Glenfern Valley Bushlands Management Plan

Project newsletter No.1 June 18, 2003

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Shire of Yarra Ranges have arranged for a management plan to be developed for the Glenfern Valley Bushlands. You are invited to participate in the planning process.

The reserve is located between Glenfern Road and Ferny Creek, south of Burwood Highway at Upper Ferntree Gully. It adjoins Gilmour Park (Melway 74 F10).

Glenfern Valley was saved from quarrying in the 1980s but has suffered from weed invasion, rubbish dumping and illegal vehicle use. The recently formed Friends group and DSE are tackling these problems and the reserve now has a promising future. It offers opportunities for nature conservation and a range of informal recreation activities

Discussing issues in the reserve

Why the plan?

The management plan will enable important issues facing the area to be fully considered, future directions identified, and a vision, goals, actions and responsibilities determined. The plan will include a review of priorities for conservation and recreation and an action program. It will build on ideas already identified by DSE, the Shire and the Friends group.

The planning approach

The project will be managed in accordance with a brief prepared by DSE. A steering committee will guide consultants engaged to develop the plan.

The overall approach to the plan is as follows.

Review site values and uses

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Identify key issues and mgt options

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Vision

Goals

Mgt principles

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Future Actions

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Draft and final Strategy Report

The project commenced in mid June. A draft plan is to be prepared by late September and made available for community comment.

Community consultation

There will be several opportunities for the local community to contribute to the plan (see below for details).

Steering committee

A group has been established to guide the project. Members are:

Project team
  • Robin Crocker of Robin Crocker & Associates has had substantial experience in park and open space planning, preparing over 20 plans for national parks and other parks and reserves.
  • Tim Wills and other staff from Biosis Research has been involved in a wide range of management plans and numerous studies of flora and fauna across Victoria.

 

Issues

We expect a range of issues to be reviewed including:

  • Long-term vision for the Reserve (what will it be like in 10 years time?)
  • Land management and links with other areas
  • Access and design including tracks and visitor facilities
  • Management responsibilities and financial sources
Attractive Ferny Creek and streamside vegetation

Community workshop

You are invited to an informal workshop to help us ensure a successful future for the reserve.

Date: July 16, 7.30- 8.45 pm

Location: DRCC building, corner Matson Drive and Glenfern Road, Upwey

RSVP To help us plan the workshop, please let us know if you will be participating – phone Lorraine Marshall, DSE, on 9296 4519.

Further information