The Strzelecki Ranges Restoration Project is planting over 100,000 trees and understory plants across 38 hectares, creating corridors that link remnant bushland and allow wildlife to move freely across the landscape.
Plantings will include iconic species such as manna gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), mountain grey gum (Eucalyptus cypellocarpa), and blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), which provide essential food and shelter for koalas, gliders, and native birds. Shrubs and groundcovers will be used to rebuild structural diversity and support pollinators, insects, and smaller mammals. Careful site preparation, protective guards, and weed control will give seedlings the strongest possible start, with ongoing monitoring to ensure survival and resilience.
Restoring native vegetation in the Strzelecki Ranges creates direct benefits for biodiversity and ecosystem health. The plantings reconnect fragmented patches of forest, creating wildlife corridors that support the movement and genetic diversity of key species.
By reintroducing a wide mix of trees and shrubs, the project strengthens ecological functions, from stabilising soil and improving water quality to providing year-round food for native animals.
Koalas will benefit from an expanded supply of preferred feed trees, while woodland birds and pollinators will find more places to forage and nest. Over time, the restoration will build a mosaic of habitats that boost the resilience of the entire landscape.
For local communities, the Strzelecki Ranges Restoration Project brings economic, cultural, and social value. Local contractors and nurseries supply seed, grow seedlings, and carry out planting, supporting regional jobs and skills.
Restored landscapes also enhance the beauty and ecological health of South Gippsland, benefiting farmers, residents, and visitors alike. By protecting water catchments and reducing erosion, the project helps safeguard productive farmland and clean waterways.
This is a project that strengthens both nature and community, building pride and connection to a landscape being renewed for generations to come.
