Council and our community have an important role to play in helping to look after nature in Brimbank. Discover more about the amazing natural environment of Brimbank, and how you can help care for our native wildlife, plants and natural places.
Our Landscape
Before Europeans settled in the area, the Brimbank region was covered with rich grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands. The landscape includes flat plains and steep riverbanks, which were formed by volcanic activity. Brimbank is part of the Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP) bioregion.
The volcanic plains in Brimbank are separated by the deep valleys of Jacksons Creek in the north and the Maribyrnong River in the east. Taylors Creek and Steele Creek also form valleys that become deeper as they flow into the Maribyrnong River. In the southern part of Brimbank, the plains are divided by the smaller but clearly visible valleys of Jones Creek, Kororoit Creek, and Laverton Creek. The area has shallow soil, strong winds, and low rainfall.
Endangered Grasslands
Before European colonisation, Brimbank's Volcanic plains were covered with native grasses and beautiful wildflowers. Today, less than 1% of Victoria's original native grasslands remain because of habitat destruction. The grasslands are threatened by:
• Land being cleared and built on
• Invasive weeds
• Climate change
• Pests such as rabbits, slugs, and snails
• Dumped rubbish
Some small areas of native grassland still survive in Brimbank. These places are home to endangered animals like the Golden Sun Moth and the Striped Legless Lizard. Brimbank has many different plants and animals, including about 500 native plant species and 196 animal species.
As well as providing important habitat for a diverse range of plants and animals, native grasslands also help Victoria’s wider ecosystem by storing carbon, improving water infiltration and reducing soil erosion. They are a lower fire hazard than exotic grasses so will be better able to cope with a hotter, drier Australia than introduced grasses from the northern hemisphere.
Grassland reserves such as The Lakes Grassland in Taylors Lakes, Bon Thomas Grassland in Deer Park, and Matthews Hill Grassland in Sunshine, play an essential role in the health of these plants and animals and provide an amazing opportunity for our community to gain an understanding of our natural environment and cultural heritage.
Grassy Meadows Project
The Grassy Meadows Restoration Project will help create healthier, more natural open spaces by giving native grasses and wildflowers the chance to grow. By mowing less often and managing weeds in targeted areas, we can encourage more habitat for bees, butterflies, birds and other local wildlife. The project will also help us understand how these areas can thrive over time while making our parks and open spaces more attractive and environmentally healthy for the whole community.
The following sites have been chosen for the project due to their natural values:
- Copernicus Way, Keilor Downs
- Parmelia Drive Reserve, Taylors Lakes (in Collaboration with Lions Club Greening Taylors Lakes)
- yaluk barring park, Keilor North
