North Central Biolinks- The Future, completing the picture

In 2009 the North Central Biolinks study was undertaken in response to increasing pressures on the natural environment (especially biodiversity), specifically regarding the fragmentation of natural vegetation across the landscape.

These pressures include suburbanisation, agricultural practices, threats from invasive plants and animals, salinity and erosion, and drought. These pressures are becoming more severe due to the effects of climate change.

The need for this study was identified in the City of Greater Bendigo Natural Environment Strategy 2007 - 2010.

The study was undertaken in partnership with the Shire of Campaspe with funding support from the Department of Planning and Community Development Rural Land Use Planning Program.

The first stage mapped patches of remnant vegetation that can contribute to the creation or enhancement of biolinks.

The second stage involved a review of the Victoria Planning Provisions and the Planning Schemes of both municipalities to assess the best way to protect the vegetation in the identified areas for future potential as biolinks.

The studies report was launched and the North Central Biolinks Interim Steering Committee was formed. This meeting will discuss what the group has been able to achieve since its formation and the direction the group would like to go from here.