Grassy Eucalypt Woodland Reserve needs to be protected

The City of Whittlesea has called on the State Government to honour their commitment to protecting the Grassy Eucalypt Woodland Reserve.

As part of the 2008 Melbourne Strategic Assessment agreement with the Federal Government to extend the Urban Growth Boundary, the State Government committed to fully secure the Grassy Eucalypt Woodland Reserve by 2020.

The 1200-hectare Grassy Eucalypt Woodland Reserve, located between Epping and Plenty roads and Donnybrook and Masons roads, is home to huge and majestic Red River Gums, many of which are hundreds of years old, as well as a variety of threatened flora and fauna.

Mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova said Council is yet to see a report by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning outlining how the Grassy Eucalypt Woodland Reserve will be secured.

“Unfortunately, the existence of the Grassy Eucalypt Woodland Reserve is under threat due to some farming practices and urban development,” Cr Emilia Sterjova said.

“We have significant concerns that the 2020 timeline for securing the reserve will not be met

“The public release of the plan to secure the reserve is important so that Council and the community can be confident that progress is being made and our beautiful nature reserve is protected for future generations.”

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