Biodiversity
Westernport Water has made a commitment to the long-term biodiversity of land managed by the Corporation and land within the Westernport Water region. Our commitment will ensure the protection of native flora and fauna species.
Managing our precious water resources extends beyond our daily water supply and wastewater treatment activities. Our vision for a sustainable future reaches beyond our water catchments to include topography, soil conditions, tree cover, revegetation, and producing recycled water and offering it as a product and service.
To meet the needs of the environment and achieve our vision, Westernport Water has worked with the Bass Coast Landcare Network in an 11-year partnership.
Works undertaken with Landcare include the Phillip Island Wildlife Corridor Project, launched in 1997 to develop a link between two important stands of remnant bushland that stretched across 16km and 11 farms. A significant proportion of one of the bio-links runs through Westernport Water’s Cowes Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Bass Coast Landcare Network has also prepared a biodiversity asset register in 2003/04 to assess all sites owned by Westernport Water. In 2008 a review was undertaken. The asset register revealed several sites with significant remnant vegetation cover. A management plan was created out of the 2008 review to save these precious outposts of rare and threatened flora and fauna. The management plan actions are delivered by Bass Coast Landcare Network. These involve pest plant and animal control on our lands, tree planting and advice. The plan also includes sponsorship of the Phillip Island Urban Landcare program and Sustaining Coastal Communities program.
Delivery of this years plan resulted in a further 1000 trees planted in the Phillip Island Wildlife Corridor, below are some pictures of staff and the Landcare crew tree planting during October National Water Week 2010.
Fostering Biodiversity Article (251 KB)
