Maribyrnong City Council has made a book called the draft Nature Plan. The book is written in a way that is easy to understand.

On this page read more information about this book.

You can ask someone to help you read and understand this book or this page.

At the bottom of this page, you can let us know what you think by answering some questions.

The draft Nature Plan says how we want to make the City of Maribyrnong better for:

• plants, animals and rivers
• people when they enjoy nature.

Nature gives us everything we need to live. For example, food, water and shelter.

People in Maribyrnong love nature because it makes them healthy.

We want everyone to enjoy nature so they can be healthy.

We want plants and animals to be healthy.

Before there were buildings, most of Maribyrnong was grass and wildflowers.

Animals like the Fat-tailed Dunnart lived here. A Fat-tailed Dunnart is like a little mouse.

There were some trees next to the creeks and rivers.

The Maribyrnong River used to be much wider and flatter.

Aboriginal people used the grasses to make nets, baskets and bags.

Nearly all of the grass and wildflowers are gone. Factories, shops and houses are there instead.

There are some areas that still have native plants. Native means they have always grown or lived here.

Native animals still use these areas. For example, birds, reptiles, frogs and fish.

Some of the native plants and animals are threatened. Threatened means there are not many of these plants and animals left in nature.

Stony Creek, Maribyrnong River, and the land next to them are important for native animals.

Animals that live near the river are:

• the Growling Grass Frog
• the Grey-headed Flying-fox

People love to use the areas around Stony Creek and Maribyrnong River. For example, to ride bikes and walk dogs.

Native plants and animals need protection.

Some people remove native plants.

Bright lights at night, loud noises and rubbish in water are dangerous for native animals.

Animals like foxes, cats, and dogs hurt and kill native animals.

We need to find out more about our native animals so we can protect them.

Climate change hurts plants and animals because

• it is hotter
• there are more floods.