The South Gippsland Landcare Network has taken a lead role in the protection and enhancement of the South Gippsland environment. A partnership approach by SGLN means that all interested parties have been involved in the development of a South Gippsland Biodiversity Protection Plan (BPP) area.  The plan is in the final stages of development, with a final proposed to be released in June 2024.

The purpose of the BPP
To guide the development and implementation of collaborative and coordinated action including on-ground works, research, monitoring, education and engagement to achieve measurable improvements in native biodiversity in South Gippsland over the next 10+ years.

Recommendation: 4.3 Improve the connectivity of native biodiversity across the landscape

Actions:

• Develop a regional biolink plan for the South Gippsland BPP area to inform coordinated activity.  Use a multi-species, cross-landscape approach that considers the importance of all key ecosystems.
• Coordinate a regional biolink group to progress connectivity priorities in the region.
• Once biolink locations are confirmed via an appropriate regional study, key stakeholders adopt and seek options to implement.  For example, SGSC add this layer to their online mapping portal.
• Seek ongoing funding for remnant enhancement and connection projects.

This project seeks to commence the development of the Biolink Plan.

Proposed South Gippsland Biolinks Plan outcomes

• To support and assist South Gippsland Shire in the review and update of environmental overlay schemes
• To provide local Landcare and other environmental groups with a plan for their area and support for funding applications to implement key recommendations.
• To connect local actions together into a coordinated approach to protect and enhance the environment of South Gippsland.