Green groups back plan

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
AN alliance of environmental groups is supporting the shire’s draft Flora and Fauna Strategy for the purpose of protecting the area’s natural assets.
The Southern Ranges Ranges Environmental Alliance, the South Dandenongs Landcare Group and the Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands have set out to ensure residents understand the draft strategy is about preserving the unique qualities of the Yarra Ranges.
The groups have been circulating a petition in support of the strategy across the Yarra Ranges.
GDLG secretary Vicki Boyle said it was concerning to scare people about council power when there were so many people trying to preserve the ranges.
“The shire isn’t a wealthy shire, so I think what they’re doing is quite courageous,” she said.
“That’s why I think this strategy is so important – it recognises the value of indigenous plants on private property.”
As a Puffing Billy volunteer, she said the international tourists she met seemed to value the beauty and uniqueness of the Yarra Ranges more than the residents.
Ms Boyle said people needed to stop and think about why they lived in the area, “if they do that they may get an inkling of what we’re on about”.
“It is perfectly reasonable to ask residents to get a permit against removing vegetation but I can understand people having a problem with it,” she said.
Ms Boyle said the 100-page document didn’t help and residents needed more on-site education about the shire’s natural assets, “otherwise we won’t know what we’ve got until it’s gone”.
FGVB president Andrew Fullagar echoed the words of Ms Boyle, and said the strategy was about preserving what was still there.
“We’re in a magic place, close to the city but with incredible beauty around us,” he said.
“It’s important that we maintain the status quo and this is a step in the right direction.”
Mr Fullagar said the strategy was an attempt to make people more aware of the incredible natural icon.
“With Black Saturday we have to make changes and develop but still need to preserve particular areas and have everyone contributing to the best outcome,” he said.
Yarra Ranges Council has previously said the draft Flora and Fauna Strategy had been released for consultation, with the closing date for submissions extended until Monday 4 April.