Highett Grassy Woodland

The Highett Grassy Woodland supports remnants of the Plains Grassy Woodland Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC). This EVC has a conservation status of Endangered within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion.

No Plains Grassy Woodland is modelled or mapped within the Bayside municipality, and the remnants at Highett are likely to be the last remaining in the area.

In 2016, prior to demolition of the old CSIRO buildings, Council engaged consultants to undertake flora and fauna values assessments, and arboricultural assessments, and to prepare a management plan for the southern portion of the CSIRO site. An assessment of remaining trees was also undertaken.

Two reports were subsequently received: the Highett Grassy Woodland: Flora and Fauna Values 2018 and the Highett Grassy Woodland Conservation Management Plan 2018.

These reports both identify that the primary objective is to manage the Highett Grassy Woodland so that biodiversity values are protected and enhanced.

Highett Grassy Woodland was officially handed over to Council on 20 April 2023 as a public conservation land-use area. During the formal handover process and decommissioning of the CSIRO buildings and site, soil testing identified asbestos fragments within the soil. As Council is now the land manager of this future public space, a clean-up of the site is currently underway.

Council has been working with specialist ecological consultants and the Friends of Highett Grassy Woodland community group to develop a Conservation Management Plan which has guided the development of a Masterplan for the Highett Grassy Woodland.

We sought broader community feedback on the draft Masterplan. The consultation took place between 24 April and 19 May 2024 to ensure it will meet community needs while prioritising protection and restoration of indigenous vegetation in line with Council’s commitment to rezoning Highett Plains Grassy Woodland as a Conservation Reserve.

Find out more about community engagement for the Highett Grassy Woodland. 

As part of the CSIRO sale agreement by the Federal Government, Council was given approximately four hectares of the total 9.28 hectare site to use for open space purposes.

One hectare will be developed into a passive recreation park for community use, as part of the “Highett Common” housing development. The developer will deliver this park, which Council will maintain.

The other three hectares containing the Highett Grassy Woodland will be a conservation area.

The Highett Grassy Woodland is currently inaccessible to the public due to construction of the residential development in the northern section of the former CSIRO site.

The reserve will also remain fenced to protect the natural space while priority weed management recommendations within the Conservation Management Plan are undertaken. Any public access to the reserve through private property gates will be sealed by Council. 

It is envisioned that, when open, community members will be able to explore the reserve via pathways, and seating provided at select locations. Interpretive signage along natural paths will enable visitors to learn more about the reserve’s unique vegetation and habitat.

As it is an environmentally sensitive area, Council has decided to prohibit dogs to protect sensitive indigenous and remnant vegetation. This order will be carried out from the Domestic Animal Act, Order No. 5 made under Section 26.

As part of the ‘Highett Common’ residential development, a one-hectare park will be provided that will contain a nature-inspired playground and open grassy spaces for recreational activities.

We also encourage residents to utilise the dog off leash area nearby at Lyle Anderson Reserve (access is 150 metres away via Graham Road). 

Weed control at the Highett Grassy Woodland will be the most important and technically difficult management issue now and into the future. The first phase of weed management is underway and will be completed over the next two years. Revegetation will not take place until the results of weed control are known and assessed for effectiveness.

This will involve:

• An integrated weed management control program will be required for a minimum of 2 years before any revegetation is attempted.
• Weeds have been categorised into Priority 1,2 or 3.
• The Conservation Management Plan (CMP) proposes to effectively eliminate Priority 1 and 2 weeds within the first 5 years.
• Revegetation will rely on a range of techniques including planting tube stock, planting direct divisions (mostly grasses) and direct seeding.
• 157 indigenous species have been identified in the CMP for revegetation.

Yes, following vegetation assessments it is anticipated that all healthy indigenous large trees will be retained. The Highett Grassy Woodland Conservation Management Plan proposes the removal of non-indigenous saplings throughout the site as part of weed control and vegetation management. Staged removal of non-indigenous trees, woody weeds and other environmental weeds along boundary fence lines will take place in the coming months as part of implementing priority weed control recommendations.

We are looking for community members to be involved in the realisation of the grassy woodland. If you are interested in being involved in the Friends of Highett Grassy Woodland group please contact Council’s Environmental Friends Support Officer, Anna Malone on 9599 4815. You can also visit the Facebook page for more information about the group www.facebook.com/people/Highett-Grassy-Woodland or send an email to highettgrassywoodland@gmail.com