The City of Greater Bendigo is developing Environmental Management Plans for Kennington Reservoir, Riley Street, Ryalls Lane and Crusoe Reservoir and No. 7 Park Natural Reserves and is inviting the community to have input into the plans.
City of Greater Bendigo Climate Change and Environment Michelle Wyatt said the purpose of developing the plans is to establish a set of goals for the protection and enhancement of local biodiversity.
“The plans will identify the values and threats of each site and establish goals and actions aimed at enhancing environmental and passive recreation opportunities for the community,” Ms Wyatt said.
“The community has a wealth of knowledge of the flora, fauna and ecological communities and use many of the natural reserves we manage. Their feedback is important to help us understand how they use the sites, what is important to them and how the City can enhance the values and use of each site.”
Community engagement is currently underway to gather information on how the community uses the following reserves and their priorities for future management:
- Crusoe Reservoir and No.7 Park (Big Hill)
Home to Box-Ironbark forest, reservoirs, walking and cycling trails and abundant native flora and fauna, including 190 species of bird - Kennington Reservoir (Kennington)
This site supports recovering Box-Ironbark forest and a reservoir which is home to three species of turtle, abundant birdlife and several fish, frog and mammal species - Ryalls Lane and Sheepwash Creek (Owl’s Roost Reserve) (Strathfieldsaye)
This site encompasses parts of Sheepwash Creek and a number of smaller tributaries that support creekline grassy woodland and plains woodland vegetation communities. The Ryalls Lane site was a recent acquisition and is a popular roosting spot for the endangered Powerful Owl - Riley Street Natural Reserve (East Bendigo)
This former quarry has been transformed into an important urban natural reserve, supporting threatened fish species and providing a haven for frogs, reptiles, mammals and birds. Formed tracks allow walking and nature watching
Residents can have their say on the City's Let's Talk website until 5pm on Friday May 9, 2025.
To provide input, visit: