Are you passionate about orchids? This is your chance to make a real impact on their protection!

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is seeking expert input to help shape conservation strategies for Victoria’s threatened orchid species.

With 183 draft action statements available for review, your insights will play a crucial role in refining these broad plans and ensuring these delicate plants continue to thrive for generations to come.

What Are Action Statements?

Action statements are essential conservation roadmaps. Required under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act), they outline the necessary steps to:

• Protect and recover threatened species
• Manage ecological communities
• Address potentially threatening processes

These statements:

• Inform government agencies, environmental organizations, and the community.
• Highlight past conservation efforts.
• Set clear actions to support species recovery.

Now, Victoria’s orchid species need your expertise to fine-tune these plans and make them as effective as possible!

How You Can Help

Step 1: Review the Drafts

Visit the DEECA website to view and download the draft action statements for all 183 threatened orchid species—or focus on those you’re most familiar with.

Step 2: Share Your Expertise

Have valuable insights, data, or feedback? Click the feedback button on the website to contribute your knowledge. Even small refinements can make a big difference!

Why It Matters

Orchids are more than just beautiful flowers—they play a vital role in our ecosystems! By sharing your expertise, you’ll help:

• Protect rare and unique species found nowhere else.
• Enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health.
• Create a lasting conservation legacy for future generations.

Act Now!

The deadline for feedback is 28 February 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your say and help safeguard Victoria’s orchids!

Visit the DEECA website now to review the drafts and share your input!

Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Trentham Mechanics Hall – 66 High St, Trentham

The Bright-eyed Brown Butterfly Restoration Project is entering its next phase, and we invite you to join us for the official launch of this new stage. This three-year initiative aims to restore and protect the essential habitats of the flagship species, the Bright-eyed Brown Butterfly, along the Upper Coliban River in Trentham, a vital step toward preserving local biodiversity and supporting ecosystem health.

This event provides an opportunity to learn more about this important conservation effort, engage with the community, and contribute to the protection of a significant pollinator species.

Event Highlights:

• Welcome to Country: Begin the event with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony with Djaara.
• WaterWatch Activity: A hands-on activity designed to educate Citizen Scientists about water quality and its critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
• Guided Walks: Participate in guided tours along the Coliban River, where experts will discuss the habitats being restored and the ecological importance of the Bright-eyed Brown Butterfly.
• A complimentary morning tea will be available, offering an opportunity for attendees to connect and reflect on the day’s learnings.

The Importance of this Project:

The Bright-eyed Brown Butterfly is an integral part of the local ecosystem, serving as both a pollinator and an indicator of environmental health. By restoring its habitat, we contribute to broader ecological stability, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen community resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Organizers:

This initiative is a collaborative effort by the Hepburn Shire Council, the Healthy Coliban Catchment partnership, and dedicated local environmental group, Trentham District Landcare. These organizations are committed to fostering a harmonious relationship between communities and the natural environment.

Join Us:

Your participation in this event supports a meaningful cause and underscores the importance of collective action in conservation. We encourage you to bring your family, friends, and a shared commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage.

For more information, please visit the Trentham District Landcare website.

Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Gorse grief in Pipers Creek

Gorse is one of the most invasive and economically damaging weeds in the Macedon Ranges, and it’s continuing to spread across our landscapes. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked or dismissed as a problem that’s too big to handle—or simply someone else’s responsibility.

Pipers Creek Landcare doesn’t see it that way. They believe gorse can be managed, and that it’s everyone’s problem—especially for property owners and their neighbors.

At a recent Kyneton Rotary meeting, Peter Sporle, a member of Pipers Creek Landcare and the Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT), shared some important insights. He warned that if we don’t tackle gorse now, it could wreak havoc on the Macedon Ranges, lowering property values and creating a serious fire hazard in rural residential areas like Kyneton, Malmsbury, and Woodend.

Peter highlighted the unique challenges gorse presents: it thrives in our local climate and soil, has seeds that remain viable for 50 years, and is spreading faster with increasing rural subdivisions. He stressed that gorse could be the biggest threat to our region’s environmental sustainability, especially after a tough summer fire season.

Earlier this year, Pipers Creek Landcare hosted a successful gorse control demonstration day, and now they’re planning a follow-up event on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, in Pipers Creek. The day will feature demonstrations of various mechanical and chemical control methods, and space will be limited to allow for in-depth discussions with contractors and experts from VGT and Landcare. The last event filled up quickly, so if you’re interested, be sure to register early by emailing piperscreeklandcare@gmail.com.

If you can’t make it to the next Gorse Grief control day, you can get more information from the VGT at www.vicgorsetaskforce.com.au or reach out to Peter Sporle directly at 0448 401 372.

Image and information thanks to Peter Sporle, Pipers Creek and District Landcare.