Mapping our native grasslands

Why are we doing work to map native grassland?

Hobsons Bay includes areas of plains grassland (native grassland). This provides habitat to an impressive range of flora and fauna, including many rare and threatened species.  

It is important that these areas are managed to ensure that their biodiversity values and any habitat links are protected and enhanced into the future. 

The ‘Mapping our Native Grasslands’ project aims to provide up to date information on the location and value of remaining native grassland areas within Hobsons Bay with a particular focus on industrial land.  

Protecting and enhancing native grasslands within industrial areas is a key objective identified in our Biodiversity Strategy 2024-34 and Draft Industrial Land Management Strategy 2023-38. 

The project will provide Council officers with accurate mapping on the location of native grassland and an evidence base on which we can begin preparing planning controls that will help manage native grasslands into the future. 

Property access for native grasslands mapping

Council has requested permission to access properties to enable an environmental consultant to inspect the value and condition of native grasslands.  

 

Grasslands image 1

 

 

Grasslands image 2

 

How did we propose to inspect grasslands within private property?

We wrote to landowners requesting permission to access their property to enable the environmental consultant to inspect the value and condition of native grasslands. 

With a landowner’s consent, the inspections was done through on-site inspections or through aerial photography using drone footage. Without a landowner’s consent the consultant conducted a roadside/perimeter inspection. 

We worked with landowners to ensure any risks or health and safety requirements associated with an inspection was addressed.
We coordinated these requirements with the landowner, consultant or drone operator. 

Next steps

We are pleased to share that the work undertaken in the 'Mapping Our Native Grassland' project has significantly advanced our understanding of local native grasslands. The comprehensive study has updated our internal mapping and will play a crucial role in shaping future planning controls to protect these vital ecosystems. 

In the coming months, the project will align with Council’s broader strategic initiative, City Futures: Planning Housing and Jobs for All, which aims to integrate environmental, housing, and employment priorities across our municipality. While this overarching plan is being developed, it is our intention to resume the planning scheme amendment process in the future, ensuring the ongoing protection of native grasslands. 

We appreciate your ongoing interest and will provide further updates as the project progresses. 

Document Library 

Mapping our Native Grassland Factsheet(PDF, 291KB)

Mapping our Native Grassland FAQ’s(PDF, 191KB)

Contact us

Have a question or want to learn more about the project, contact us below: 

Name: Strategic Planning Officer 

Telephone: 1300 179 944 

Email: strategicplanning@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au