The City of Greater Geelong has adopted the Indented Head Woodland Nature Reserve Master Plan.
There are currently no paths or formal access to the reserve, however the adoption of the Master Plan will include a basic path network.
Located on the western boundary of Indented Head, the 13.6-hectare site is managed by the City and was declared a nature reserve in June 2019.
The preparation of a Master Plan was a requirement of a land exchange between the City of Greater Geelong and a housing developer in 2019.
The reserve forms an important part of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners cultural heritage. The City will work with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners in a joint naming process.
The acceptance of the draft Indented Head Woodland Nature Reserve Master Plan followed a 30-day consultation in May this year where approximately 90 percent of respondents were supportive of protecting the natural values of the reserve.
Development of the plan has been in collaboration with the Indented Head Community Association, Indented Head Community Group – Voice and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC).
In addition to rare and endangered vegetation communities and many large old trees, the reserve provides habitat for the heavily camouflaged Latham’s snipe.
The largest snipe in Australia, Latham’s snipe is a migratory bird that travels from Japan each year following the breeding season.
Councillor Jim Mason, Chair of the Environment portfolio said the adoption of the Master Plan was an important step in protecting a unique part of the Bellarine Peninsula.
“This space is a significant conservation reserve for the City of Greater Geelong,” he said.
“In adopting this Master Plan, Council is showing that it is committed to the goals and objectives of the City’s Environment Strategy to protect the threatened landscapes of the Bellarine Peninsula.”
The plan is to be delivered in two phases over an eight-year period and grant funding opportunities will be pursued.
