyrnong does not currently have a Nature Plan. The need for a plan was identified in the Open Space Strategy in 2014, and again in the Climate Emergency Strategy 2020-25.

The Council Plan 2021-2025 identifies a need for more open green space and “the protection and preservation of the environment, in particular wildlife, vegetation and waterways”.

Biodiversity loss poses a threat to public health, social wellness, culture, science, the environment, and every sector of the economy – therefore, the creation of a document that clearly lays out Council’s priorities is important in ensuring conservation projects are adequately resourced.

A Nature Plan will ensure Council is compliant with state, federal and international conservation legislation. The plan will act as a launching point for community education and engagement in conservation and urban ecology.