Cardinia Environment Coalition (CEC) was formed in 1998 to protect and enhance the natural environment in Cardinia Shire which is situated in Melbourne’s south-east between Western Port and the Yarra Ranges. This active group of local volunteers are passionate about environmental protection and building interest about the local environment.

In 2021 CEC was successful in obtaining funding through the Victorian Landcare Grants to help restore habitat for the southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus obesulus).

Although bandicoot populations still exist in parts of the Cardinia Shire their numbers are declining due to land clearing for farming and housing, predation by foxes, cats and dogs, disruption to their movement corridors and isolation from other bandicoots.

Bandicoots require dense understory vegetation with lots of small prickly shrubs and long grass to provide protection from predators. A revegetation plan was prepared by the CEC Indigenous Nursery team and a range of species, including tussock grasses and sedges, were selected to create new habitat areas to manage for conservation.

The first stage of the project, based at Five Mile Reserve in Koo Wee Rup North, involved suppressing weeds and constructing a rabbit exclusion fence (90cm high and 30cm below ground) to prepare the site for revegetation.

According to CEC Landcare Facilitator Nicci Starke, five planting days were held.

“In 2022, a total of 5000 tube stock were planted by local community members, including teachers and students. Year 9 students from Beaconhills College volunteered through the school’s Common Good program and St Peters College students showed great initiative by organising a class field day. Volunteers also explored sections of established revegetation and removed plant guards from growing trees and shrubs.”

“A huge thank you to all the volunteers, students, and teachers who worked together, demonstrating excellent teamwork, and offered questions and ideas to take forward into our project planning. Our supporters and contributors, including the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, Cardinia Shire Council, and many others have also generously shared guidance, lessons, stories, and management expertise. We couldn’t have done this without them,” Nicci said.

In 2022, further Victorian Landcare Grants funding extended the project and allowed an additional 5000 seedings to be planted. More planting days were planned for later in 2023. Photo monitoring points to record revegetation growth will then be established and fauna surveys undertaken.

Nicci Starke is the CEC’s Landcare Facilitator. Her position is funded by the Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program.

For more information email facilitator@cecinc.net.au