Bush Crew diaries March 2026

Published on 26 February 2025

We are very fortunate to reside on Country that is abundant with nature, including extensive open parkland and remnant bushland reserves that support the iconic wildlife that many of us hold a deep connection to.

Waterways such as swamps, billabongs and wetlands are a key component of our ecosystems ecosystem, providing an essential resource for our many and varied lifeforms.

The richness of these ecosystems is vulnerable to pressures such as development, weed infestation, pest animals and altered water flow.

Land clearing and urbanisation have created more hard surfaces such as roofs and roads resulting in less water absorption, faster runoff speeds and higher rates of erosion. As water availability is essential to life, the flora and fauna that live here have been severely compromised by these sudden and persistent changes.

2 of our flagship species, the Growling Grass Frog and the Platypus, exemplify the importance of water in the landscape.

The charismatic Growling Grass Frog, with its distinctive call, is associated with diverse types of aquatic vegetation and is highly indicative of healthy wetland ecosystems. Unfortunately, sightings of the Growling Grass Frog are very rare within Banyule.

The Platypus, still holding on in the Plenty River, The Birrarung, and even the Darebin Creek, are important indicators of stream health as they rely heavily on the presence of aquatic insects. These species are renowned symbols of wetland protection and restoration.

Reclaiming water in the landscape is key to assisting such species. In line with state goals, we are developing a plan to manage water sustainably, protecting waterways and using stormwater for open spaces.

In 2016, we partnered with Wurundjeri, Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder in a joint program to restore water back to Banyule Billabong. 62 million litres of water was granted to trial an environmental watering process to restore water to Banyule Billabong, which no longer received regular flooding.

This trial project was a success, demonstrating the need for a more permanent water regime for the Billabong.