South Gippsland Landcare Network

South Gippsland
Biodiversity
Protection Plan

Guiding collaborative and coordinated action to achieve measurable improvements in native biodiversity in South Gippsland over the next 10+ years.

Download the Plan (PDF, 14 MB) Explore the Plan

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About the Plan

A shared plan for South Gippsland’s native biodiversity

The South Gippsland Biodiversity Protection Plan (BPP) has been developed to guide collaborative and coordinated actions in our region, with the aim of improving native biodiversity over the next decade and beyond.

It was developed by the South Gippsland Landcare Network with a key stakeholder group of organisations and agencies that manage natural areas and protect biodiversity across South Gippsland, as well as Landcare members, local farmers and the wider community.

Our vision

That South Gippsland’s native biodiversity is valued, protected, and enhanced through collaborative and coordinated action across government, industry and community.

More about the plan
A person walking a track through native bushland
  • 262,000 hacovered by the plan, from the Strzelecki Ranges to the coast
  • 22%of the region’s former native vegetation remains
  • 77%of remaining native vegetation is on private land
  • 226native species are listed as threatened

Figures from the South Gippsland Biodiversity Protection Plan (2024).

Watch

Protecting South Gippsland’s biodiversity, together

Highlights from the inaugural South Gippsland Biodiversity Forum, Leongatha, April 2026. Video production supported by Greenfleet.

The Plan

Nine Strategic Directions

The plan’s objectives, actions and 10-year measures of success are set out under nine Strategic Directions.

  1. 1 Protect our remaining native biodiversity Objectives, actions & measures
  2. 2 Enhance the quality, quantity, resilience and function of native ecosystems Objectives, actions & measures
  3. 3 Improve the connectivity of native biodiversity across the landscape Objectives, actions & measures
  4. 4 Educate and engage to encourage care of and investment in native biodiversity Objectives, actions & measures
  5. 5 Take informed, targeted action for priority threatened species Objectives, actions & measures
  6. 6 Work with and alongside Traditional Owners Objectives, actions & measures
  7. 7 Strengthen climate resilience in our landscape Objectives, actions & measures
  8. 8 Collaborate and coordinate to deliver effective biodiversity outcomes Objectives, actions & measures
  9. 9 Continue to build and share knowledge to inform better biodiversity outcomes Objectives, actions & measures

Landscapes

Five landscape zones

The plan summarises natural values and priorities for management across five landscape zones.

Bunurong Coast

9,242 ha of native vegetation in patches over 10 ha

89% private land

Corner and Nooramunga Coast

2,245 ha of native vegetation in patches over 10 ha

94.2% private land

Western Port Hills

1,728 ha of native vegetation in patches over 10 ha

98.3% private land

Western Strzeleckis

3,832 ha of native vegetation in patches over 10 ha

97.5% private land

Strzelecki Forests

11,063 ha of native vegetation in patches over 10 ha

83% private land
Explore the landscape zones

Biolinks Map

Mapping habitat connections across South Gippsland

The Biolinks Map is a key action within the Biodiversity Protection Plan. It is a voluntary planning aid that shows where habitat connections could be strengthened, so that limited effort and funding can go where they’ll do the most good.

Download the brochure (PDF, 9 MB) Explore the Biolinks Map

Biodiversity

What we’re protecting

South Gippsland’s broad range of habitats and ecosystems – from marine and coastal through to tall wet forests – supports 777 species of native fauna and 1,431 species of native flora.

Invertebrates Birds Fish Mammals Reptiles Bats Frogs Flora Fungi
Explore biodiversity
BPP working group members during a planning workshop
The BPP working group during a planning workshop. Photo: Cassie Wright

How the plan was developed

Developed with key stakeholders and the community

In 2020, SGLN initiated the development of a Biodiversity Protection Plan. SGLN sought the support and involvement of key regional stakeholders to both develop the plan and form a working group to implement it going forward.

  1. Foundation Document – a dedicated research project on the region’s ecosystems, species and natural processes.
  2. Review and scoping – regional strategies, plans and stakeholder data, leading to the nine Strategic Directions.
  3. Drafting and engagement – three key stakeholder workshops, a Landcare members’ survey, public consultation in May 2024 and a community workshop in June 2024.
How the plan was developed

The BPP has been developed with the following groups and organisations

  • Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
  • Department of Transport and Planning
  • Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group
  • Greenfleet
  • Greening Australia
  • Melbourne Water
  • Parks Victoria
  • Prom Coast Ecolink
  • South Gippsland Landcare Network groups and their members
  • South Gippsland Shire Council
  • Trust for Nature
  • West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority

SGLN is grateful for the support of the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, which funded the first stage of the development of the plan.

Cover of the South Gippsland Biodiversity Protection Plan

The full document

Read the Biodiversity Protection Plan

The plan covers the natural values of South Gippsland, the threats they face and the priorities for protecting, enhancing and connecting them – with the objectives, actions and measures that will guide action over the next ten years.

Download the Plan (PDF, 14 MB) Explore the Plan online

Take action

Get involved

Everyone has a role to play in caring for South Gippsland’s native biodiversity.

Ways to get involved

As an individual

Volunteer, record wildlife, come to events and look after habitat on your own land.

As a Landcare group

Use the plan to shape your projects and funding applications.

As a stakeholder or partner

Work with SGLN and the key stakeholder group to deliver the plan.

As a donor

Support on-ground work through the South Gippsland Landcare Fund.

Latest

News & Updates

All news & updates

Looking for events? BPP-related events are listed on the SGLN events calendar.