Wildlife in Sandy Point (WiSP), under the auspice of Sandy Point Community Group (SPCG), has been successful in applying for a grant through Coastcare Victoria’s Statewide Coastal Programs. SPCG acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.

The aim of the project is to remove invasive species to prevent further spread, and to enhance the opportunity for natural regeneration. Additionally, there will be planting of 200 locally sourced indigenous species that are appropriate to the Coastal Banksia Woodland site.

Banksia woodland was once widespread along Waratah Bay and the South Gippsland coast. Clearing for farming and coastal development has significantly reduced this. The project site is one of a small number of remnant banksia woodland areas that remain in the Shallow Inlet Coastal Reserve.

This particular site is important to our community as it is along the Roy Henderson Trail, which links the township of Sandy Point to Shallow Inlet. The trail is very well used by walkers, runners and bike riders. The project area is a high profile one, directly behind a picnic table along the trail. Its other boundary is Sandy Point Road, with views directly into the project site. Conserving this area of banksia woodland is important to the community from both an educative and a biodiversity perspective.

The project will commence in July 2023, so keep your eyes and ears to the ground for announcements relating to volunteer activity sessions throughout the coming six-month project period.

Read more as the project progresses at www.sandypoint.vic.au/coast-banksia-woodland-project