The Biosphere and over 25 partners (community groups, councils, business and government agencies) worked together to identify disconnected habitat and improving overall biodiversity health by improving the condition and connectivity of habitat.
In addition to delivering on-ground works such as revegetation, protection of remnant vegetation, pest control, and species monitoring, Growing Connections developed an innovative Biodiversity Plan:
Drawing on scientific and community knowledge, significant work has been undertaken to produce maps outlining the areas of Biodiversity Significance across the landscape where scientific evidence and community knowledge combine. We have three maps developed in partnership with CRCSI which show changes to vegetation over time; the extent and zones of the Western Port Biosphere Reserve; and the work of our camera-trapping program. This mapping will be updated periodically to include the latest data.
The Growing Connections project will deliver key strategic documents for the Biosphere, providing a single vision for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity into the future.
Ian Mansergh, Chair
Chris Chambers, Western Port Biosphere
John Hick, DELWP
Bill Mallinson, Parks Victoria
Robert Jones, Cardinia Shire Council
Simon King, City of Casey
Simon Thorning, Mornington Peninsula Shire
Jo McCoy, Western Port Biosphere
Gidja Walker, Community representative
Clare Warren, Frankston City Council
Diana Whittington, Bass Coast
Funding: $2,267,100 / In kind: $1,662,000
Timeframe: 6 year project delivered in 5 calendar years
Contact: Cecelia Witton ph. 03 5979 2167, email [email protected]
Latest information: Connector Newsletter
You can view the presentations from each Biodiversity Forum at the links below:
2015 Biodiversity Planning Forum
Photos from the 2016 and 2017 Biodiversity Forums.