The Melbourne Environment Report 2007 delivers a snapshot of how each of the nine reporting areas around the Port Phillip and Western Port region is faring environmentally. Here is a short summary of each region.
1. Mornington Peninsula
The loss of 81% of the original native vegetation in this area endangers the diversity and health of local natural ecosystems. The parks contain much of the remaining vegetation but are under pressure from weeds and feral animals and habitat on private land is fragmented and continues to decline. Only 16% of waterways are in good or excellent condition but Melbourne Water and local groups have begun work to improve priority reaches. Groundwater is an important resource for agriculture and golf courses but aquifer levels are steadily declining which may be a problem in the future. Community groups are active and strong, with a recent surge in the number of Landcare groups. Councils demonstrates strong commitment to the local environment.
2. Port Phillip Bay
Water quality and biological indicators suggest Port Phillip Bay is in the best condition it has been for several decades, partly due to the end of scallop dredging some 20 years ago and recent low inflows of polluted stormwater. Little data on marine vegetation is available but seagrass monitoring continues to show a decline in extent. The marine parks and sanctuaries are considered to be in moderate condition overall, though the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park is considered excellent. More data is required to assess the trends for the parks and sanctuaries. Marine pests, such as Pacific Sea Star, continue to threaten the environmental values of the whole Bay.
3. Moorabool, Melton, Wyndham and Greater Geelong
The loss of 74% of original native vegetation endangers the diversity and health of local natural ecosystems. National parks contain much of the native vegetation and are in moderate condition but relatively little habitat remains on private land. The continuing loss of native grassland is a particular concern. Only 12% of the waterways are in good or excellent condition but Melbourne Water has begun new work on priority streams. Groundwater is a valuable resource for the local vegetable industry but, at Werribee South, overuse could cause long-term damage to water levels and quality in the aquifer. Environmental community groups are relatively few with static levels of group strength and membership though some groups are notably strong and active. There are some excellent examples of Council programs benefiting the environment in this area.
4. Urban Melbourne
The natural ecosystems of Urban Melbourne have been permanently altered by urbanisation. Only 5% of the original native vegetation remains and these fragments are important for social, environmental and educational purposes. Melbourne’s parks still provide reasonable natural habitat conservation but face many competing demands. The ‘E’ for river health highlights the changes made to many rivers and streamsides and the ‘D’ for water quality highlights the unfortunate efficiency with which paved surfaces move pollution into waterways. Halting further decline and improving the aesthetic qualities of urban waterways as the city’s population and density grow will be achievements in themselves. Community environmental activity is strong and growing, with many ‘Friends groups’ voluntarily enhancing local environmental treasures such as parks, stream frontages and coastal reserves.
5. Macedon Ranges, Hume, Mitchell and Whittlesea
The loss of 80% of the original native vegetation is a threat to the diversity and health of local natural ecosystems. The National and Regional Parks are in excellent condition and hold most of the remnant native vegetation, but relatively little habitat remains on private land. Three-quarters of the waterways are in poor condition but a program to improve priority stream reaches has been started by Melbourne Water. Insufficient data is available to effectively assess water quality. The groundwater levels around Lancefield appear stable but better monitoring is needed to measure long-term trends. Community conservation and Landcare activity is strong and growing and there are some excellent Council programs benefiting the environment.
6. Yarra Ranges and Nillumbik
The area is in good environmental condition overall. The relatively small extent of urban development and the protection of large areas in parks and water supply catchments has maintained excellent native vegetation cover and good river health and water quality. The quality of the Dandenong Ranges National Park is affected in various ways by its long interface with urban areas. The strength and activity of community groups is good and improving and the Councils demonstrate strong commitment to the local environment.
7. Casey, Cardinia and Baw Baw
The loss of 76% of the original native vegetation endangers the diversity and health of local natural ecosystems. In the hills, the Bunyip State Park is in good condition and holds much of the remnant native vegetation but relatively little habitat remains on the plains which now provide valuable agricultural production. Around 70% of waterways are in poor or very poor condition, not including the waterways that have been channelised for the Koo Wee Rup drainage system. Water quality is moderate overall but reducing the amount of sediment carried to Western Port is a priority. Groundwater levels in the Koo Wee Rup area show relatively small impacts from drought and good annual recovery from summer use. Community groups are strong, active and growing and many environmental initiatives are well supported by Councils.
8. Bass Coast, South Gippsland and Islands
The loss of 75% of the original native vegetation endangers the diversity and health of local natural ecosystems. French Island has much of the remaining vegetation and French Island National Park is in moderate condition, and relatively little habitat remains on private land. Only 20% of the area’s rivers and streams are in good or excellent condition but Melbourne Water and local groups have begun work to improve priority reaches. Further data on river health and water quality is needed to better assess condition and trend. There is a long history of strong, active and well-organised community groups working effectively with the Councils, Governments and sponsors.
9. Western Port
Water quality is generally good but sediment level (turbidity) remains high in the northern and easternsections and has been a serious loss of seagrass. Community and government interest in repairing these problems is increasing. The Yaringa, Churchill Island and French Island Marine National Parks are considered to be in moderate environmental condition but further data is required for a better assessment.
|