Nature next door

We are securing more than 20,000 hectares around Melbourne to protect some of our rarest plants, animals and ecosystems. We do this by making sure development goes ahead, while meeting strict environmental regulations.

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Frog with a dragonfly on its head

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Wahlenbergia (Native Bee) sitting on a purple flower

About the Melbourne Strategic Assessment program

Find out how we're protecting our unique plants and animals by securing some of the best remaining habitat around Melbourne's outskirts.

Plants, animals and ecosystems

From the elusive golden sun moth to the dainty spiny rice-flower, explore these pages to find out what's threatening them and how we're taking action to fight extinction.

A bird flying over dry grass with Mountainous Skyline

Conservation in action

Find out how we're taking action to protect nature by creating conservation reserves and running species management programs.

Our progress

Actions backed by science. A rigorous scientific evidence base, sound ecological knowledge and robust logic underpin the MSA Program.

Planning and development

Find out about the MSA Levy, important planning and development requirements, and relocating native vegetation.

Aeriel view of Grass and trees with mountainous Skyline

Western Grassland Reserve

Read about how we're securing 15,000 hectares to restore and protect grasslands, wildflowers and animals over the coming years.