Grant for drawcard

By Ed Merrison
LYREBIRD lovers were among many local winners of Parks Victoria community grants announced last week.
The Sherbrooke Lyrebird Survey Group and Friends of Sherbrooke Forest received funds to keep up their work in addressing the decline of superb lyrebird numbers in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Survey group member Norm Carter said the funding helped the group provide a better habitat for the lyrebird and went towards a banding program, whereby volunteers monitor the movement and behaviour of the birds.
Mr Carter said weeding by the Friends group had opened up areas previously covered in ivy and blackberry, while fox baiting, animal welfare laws and public education had also helped boost the number of birds.
“The lyrebirds are a drawcard for the area, that’s for sure.
“We get international visitors and some make the effort to contact us so we can take them for a walk up the track,” he said.
Monbulk MP James Merlino praised the group’s efforts, with recent survey results in the Olinda area showing an increase in male lyrebird territories from five in 1990 to 18 in 2006.
This represents an increase in birds from about 12 to roughly 45.
Environment Minister John Thwaites called the group’s results ‘outstanding’ during his visit to the park on Thursday, 7 September.
Mr Thwaites announced total funding of $709,000 through 168 grants to Victorian groups.
Other Friends groups to receive funding included Ferny Creek, Glen Harrow Heights Reserve, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Kalorama Park and George Tindale Memorial Gardens, while the National Rhododendron Garden won funds to put on an exhibition merging art with natural surroundings.
“There are numerous projects that aim to reduce the impact of weeds and pest animals on our parks as well as fauna and flora surveys, revegetation projects and works to improve visitor facilities,” Mr Thwaites said.
“These projects will make a significant contribution towards improving our parks and waterways, ensuring that they are preserved for future generations to enjoy,” he said.