A community that is more informed and engaged will be more likely to care for and about native biodiversity. South Gippsland’s broader community includes individuals of all ages who are also part of smaller communities that exist in the region, including agricultural and business communities. As the wider community’s appreciation and value of nature increases, this will lead (either directly or indirectly) to more personal and financial investment in conserving native biodiversity.
Objectives, actions and measures
The table below sets out each objective in this Strategic Direction, the actions that will help achieve it and the measures of success after 10 years, as published in the plan.
| Objective | Action | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Increase public awareness of native biodiversity values and threats | Develop a communication and engagement strategy to support the implementation of the South Gippsland BPP. Include strategies to engage with:
| Communication and engagement strategy developed and updated annually. |
| Appropriate resources developed as required on a range of relevant topics for identified target audiences. | Suitable resources developed and positive feedback received. | |
| Run regular communications and media that focus on biodiversity values and conservation projects. | Key stakeholder communications regularly include items with a biodiversity or conservation focus. | |
| Establish a portal or website for public engagement on biodiversity-related topics. Include access to vegetation mapping, flora and fauna data and more. | Portal created and maintained. Evidence of use via online monitoring. | |
| Increase awareness of biodiversity values via publicly accessible information for important public land (generally Parks Victoria and SGSC managed land). | All existing conservation reserves (managed for their natural values by state or local government) to have fact sheets developed and publicly accessible. | |
| Increase public participation in local biodiversity conservation initiatives | Run events to encourage target audiences to engage with biodiversity or achieve positive biodiversity outcomes. | At least twelve events focused on biodiversity engagement/outcomes held by key stakeholder organisations per year. |
| Encourage formation of groups that seek to progress conservation initiatives such as ‘Friends of’ groups, nature observation/monitoring groups, threatened species advocates and more. | At least four new groups active in the South Gippsland area. |