Knox Council has endorsed a plan that provides clear direction for the future development of Koolunga Native Reserve.
At the council meeting held on 26 July, Knox Deputy Mayor Cr Jude Dwight brought the proposal of adoption to the table.
She said the “oddly shaped reserve” tucked away in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges National Park plays host to the Forest Road drain, and is one of the early catchments for Blind Creek and later the Dandenong Creek.
These flow through Knox and provide a wildlife corridor linking the national park through suburbia.
She said the plan is to improve the health and drainage for the Forest Road drain and improve the environment for native and indigenous flora and fauna.
Knox Mayor, Cr Marcia Timmers-Leitch thanked the residents and community user groups, including Friends of Koolunga Native Reserve and Stewards of Koolunga, who shared their feedback to help shape the Future Directions Plan.
“I appreciate the effort that has gone into engaging with the community in shaping this plan and look forward to everyone coming together to enjoy the natural environment of this site of biological significance,” she said.
Ms Timmers-Leitch said the reserve is highly valued by our local community because of its environmental significance and natural features and is regularly used for passive recreation and social gathering.
“The Future Directions Plan aims to protect the biodiversity and habitat, better manage stormwater to improve water quality and continue to welcome the local community to enjoy the natural environment and improve their health and wellbeing,” she said.
The Future Directions Plan contains 21 actions, with Council identifying four priority actions to be undertaken first.
The priority actions are: working with Melbourne Water to improve the functionality of the Forest Road Drain; installing a Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) and consideration for a biofiltration rain garden or small wetland to the west of Forest Road; diverting some of the flow from the Forest Road Drain to the ephemeral watercourse within the reserve; and developing a plan for the staged removal of the pine trees throughout the reserve.
More information can be found on the City of Knox Council website.
