Conservation and Wildlife

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Darebin’s natural heritage comprises flora, fauna and geological features that are of local, regional, state or national significance. Natural heritage in Darebin forms part of a precious wider web, and its nurture and survival brings a range of benefits to both current and future generations as well as having its own intrinsic value.

We work alongside others in our community to protect natural heritage, this includes local Aboriginal groups, Management Committees, Friends groups and land owners.   

What is Council's Natural Heritage Strategy about?

The Natural Heritage Strategy 2015-2025 describes our plans to protect and enhance Darebin’s natural heritage sites over the next 10 years. It builds on the 2011 Natural Heritage Plan which was part of the development of a wider Heritage Study for planning purposes.  It provides the status of land ownership and management across Darebin’s key natural heritage sites as well as planning controls, policies and management plans affecting natural heritage. 

The Natural Heritage Strategy describes key issues affecting natural heritage. It also outlines over 60 actions to address these issues and meet our vision of Darebin as a place where natural heritage is valued and nurtured. We will work together with land managers and the wider community to achieve this vision.

Why do we have a Natural Heritage Strategy?

We want to ensure that our natural heritage sites are recognised, valued and protected. Darebin has a wealth of natural heritage for a metropolitan Council including:

  • 51 sites of local significance
  • 24 sites of regional significance
  • 2 sites of regional-state significance
  • 34 sites of state significance
  • 2 sites of regional-national significance; and
  • 26 sites of national significance.

 We want to protect and enhance these areas through our own practices and policies, through working with the community and other land owners.

 What does the Natural Heritage Strategy include?

The Natural Heritage Strategy includes a range of actions across four main areas:

  • Knowing about Natural Heritage.
  • Caring for Natural Heritage.
  • Working with land owners, managers and groups.
  • Community engagement and education.

View the Darebin Natural Heritage Strategy 2015-25. 

Want to know more about natural heritage in Darebin?

To celebrate Darebin's precious natural heritage, we've made a film that showcases some of our significant natural heritage sites, see below. The film demonstrates the commitment of many in our community to valuing and protecting our natural heritage areas, and looks to raise awareness of the natural beauty right here on our doorstep. Email environment@darebin.vic.gov.au for more information about the natural heritage strategy, film or other related issues.

Significant natural heritage sites in Darebin

There are a number of local Conservation Bushland sites that provide protection for our precious native plants and animals.

Darebin is home to more than 179 species of significant plants and animals. We work to protect and enhance remnant local native and indigenous vegetation. We have 39 conservation bushland sites within Darebin, which is a whopping 24% of the total open space in the municipality!

See Darebin's Open Space Strategy (2007-2017) 

Key Conservation Areas Include:

If you are interested improving the natural environment get involved in one of the Friends of Groups in Darebin. 

Further Information

Bushland Management Team
Ph: 8470 8888
Email mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au

Darebin is home to many native birds and wildlife. These animals are an important part of our biodiversity and residents are encouraged to help respect and protect them.

Our native birds and wildlife face many threats including: 

  • Feeding of bread or other food which they wouldn't normally eat
  • Loss of habitat from development and damage
  • Pest animals including rabbits, foxes and Indian Myna bird
  • Stray domestic animals such as dogs and cats that prey on them
  • Waste and water pollution poisoning their environments
  • The risk of being hit by cars and other vehicles
  • Climate Change - affecting their health, habitat and food supplies

How We Can Help

    Indian Myna Bird
    The Common or Indian Myna, identified by its yellow beak and eye patch, and brown body, is an introduced pest bird and their population is spreading rapidly. Two organisations are running control programs in Darebin:

    How Can You Help?

    • Don’t leave food scraps or pet food/bones outside.
    • Ensure that rubbish bins and other potential food sources are completely covered.
    • Don’t feed birds in your backyard!
    • Block potential nest sites, such as holes in roofs or gutters and remove any Myna nests you find in nest boxes or tree hollows on your property.
    • Ensure that you have self-closing doors and flyscreens to prevent Myna birds from entering your house.
    • Get involved with your own trapping and disposal program, or start a community trapping program.

    Resources