A biolink along the length of Deep Creek, initially focused near Darraweit Guim
This project is in line with the Macedon Ranges Shire’s Biodiversity Strategy 2018 (p. 107).
The incised escarpments of the Deep Creek, both downstream and upstream of Darraweit Guim, provide habitat for a range of threatened species and communities. The Deep Creek has significant rocky escarpments and basalt cliffs that separate the creek from the surrounding farmland and provide habitat for fauna species such as Peregrine Falcons and Wedge-Tailed Eagles. The riparian zones contain important stands of riparian remnant vegetation. There are also many deep pools that have formed in Deep Creek that provide refuges for native fauna when the creek does not flow. The creek supports an isolated population of platypus that are vulnerable to the threat of low summer flows.
Significant native animals: EPBC listed Growling Grass Frog, Yarra Pygmy Perch, and Swift Parrot. Other significant species include Platypus and Southern Toadlet.
Threatened Ecological Vegetation Classes: Plains Grassy Woodland.
Current zoning: Most private land in the biolink area is zoned Farming, VPO8 in Upper Catchment.
Threats: Drought (Pygmy Perch), Chilean Needle-grass, Serrated Tussock, de-rocking, all impacts associated with farming.
Goal: To enhance riparian habitat and create a corridor of native vegetation along Deep Creek and its tributaries.
Actions include:
- Collaborate with local groups and agencies to identify priority areas, engage landholders, develop projects and seek funding
- Site visits, condition mapping and platypus surveys to gain a better understanding of the condition of the ecosystems in this area
- On-ground management actions required includes fencing off the waterway, and rabbit and weed control to improve remnant vegetation, and revegetation on private land to enhance remnant vegetation and build and connect habitat
- Maintain and revegetate public land sites along Deep Creek
- Promotion of TfN and offset opportunities
- Continue running property management courses and environment events focused on landholders living in the Deep Creek catchment
- Support Melbourne Water’s project to have an ESO over the Deep Creek catchment
- Introduce a VPO to highlight importance of native vegetation in the landscape and prevent further loss or decline
- Continue support for Melbourne Water’s Stream Frontage Management Program and promote to landholders along Deep Creek, Number Three Creek, and tributaries
- Build on the PPWCMA’s Deepening Connections project – engaging communities and enhancing habitat of the Deep Creek.
Themes and Local Areas
Primary Theme: | Native vegetation |
Other Themes: | Waterways, Native animals, Communities |
Primary Local Area: | Macedon Ranges, Hume, Mitchell & Whittlesea |
Other Local Areas: | Urban Melbourne |
Project location: | The Deep Creek Biolink covers the length of Deep Creek down its confluence with Jacksons Creek at Sydenham Park. The initial focus of the Deep Creek Bioilink Project will be on the Deep Creek, upstream and downstream from Darraweit Guim. |
Scale of the project: | Local |
New or continuing work: | Building on previous work |
Project partners
Lead organisation: | Upper Maribyrnong Catchment Group |
Key partners: | Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network, Deep Creek Landcare Group, Newham and District Landcare Group, Melbourne Water, |
Registered Aboriginal Party/s relevant to the project or its area: | Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation |
Investment opportunities
Opportunities for investors within this project start from: | $$ (Tens of thousands of dollars) |
Estimated scale of investment for full project implementation: | $$$$ (Millions of dollars) |
Estimated timeframe for full project implementation: | 10+ years |
Contribution toward targets
Primary Regional Catchment Strategy target and contribution to its achievement: | Target 5.4 – Major New Biolinks – Significant, sustained revegetation programs have been undertaken from 2021 to 2050 and have created numerous major biolinks in priority locations across the region |
Relevant Biodiversity 2037 goal: | Revegetate priority areas for connectivity between habitats |
Relevant National Landcare Program priority: | Ecological communities – Grassy Eucalypt Woodland and/or Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain – Condition improved |
More information
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Biodiversity Strategy 2018, page 107.