Conservation reserves in Hobsons Bay protect significant flora and fauna and enhance biodiversity.
Given that Open space makes up 21 per cent of the land area of Hobsons Bay, the Council is committed to working for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and our local ecosystems.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in our municipality including ecosystems and living organisms, including plants and animals living in these systems and their genetic makeup. In a complex dynamic system that is ever changing biodiversity is crucial in smoothing out transitions in any habitat. Biodiversity is an insurance policy for healthy systems in times of abundance and stress.
Primary threats to biodiversity within the City of Hobson’s Bay include:
- Climate change;
- Clearing of native vegetation due to urban development;
- Pest plants and animals; and
- Loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat.
Critically endangered systems such as temperate grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plains still exist and survive in Hobsons Bay on basalt soils from Williamstown through to Laverton. It was once a major ecosystem that occurred from western Melbourne to Hamilton in the states far west. Now:
- Less than 5 per cent remain, including Maidstone Street grassland, Laverton North grassland, Altona Meadows Community Park, Jabone Flora and Fauna Reserve and the area on the corner of Harcourt and Burns Road in Altona North;
- Still threatened through clearing and weeds; and
- Many of our endangered species are reliant on “good” grassland patches. These include the golden sun moth, striped legless lizard, growling grass frogs and the eastern barred bandicoot.
Our wetlands, creeks (five in total), critically endangered grasslands and 24km of coastline provide habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna, and are valued as spaces for recreation, research and connection with nature.
More than 200 species of birds, including several migratory waders and around 200 species of local native plants inhabit Hobsons Bay making their protection a high priority.
Currently, 8 ‘Friends of’ groups contribute vital energy and enthusiasm to the care and management of biodiversity, open space and ecosystems within the City of Hobsons Bay. For a copy of our Friends Groups Activities Calendar of events for 2013 outlining the various projects to be carried out by volunteers throughout the year please click here. A hard copy of the calendar is available by phoning The HBCC Conservation Ranger on 9932 1000.
To receive a copy of the monthly eNewsletter "Ranger Ramblings" please click here. This Newsletter keeps you up to date with Conservation and Environment events within and around Hobsons Bay as well as providing other interesting information about local parks, flora, and fauna.
For more information, contact the Council Conservation Ranger on 9923 1000 or ranger@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au