Neerim and District Landcare Group

What is Landcare ?

Landcare is based on the principle of neighbours collaborating to address shared local environmental issues.

Sustainable land and water management form the basis for partnerships between Landcare groups, Government agencies, industry, schools, the VFF and other organizations.

The Neerim & District Landcare Group was formed in 1999 when several landholders met to form a group for the purpose of tackling such issues as:

On 26th June, members of the landcare group were assisted by 13 Year 8 students from the Neerim & District Secondary College in a tree planting on the banks of the Tarago River at Elton Road.

Some time ago, Melbourne Water fenced-off an area traditionally used as a camping and staging area for bike riders visting the Tarago State Forest. As this area lies next to the Tarago River upstream of the Tarago Reservoir, it was considered an inappropriate area for camping.

Have you ever seen the turned up soil around the cow pats and wondered what little beetle was doing it & what it looked like?

Now you can find out!

The Westernport GipRip Project’s autumn program has
commenced, with a series of activities on offer for farmers
and landholders.
GipRip, which combines group learning activities with opportunities to
carry out on‐ground works, is helping Melbourne Water reach its goal of
creating biolinks along all its waterways in both catchments.

Download the PDF file to read this newsletter (file size 3 Mb).

A couple of years ago, it became apparent that the Neerim South Recreation Reserve was suffering the ill-effects of drought, particularly the long dry spells between September and May each year. The ground was proving dangerous to cricketers in Summer and football players during pre-season training and earlier in the playing season. The ground lacks an irrigation system and relies wholly on rainfall. In a prolonged period of lower-than-average rainfall, the ground will continue to suffer and present OH&S risks to players.

Why is Landcare important in the Neerim district?

A good question, particularly as you drive through our district first impressions are of a beautiful landscape, with rolling hills, forested vistas, green pastures, fat cattle and evidence of better-than-average rainfalls.

In fact, as you look closely into these views, you may spot signs that there is room for improvement in the way our farms and public land is managed.

A local group of enthusiastic supporters of the reserve, The Friends of Glen Nayook, was formed in 2003 to assist Parks Vic with ongoing maintenance and promotion of the reserve. This will ensure that the reserve will be available to locals and visitors into the future.