The proposed Tarago Catchment Project aims to improve the environmental values on both private and public lands within the lower and middle reaches of the Tarago River catchment, which is a significant tributary of the Bunyip River. The catchment includes extensive areas of remnant vegetation in parklands and reserves and on private property which can range from smaller lifestyle properties to large commercial agricultural enterprises.

Key threats to the environmental and biodiversity values within the Tarago catchment include invasive plants and pest animals, soil degradation and erosion, and habitat loss. Once implemented, the Tarago Catchment Project will support land managers with pest plant and animal control, and revegetation activities to improve and increase the extent of remnant vegetation in the catchment and connectivity to existing remnant areas.

The outcomes from the project will enhance the environmental values of the Tarago catchment and has potential to improve environmental values such as water quality further downstream in the Bunyip River and Western Port. The project area directly links to the Cannibal Creek Catchment Biodiversity Project and complement the outcomes of that project over a broader landscape.

The project as proposed will include private allotments and public reserves east of the Bunyip River and confluence of the Bunyip and Tarago Rivers at Bunyip North; East to Crossover and Neerim Junction. The northern boundary will align with Bunyip State Park and Labertouche / Latrobe State Forest. The southern project boundary will align with Old Sale Rd. The potential project area covers approximately 210 square kilometres of private land and public reserves within the Tarago River catchment.