Have you say until 3 October 2023
Help us shape the way Council and community manage and interact with biodiversity in Banyule.
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity can be defined as the diversity of all living things.
In Banyule we define biodiversity as the wide variety of local plant, animal, fungal and microorganism communities that make up and support the function of our local ecosystems. All of these species and organisms work together in an intricate and complex way to support the health and wellbeing of all living things.
Biodiversity in Banyule
Banyule is fortunate to have many important conservation reserves, wildlife reserves and green open spaces that support our local flora and fauna. Our community feel connected to these places and care about how they are managed and protected.
During 2023 and 2024, we will be updating our Biodiversity Plan and we want to understand how the community interact with the local environment and nature.
We have been working with our Biodiversity Community Working Group (CWG) to shape Council's response to biodiversity management and would now like to hear from the broader community to help develop the new Banyule Biodiversity Plan.
We can all play a role in supporting our local biodiversity.
Get involved
We would love to hear from you about how our community can meaningfully engage with nature and understand what you see as Council’s role in managing biodiversity. Have your say until 3 October 2023.
Ways to get involved include:
- online survey from 3 July to 3 October
- in-person community sessions (bookings required)
Ivanhoe - REGISTER HERE
Saturday 19 August 2023, 11am - 1pm
Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub
Wilim Ngarru, Room 1
275 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe
Greensborough - REGISTER HERE
Thursday 21 September 2023, 6pm - 8pm
Greensborough Service Centre
Community Meeting Rooms, Ibbott Room
Lvl 4, 1 Flintoff Street, Greensborough
Click 'follow' at the top of this page to stay up-to-date with the project as new information becomes available.
CWG
Biodiversity Community Working Group
In January and February 2023, we asked community to become part of a Biodiversity Community Working Group. Thank you to everyone who submitted an expression of interest. Eight community members were selected to be part of the CWG and help shape Council's response to biodiversity management.
Community members involved in the Biodiversity Working Group have an interest in biodiversity and hold two of the following:
- Professional experience working in the environment industry
- Membership of a community environment group
- Experience working or volunteering with community groups, environment organisations or government
- Experience as an environment advocate or leader
- Experience in planning and/or community development and/or policy development
- Experience in environmental education
Engagement
Engagement stages
Stage 1: January – December 2023
Internal stakeholder and community engagement.
We asked stakeholders what they want to see for biodiversity management in Banyule. The Biodiversity Community Working Group were involved at this stage to help draft community facing actions. There are also community workshops scheduled for July and August 2023.
Stage 2: July – December 2023
Research and benchmarking.
We will undertake a detailed analysis of how we currently perform, compared to other industry organisations, in biodiversity management. We will identify opportunities for improvement and seek best practice biodiversity monitoring techniques.
Stage 3: January – July 2024
Further consultation and development.
We will analyse all the information to draft goals and develop a draft Biodiversity Plan. This will be made public for broader community feedback.