Private landholders who live in the mid Loddon area have until 8 November to apply for funding from the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) to protect Box–Gum and Grey Box Grassy Woodlands on their properties under the Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands project.

North Central CMA project officer Robyn McKay explains that these woodlands in the mid Loddon area contain White Box, Yellow Box or Grey Box trees, or can be a mixture of the species.  Derived grasslands, where the trees have been removed but the grassy understorey remains, may also be part of the nationally threatened Box-Gum or Grey Box Grassy Woodland ecological community.  

“Very little of the pre-European Woodland communities remain - particularly in good condition - and what we do have is being lost.   Many threatened plants and animals are associated with the Grassy Woodlands, such as Bush-stone Curlews, Tree Goannas and Swift Parrots – so it is important to protect them,” said Mrs McKay.

“Where remnant trees exist, Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands appear like a park with trees over a ground layer of native grasses. Wildflowers might provide a colourful display in the spring time,” Mrs McKay continued.

“Funding is available through the project for onground works, such as fencing and revegetation works on suitable sites,” she explained. “Landcare groups and Networks may also apply on behalf of landholders, who often struggle to find the time.”

The Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program has provided the North Central CMA with funding for the project.  

Interested landholders or Landcare groups can obtain further information, including a fact sheet to assist in identifying the vegetation communities, by contacting the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124, or by visiting www.nccma.vic.gov.au   

Applications must be submitted to the North Central CMA by 8 November 2011.

Landholders in the Woodvale vicinity can find out more about the Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands project and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Small Landholder Information Service by attending a free workshop and BBQ on 12 September. The ‘Managing Weeds on your small property’ workshop will be held at the Woodvale Hall and starts at 6pm. Attendees are invited to bring their own ‘weed sample’ in a sealed plastic bag for identification. Please RSVP to Louise Scott at DPI on (03) 5430 4690 or email louise.scott@dpi.vic.gov.au 

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au