Historic handover of the Highett Grassy Woodland
The transfer of the Highett Grassy Woodland reserve into Council’s ownership is complete ensuring the protection of endangered grassy woodland plains.
The three-hectare area in the south of the former CSIRO site, located on Graham Road, Highett, is important land for vegetation that will now be protected and enhanced as a conservation reserve.
The handover is the culmination of a 10-year advocacy campaign by Council and a team of dedicated community members, including the Friends of Highett Grassy Woodland group.
Highett Grassy Woodland will conserve and regenerate indigenous species and natural habitats, including Yellow Box eucalypts that are rare in the Bayside region.
Bayside Mayor, Cr Hanna El Mouallem, said the transfer of ownership to Council will ensure the community has access to vital nature and public open spaces.
“The transfer of the Highett Grassy Woodland site is an important opportunity for Bayside to protect and grow natural spaces that will enrich our community,” says Cr El Moullalem.
“Along with our work at Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve, the Highett Grassy Woodland is another example of our dedication to protecting open spaces that will benefit our residents and the environment.
“I would like to make a special mention to the Friends of Highett Grassy Woodland, particularly Pauline Reynolds and Michael Norris, who were instrumental to achieving this transfer.”
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.
The reserve will remain fenced to protect the natural space while a masterplan and conservation management plan are developed, including consultation with the community.
