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Home to sprawling river red gums, native grasses and plants, and a range of animals, the unique grassy eucalypt woodland ecosystem was once widespread around Melbourne.

"The grassy eucalypt woodland protected area is a healthy country. It protects our native species as Melbourne continues to grow. It deepens the relationship between people and nature and is nurtured by future generations."

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Corporation's vision from the Grassy eucalypt woodland strategy

The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, Traditional Owners of the land, managed the woodlands for thousands of years. They have a deep connection with this Country.

River red gum

What we're doing

In partnership with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Trust for Nature, we are creating the 1,200-hectare grassy eucalypt woodland protected area. Located in Melbourne’s north, outside the urban growth boundary, this new conservation area will permanently protect some of the largest remaining portions of woodland. It will be made up of a series of protected areas, rather than one single reserve.

Together, we're aiming to:

  • improve and restore the composition, structure and function of the grassy eucalypt woodland
  • support the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to achieve their goals through respectful and meaningful collaboration
  • identify and protect social, cultural and ecological heritage values, particularly sites important to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people
  • involve the local community in the management of the area.

Grassy eucalypt woodland protected area strategy

Protecting grassy eucalypt woodland map

A map of the grassy eucalypt woodland program. Map includes a study area between plenty road, Grants road, Donnybrook rod, Epping Road and Bridge Road Inn (Whittlesea, Hurstbridge and Craigieburn)
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of this land

Our partners

Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation

The Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation provides a holistic approach to protecting natural resources and maintaining cultural and spiritual practices and is a vital partner in establishing the grassy eucalypt woodland protected area.

Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people have a long-standing cultural relationship with this landscape and a deep understanding of its biogeographical patterns, which informed traditional management regimes.

Trust for Nature

Trust for Nature is a conservation organisation that aims to protect and restore places in Victoria where wildlife and native plants can thrive. They work with private landholders to secure habitat on private land.

Trust for Nature is one of the partners helping to establish the grassy eucalypt woodland protected area.

Page last updated: 24/01/24