It’s GORSE of course…

Gorse grief in Pipers Creek

Gorse is one of the most invasive and economically damaging weeds in the Macedon Ranges, and it’s continuing to spread across our landscapes. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked or dismissed as a problem that’s too big to handle—or simply someone else’s responsibility.

Pipers Creek Landcare doesn’t see it that way. They believe gorse can be managed, and that it’s everyone’s problem—especially for property owners and their neighbors.

At a recent Kyneton Rotary meeting, Peter Sporle, a member of Pipers Creek Landcare and the Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT), shared some important insights. He warned that if we don’t tackle gorse now, it could wreak havoc on the Macedon Ranges, lowering property values and creating a serious fire hazard in rural residential areas like Kyneton, Malmsbury, and Woodend.

Peter highlighted the unique challenges gorse presents: it thrives in our local climate and soil, has seeds that remain viable for 50 years, and is spreading faster with increasing rural subdivisions. He stressed that gorse could be the biggest threat to our region’s environmental sustainability, especially after a tough summer fire season.

Earlier this year, Pipers Creek Landcare hosted a successful gorse control demonstration day, and now they’re planning a follow-up event on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, in Pipers Creek. The day will feature demonstrations of various mechanical and chemical control methods, and space will be limited to allow for in-depth discussions with contractors and experts from VGT and Landcare. The last event filled up quickly, so if you’re interested, be sure to register early by emailing piperscreeklandcare@gmail.com.

If you can’t make it to the next Gorse Grief control day, you can get more information from the VGT at www.vicgorsetaskforce.com.au or reach out to Peter Sporle directly at 0448 401 372.

Image and information thanks to Peter Sporle, Pipers Creek and District Landcare.

Peter Sporle – VGT/Pipers Creek & District Landcare (left) and Graeme Scarlet – Kyneton Rotary (right)

Biolinks Alliance Rewilding Central Victoria Symposium 

The Biolinks Alliance is renowned for their high-quality, thought-leading events. Join them over two days to explore the fascinating topic of ‘rewilding’ and what it means in for Central Victoria.
@ Dave Watts

Backed and driven by Biolinks Alliance’s expertise and ecological leadership – our Rewilding Central Victoria Symposium is set to catalyse the practical delivery of rewilding, scaling-up urgent action in our region and beyond. 

Importantly, this Symposium offers leaders and participants in community-driven conservation, a chance to come together to share and learn. 

Date: Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September, 2024
Location: LaTrobe University, Bendigo + local rewilding project sites
TICKETS

Join Biolinks Alliance for an exciting two-day event exploring the fascinating topic of rewilding in Central Victoria, renowned for its high-quality, thought-leading events. This symposium, backed by the expertise and ecological leadership of Biolinks Alliance, aims to catalyze the practical delivery of rewilding and scale-up urgent action in our region and beyond.

Event Highlights:

Full Day Symposium

Date: Friday, 13 September
Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm

Program Includes:
  • 10+ Presentations from internationally recognized researchers and experts from leading institutions such as the University of Melbourne.
  • Insights from restoration practitioners working on exemplar projects like Marna Banggara and Mt Rothwell Sanctuary.
  • Topics covering native mammal translocations, invertebrate ecosystem engineers, the dual cultural and ecological role of returning fire to grassy ecosystems, and urban rewilding.
Symposium Dinner

Date: Friday, 13 September
Time: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: All Seasons Hotel, Bendigo

Mingle with presenters and other attendees at this relaxed dinner event following the full day symposium.

Rewilding Projects Site Visits

Date: Saturday, 14 September
Time: 8:30am – 4:00pm

Site Visits:
  • Spring Plains Pilot Project: Learn about the ongoing rewilding efforts.
  • Korong Ridge Conservation Estate: Explore the ambitious landscape repair project.

A bus from Bendigo will transport attendees to both project sites.

Additional Information

Spaces are limited! Ensure your participation by registering early.

  • Symposium Dinner Ticket Sales End: Wednesday, 28 August at 4pm
  • Symposium Ticket Sales End: Wednesday, 4 September at 4pm

The Biolinks Alliance looks forward to welcoming you to this enriching event. For any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Best Regards, The Biolinks Alliance Team

P.S. Spaces are limited! Symposium Dinner ticket sales end Wednesday 28 August at 4pm and Symposium ticket sales end Wednesday 4 September at 4pm.

Download Symposium Program

Oh deer!

Are deer impacting your property, project site, or local reserve? This Community Deer Forum in Malmsbury might be of interest to you!

📅 Date: Sunday, 30 June 2024
📍 Location: Malmsbury Town Hall, Malmsbury

Join us to raise awareness about the emerging impacts of deer in Central Victoria and explore control options available to private landowners and community members.

What to Expect:

  • Expert Speakers: Hear from experts and landowners about deer species in your area and the emerging impacts of deer in Central Victoria.
  • Legal Insights: Learn about the laws surrounding deer and how they affect you.
  • Control Strategies: Discover various deer control plans and programs, and explore practical control options for landowners.
  • Community Collaboration: Discuss how we can work together to manage deer populations effectively.
  • Networking Opportunities: Meet people who can help and find out where to get more information.

Agenda Highlights:

  • Deer species in your area
  • Emerging impacts of deer in Central Victoria
  • The law around deer
  • Deer control plans and programs
  • Deer control options for landowners
  • Working together
  • Meet people that can help
  • Where to find out more

Extras:

  • Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ask your questions, share your experiences, and contribute to a sustainable approach for managing deer in our area.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

We look forward to seeing you there!