Bushland Watch program to protect our natural environment

Published on 02 November 2017

With the arrival of warmer spring weather, more residents will be looking to enjoy the wonderful natural environment our region offers, however it's important residents do so responsibly.

Council’s Bushland Watch Program aims to help protect our native trees, shrubs and grasses by providing information about the threats posed to our native bushland, as well as ways to protect it.

Councillor for Environmental Sustainability Anthony Cirillo said our native bushland serves a vital role in our region.

“While many of us see our native bushland as great for camping, bushwalking and enjoying the outdoors, it also serves a number of vital, practical roles,” Cr Cirillo said.

“It provides native habitat for animals, prevents salty water from rising to the soil surface and holds soil together, which prevents dust storms.

“Ultimately our Bushland Watch Program is aimed at ensuring we can achieve the balance between enjoying our natural habitat, which offers benefits in terms of physical health and social wellbeing, and protecting our natural areas.”

Cr Cirillo said residents can do their part to protect our natural habitat by:

• Never driving vehicles off tracks or on muddy tracks
• Taking rubbish away after camping or visiting
• Never disposing of rubbish, hard waste or green waste in bushland areas.

He also encouraged residents to report threats to bushland, including:

• Clearing or lopping of natural bushland

• Dumping of rubbish and garden waste
• Sightings of pest species such as rabbits and foxes
• Weed infestations, such as African Box Thorn, Spear Thistle, Bathurst Burr and Noogoora.

“If you do see something you think needs to be reported, it’s good if you can provide details such as location, registration plate numbers or, if possible, provide photos,” Cr Cirillo said.

Residents who do see threats to our bushland are asked to contact Council’s Environmental Sustainability Team on (03) 5018 8100 or email mrcc@mildura.vic.gov.au.

For more information about Council’s Bushland Watch program visit www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Services/Environmental-Sustainability/Bushland-Watch-Program.

Media enquiries 

Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au