Environment and Sustainability
Golden Plains Shire's natural environment boasts wide open plains, beautiful river valleys and rolling hills with significant remnant native vegetation. Weeds, drought and climate change all present threats to our environment. Together, the community and Golden Plains Shire are playing an active role in responding to these challenges.
Environment Strategy
The Golden Plains Shire Environment Strategy guides the management of the Shire's environment. Adopted in October 2010, this dynamic and broad ranging document identifies a series of actions to address a range of environmental issues.
The strategy was developed in consultation with the community and further informed by two background documents.
The Golden Plains Environment Survey Data Analysis Report provides a summary of the data received from residents through the community survey process and puts this data into a format that can be interpreted.
The Golden Plains Shire Environment Strategy Discussion Paper places some context around the data obtained through the survey process, explores the environmental issues identified as being of concern in Golden Plains Shire and considers options for addressing them.
The Golden Plains Environment Survey Data Analysis Report, the Golden Plains Shire Environment Strategy Discussion Paper and the Golden Plains Shire Environment Strategy are all available by clicking on the links below or by contacting one of Council's Customer Service Centres
Click on the link below to download a copy of the current strategy.
Golden Plains Shire Environment Strategy
Golden Plains Shire Environment Strategy Discussion Paper
Golden Plains Environment Survey Data Analysis Report
Community Environment Strategy 
(10523 kb)
Teesdale Grassy Woodland Management Plan
The Teesdale Grassy Woodlands Reserve is part of the area known as the Don Wallace Reserve in Teesdale and contains high quality remnant native vegetation. In 2007, a separate Council Section 86 Committee of Management was established to manage the Grassy Woodlands area of the Reserve for its conservation and passive recreation values.
A Management Plan was developed by Council's Natural Resources Officer in consultation with the Committee of Management. This Management Plan is broad and general in scope and provides a basis upon which decisions can be made regarding the future management of the Reserve. Broadly speaking, the Reserve will be managed to protect and enhance the natural assets of the area while recognising and facilitating suitable public use in keeping with the conservation aim.
Some key points are:
Fire - a Fire Management Plan will be developed in consultation with DSE, CFA, Parks Victoria and the local community. A portion of the reserve is earmarked for a fuel reduction burning.
Motorbikes - these are not permitted in the Reserve as they disturb other users and damage tracks.
Horse riding - horse riding is permitted in the Reserve and riders are encouraged to ride on existing tracks.
Revegetation/Woody weed removal - perimeter plantings of non-indigenous shrubs and trees which are now becoming weedy and spreading into the Reserve will be progressively removed and replaced with local indigenous species.
External consultation has been undertaken with the Draft Plan circulated to relevant staff of the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria and the local community.
To see a copy of the plan, click here
Red Gum Reserve Management Plan
Red Gum Reserve in Batesford contains remnant elements of endangered Plains Grassy Woodland within the largely cleared Batesford area.
A Management Plan was developed by Council's Natural Resources Officer in consultation with the adjacent landholders and the Batesford, Fyansford and Stonehaven Landcare group. The Management Plan is broad and general in scope and provides a basis upon which decisions can be made regarding the future management of the Reserve. Broadly speaking, the Reserve will be managed to protect and enhance the natural assets of the area while recognising and facilitating suitable public use in keeping with the conservation aim.
Some key points are:
Fire - invasion of the Reserve by high fuel load introduced grasses and weeds poses a fire hazard to neighbouring properties. A program of burning in grassland areas will aim to reduce the introduced grass burden.
Pest animals - rabbits continue to be problematic in the Reserve and annual fumigation of warrens will continue.
Horse riding - horse riding is permitted in the Reserve and riders are encouraged to ride on existing tracks.
Revegetation/Woody weed removal - ongoing removal of weeds will continue and revegetation efforts will be focused on local indigenous species.
To see a copy of the plan, click here
I want to know about....
Every day, the Golden Plains Shire recieves enquiries about a range of environmental issues. A series of information sheets have been developed to help to answer many of the common requests. Check the list below to see if the information you are seeking has an answer.
Roadside Vegetation
Roadside native vegetation provides important habitat for plants and animals and provides visual amenity and beauty for our towns and rural areas.
To download the Roadside Vegetation Management information sheet, click here
Native Vegetation
Specific rules apply when removing or modifying native vegetation on your land. It's important to understand what you can and can't do.
To download the Native Vegetation Management information sheet, click here
Environmental Weeds
Garden plants that jump the back fence and escape onto farms, roadsides and into natural areas are known as Environmental Weeds.
To download the Environmental Weeds information sheet, click here
Declared Weeds
Declared weeds are species listed under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 and landholders are required to undertake works to eradicate or control the spread of these weeds.
To download the Declared Weeds information sheet, click here
Indigenous Planting Guide
Gardening with native plants from your local area can create a beautiful garden while providing homes and food for local insects, birds and animals and minimising weed invasion into natural areas.
To download the Indigenous Planting Guide, click here
Plains and Rivers Planting Guide
The southern part of Golden Plains Shire is known for its wide open plains and deeply incised river valleys with remnants of once extensive native grasslands and woodlands.
To download the Rivers and Plains Planting Guide, click here
Hills Planting Guide
The northern and eastern parts of Golden Plains Shire are characterised by forested hills filled with colourful shrubs and wildflowers all specially adapted to the poor quality soils typical of these areas.
To download the Hills Planting Guide, click here
I still need more information...
If the information provided above has not answered your questions, please contact the Natural Resources Officer on 03 5220 7111 or email: enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au
Links
The links below will guide you to a wealth of environmental information. Enjoy!
Catchment Management
Victoria's Catchment Management Authorities
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority
State Government Organisations
Department of Primary Industries
Department of Sustainability and Environment
Environment Protection Authority
Native vegetation
Victoria's Native Vegetation Framework
Native Vegetation Removal - Planning Permit process
Revegetation
Pest Plants and Animals
Regionally controlled and prohibited weeds
