Parks and Reserves

• Banyule Parklands
• Snakes
• Parks Management

Banyule Parklands

Kalparrin Park, Greensborough

Banyule City has a wealth of open space and parklands including areas of exotic and native vegetation of historical and environmental importance. As well, the city has over 70,000 street trees. Street trees provide shelter, shade and wind protection to the urban landscape and create a more attractive and livable environment. Because people are not always aware of the importance of street trees we have developed two new programs to encourage community interest and involvement in this important area. 

For a snapshot of some of our parks and reserves in Banyule and their facilities click on the link below.

Snakes

Banyule is fortunate to be the home to a wide variety of wildlife, including possums, birds and snakes.

Snakes are an essential part of our ecosystem and play an integral role in controlling populations of rats and mice and as food for other animals. The warmer months of the year provide the ideal temperature for snakes (snakes are most active from October through to March) so it is important to be vigilant when venturing outdoors.

Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and attempting to harm or kill them can put you at risk of prosecution. For more information on this legislation click here.

For further advice or to arrange a trained snake-catcher to remove a snake from your property contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment on 136 186.

Many people like to visit parklands and reserves within the area, which are also the perfect habitat for snakes. This can also be said for properties that are in close proximity to these areas.

Snakes are usually fairly shy, placid creatures. If you happen to come across a snake, it's advised to walk away. Disturbing them while they are feeding, cornering them, trying to catch them or even standing on them may make them react aggressively.

There are a few things you can do to try to deter snakes from taking up home in or around your property:

• Clean up around your house, don't leave stacks of timber or sheets of iron lying about as this is an ideal temporary habitat.
• Advise children that if they see a snake to stay calm, walk away and tell an adult immediately.
• Keep grass and lawns cut short. Snakes don't like open areas where they are vulnerable to predators.
• Keep grain or pet food storage areas clean and tidy. These areas can attract mice, which are a favoured food supply for snakes.
• Avoid walking around your backyard in bare feet - wear leg protection on hot nights.

Parks Management

Elm Watch

The elm beetle is a serious threat to Banyule's stately elms.  The Elm Watch Committee was set up to raise public awareness about the impact and control of this destructive pest.  This committee now has sixteen members who are keen to assist in any way possible.

Park Maintenance

The Park Maintenance Team is responsible for maintenance and mowing of both active and passive reserves, litter collection, fire break maintenance in areas such as parks, reserves, traffic treatment areas, road closures, railway reserves, ovals and shopping centres. The team also deals with access to reserves and fencing.

Tree Care

The Tree Care Team is dedicated to protecting and maintaining trees on our streets. This includes routine maintenance where trees are assessed and a pruning cycle is carried out over a 24 month period. The Tree Care Team also deals with elm leaf beetle control, the control of bees, wasps and termites, shopping centres, root control and tree removal and replacement.

Horticultural Services

The Horticultural Services Team takes care of playgrounds, shopping centre gardens, garden beds, sprinkler systems, weed control and park equipment such as fencing, seats, bbqs, bins and landscaping.

Bushland Management

The Bushland Team maintain bushland areas throughout the city including areas along waterways. "Friends of Parks" groups are supported by the Bushland Management Team and exist for Darebin Creek, Plenty River, Wilson Reserve, Pecks Dam Reserve, Yandell Reserve, St Helena Reserve and Wooded Way Reserve. The Plenty River Community Forum is also open to any resident in Banyule who is interested in becoming involved in activities along the river.