Greater Geelong Council has taken an important step to protect a unique part of the Indented Head region voting to adopt the Indented Head Woodland Nature Reserve Master Plan.
The reserve forms an important part of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners cultural heritage.
The City will work with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners in a joint naming process.
In addition to rare and endangered vegetation communities and many large old trees, the reserve provides habitat for the heavily camouflaged Latham’s Snipe.
The largest snipe in Australia, Latham’s Snipe is a migratory bird that travels from Japan each year following the breeding season.
There are currently no paths or formal access, however the adoption of the Master Plan will include a basic path network.
The preparation of a Master Plan was a requirement of a land exchange between the City of Greater Geelong and a housing developer in June 2019.
The acceptance of the draft Indented Head Woodland Nature Reserve Master Plan followed a 30-day consultation in May of this year where approximately 90 percent of respondents were supportive of protecting the natural values of the reserve.
Development of the plan has been in collaboration with the Indented Head Community Association, Indented Head Community Group – Voice and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC).
The plan is to be delivered in two phases over an eight-year period and grant funding opportunities will continue to be pursued.
Councillor Jim Mason, Chair of the Environment portfolio
This space is a significant conservation reserve for the City of Greater Geelong. In adopting this Master Plan, Council is showing that it is committed to the goals and objectives of the City’s Environment Strategy to protect the threatened landscapes of the Bellarine Peninsula.
Councillor Stephanie Asher, Bellarine Ward
Along with protecting the natural heritage of the reserve, the conservation of a wetland’s habitat for unique birdlife like the Latham’s Snipe is vitally important. It’s terrific to see the Master Plan preserving this important space while at the same time including a basic network of paths for both locals and visitors to be able to appreciate the reserve’s natural features.
