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.