Natural environment

Nillumbik is a semi-rural environment and home to a beautiful range of indigenous flora, fauna and habitats. Areas of remnant vegetation are somewhat representative to those prior to European settlement. A large proportion of Nillumbik is covered with remnant indigenous vegetation in a range of types, condition and varying conservation status.

The main types of vegetation found include:

• grassy dry forest
• valley grassy forest
• heathy dry forest
• herb-rich foothill forest

Much of the remnant bushland, indigenous flora and fauna that exists is threatened by various processes including:

• residential development
• habitat destruction
• environmental weeds
• pest animals and
• climate change

The preservation and protection of remnant bushland is imperative for conservation of endangered local flora and fauna and our indigenous heritage.

Our indigenous flora and fauna are protected under state legislation, in particular the Wildlife Act 1975, Planning and Environmental Act 1987 and Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, and federally under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.    

What we're doing to enhance and protect biodiversity

Protection of remnant trees and vegetation is a Council priority. Council is responsible for the management of 99 environmentally significant, bushland reserves and wetlands covering an area of 495 hectares. These areas are important for:

• biodiversity (plants, animals and micro-organisms)
• habitat corridors between national parks, state forest and larger reserves
• remnants of once widespread vegetation
• seed bank for revegetation 
• habitat for wildlife and significant plants.

For further information and advice to help protect and enhance biodiversity at your property contact Council's Environment team at environment@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or 03 9433 3111.