What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity can be defined simply as the diversity of living things. It can be measured on a genetic level (diversity of genes within a species); on a species level (the number of different species); and at an ecosystem level (i.e. grassland, wetland). All three levels of biodiversity are connected and must be protected, as we depend on healthy natural systems for our own survival and wellbeing. We also recognise that climate change poses a significant threat to biodiversity.
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.
In 2023, we will be updating our Biodiversity Plan and we want to understand how the community interact with the local environment and nature.
We are looking for community members to be part of a Biodiversity Community Working Group to help us understand the community’s thoughts on the current Biodiversity Plan and help shape the community facing actions.
Get involved
Have your say
Thank you for your interest in the Biodiversity Community Working Group. Expression of interest is now closed.
Community Working Group
The Community Working Group will help shape Councils response to biodiversity management and help us plan to get the broader community involved.
Community members involved in the Biodiversity Working Group must have an interest in biodiversity and hold two of the follow:
- 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
There will be another opportunity to help shape Banyule's Biodiversity Plan by participating in our community consultation later this year. Click the 'follow' button at the top of this page to stay-up-to-date on this project.
Engagement
Engagement stages
Stage 1: January – June 2023
Internal stakeholder and community engagement: we will ask our stakeholders what they want to see for biodiversity management in Banyule. The Biodiversity Community Working Group will also be involved at this stage to help shape some of the community facing actions for the Biodiversity Plan.
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, identifying opportunities for improvement and seeking best practice biodiversity monitoring techniques.
Stage 3: January – July 2024
Broader consultation and development: we will analyse all the information, develop a draft Biodiversity Plan and seek broader community feedback. This is another opportunity for the community to engage with the Plan and help shape it.
