Landholders in the Swan Bay catchment area are invited to take advantage of an initiative to enhance the environmental values of their property and increase the vibrancy and liveability of their neighbourhood.
The City of Greater Geelong and Bellarine Landcare Group are again jointly delivering the Swan Bay Incentive Program, a grants program that supports owners to protect and enhance native vegetation, particularly along creeks and waterways.
A total of nine properties were involved in the 2020-21 grants program, which led to:
1100 local seedlings being planted;
660m of fencing installed, allowing for the exclusion of stock from environmentally sensitive areas; and
38 hectares of weed control.
Mayor Stephanie Asher said the program was focused on private property but had a range of public benefits.
“Swan Bay is an area of high environmental value – as an internationally recognised wetland, it provides important habitat for wildlife,” she said.
“The program helps protect and increase areas of environmental significance on private land, expanding the habitat available to native species and improving the water quality of the wetlands.”
Swan Bay forms part of the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar Site, which means it is a wetland of ‘international importance’ and its ecological character must be maintained.
The area provides habitat and feeding grounds for wildlife and marine life, including threatened and endangered species. It also provides a place to rest for thousands of migratory shorebirds from Alaska, Siberia and the Arctic before they return to the northern hemisphere each year.
Environment Councillor Jim Mason said eligible property owners will be directly informed about the application process for the new round of grants.
“Enhancing the native vegetation on their properties will ensure diverse habitats for wildlife are protected,” he said.
“Increased vegetation will also serve to improve the water quality flowing into Swan Bay, by reducing erosion and slowing water flow.”
