Glenfern Valley Bushlands Management Plan

Glenfern Valley Bushlands Management Plan
Project newsletter No.2 September 30, 2003
Have your say on the new plan

Since our first newsletter was released in June, good progress has been made on the preparation of a management plan for the Glenfern Valley Bushlands, located between Ferny Creek and Glenfern Road.

A draft plan will be released at a public meeting on October 9 and your comments are being sought.

A wide range of recreation, environment and management issues were reviewed in the planning process and a future vision, key goals and over 40 actions developed.

The key general goals identified for the reserve are:

Protect and enhance natural values

Provide safe and compatible recreation opportunities

Involve the community in the reserve

Ensure sound and sustainable management

Vision for Glenfern Valley Bushlands

In 2015, visitors to Glenfern Valley Bushlands find an attractive area with opportunities to relax and enjoy a mix of bushland areas ranging from riparian forest and wetlands along Ferny Creek to woodlands and grasslands on the slopes.

Viewing points, interpretive information and pleasant walking tracks and facilities help visitors to appreciate the area and reflect on the community’s changing attitude to the environment since the former quarry was closed in the 1980s. The reserve also provides an interesting visual contrast with the rural landscape in Lysterfield Valley across Glenfern Road.

Extensive weed control programs conducted by the Friends group and Council have had a remarkable effect on the health of the reserve with major weeds controlled and strong regeneration of the original vegetation communities. The exclusion of trail bikes and 4WD vehicles has ended rubbish dumping in the reserve and enabled eroded areas to recover.

Many walkers use the extensive track network in the Reserve and the linking tracks to Gilmour Park and Birds Land. The Archery Club continues to operate successfully on Melbourne Water and reserve land and makes an important contribution to weed control in the area.

In conjunction with Gilmour Park, Glenfern Valley Bushlands has become a well-known destination for people interested in enjoying quiet bushland and associated wildlife. The outstanding contribution of the Friends group and Council to rehabilitation of the reserve has been widely recognised by the local community and through several awards.

Ferny Creek: a highlight of the reserve


Damage by illegal 4WD’s and trail bikes will be stopped.

Rubbish collected for removal in 1998: remaining rubbish will be removed

Recommended actions

Some of the high priority actions include:

Install robust fences, gates and signs to minimise illegal access. Arrange associated education and enforcement campaigns.

Undertake systematic control of weeds and encourage natural regeneration of indigenous species.

Close and rehabilitate surplus tracks. Maintain key management/fire access tracks and develop a network of walking tracks.

Provide a small car park and picnic facilities off Glenfern Road.

Continue the removal of old fencing and rubbish.

Arrange a new lease for the Archery club, with provision for weed control and fencing.

Arrange for management by the Shire of Yarra Ranges and provide ongoing support for the Friends group.

Publicise the reserve and encourage greater use and volunteer involvement.

Use the plan to determine priorities for future expenditure of government grant funds.

New facilities will help visitors to enjoy the reserve’s fine views
Have your say

We welcome community comments on the draft plan. A community forum will be held to outline the plan and provide an opportunity for input.

Community forum

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

Date: Thursday October 9, 7.30- 8.30 pm

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

Copies of draft plan

Copies can be inspected at Shire Service Centres at Upwey and Monbulk. Copies will also be available at the forum or from Ally Egan-Jones at the Shire of Yarra Ranges (see below).

Following a review of comments, the draft plan will be finalised and approved by DSE and the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

Further information
Phone Lorraine Marshall, DSE, Ph 9296 4519.

Ally Egan-Jones, Shire of Yarra Ranges Ph 9294 6720.

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