Council is currently seeking community input and feedback to the Draft Roadside Conservation Management Plan. The Plan contains eighteen actions to guide Council’s roadside operations and protection works, including improving communications with the community, Landcare and other agencies about roadsides.
In 2008 the Catchment Management Authority ran a detailed ecological survey which found that 19% of Mount Alexander Shire’s roadsides had high conservation value, and a further 28% were of medium conservation value: that’s 1090 kilometres of roadsides with interesting stuff worth careful management: and given the Shire’s obligations to road safety and fire prevention, it’s not a simple matter.
There will be a listening post session at the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre (corner Church and Edward Streets in Maldon) on Wednesday 18 July from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
On the following day, Thursday 19 July, a session will be at the Ray Bradfield Room in Castlemaine from 6pm to 8pm for light supper, brief presentation and discussion.
You can find the draft plan at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/roadsides along with a link to an online survey where you can make comments about the Plan. Enquires can be sent to Kylie Stafford, Council’s Natural Environment Officer, at k.stafford@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or 5471 1700. The survey will be open until 5pm Thursday 26 July 2012.