The granitic peaks of the You Yang Ranges and surrounding low lying grasslands of the Werribee Plains are some of Victoria’s most ecologically significant landscapes.

Peaks to Plains is a three year (2018-21) project that aims to protect threatened flora and fauna species in the You Yangs Ranges and across the Werribee Plains to Little River through the eradication invasive weeds, rabbits and goats.

Working across the landscape with key organisations and private landholders, the project will enhance 7,000 hectares for species such as the Spiny Rice-flower, Button Wrinklewort, Eastern Barred Bandicoot and the Plains Wanderer.

Project partners

• Parks Victoria
• Greater Geelong Council
• Mt Rothwell Conservation Centre
• Melbourne Water
• Little River Landcare Group
• NatureWest

Project updates

2020-21

The project has removed more than 100 goats in total (48 in 2020-21) from the You Yangs Regional Park and undertaken 1080 hectares of weed control and 1714 hectares of pest animal control.

2019-20

In 2019-20, 699 hectares of weed and pest control were undertaken, with three control activities conducted and 71 goats dispatched by project partner, Parks Victoria. Weeds such as Boneseed and Serrated Tussock have also been contained by Greater Geelong City Council through their landholder program.

2018-19

In 2018-19, 192 hectares of weed and pest control were undertaken, with three control activities conducted and 12 goats dispatched. Project partner, Parks Victoria, set up remote cameras within the You Yangs Regional Park and observed double the number of goats than were originally estimated. Weeds such as Boneseed were also tackled thanks to two volunteer days run by the Little River Community Landcare Group.

Funding acknowledgement