Mornington Peninsula Shire is celebrating the completion of the expanded Briars Wildlife Sanctuary, creating additional protected habitat for threatened species while providing more opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with nature.
A more than $1.52 million grant from the Victorian Government's Regional Tourism Investment Fund has supported an expansion of the sanctuary from 90 to 130 hectares through the restoration of former pastoral land.
Minster for Trade, Tourism and Investment, The Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP said the project has enhanced the visitor experience at The Briars while creating more protected space for wildlife.
"Nature-based tourism is a huge part of what draws people to the Mornington Peninsula, and these improvements will give visitors even more reason to explore the region, stay longer and spend locally," Suleyman said.
Located on Bunurong Country, the sanctuary plays a vital role in conserving the Peninsula's unique flora and fauna within a protected environment, functioning as an 'ark' for threatened species. The expansion adds 2.5km of predator-proof fencing, increasing the sanctuary's protected habitat.
Mayor Stephen Batty said the expansion represents a significant investment in the Peninsula's natural environment, strengthening the Shire's commitment to protecting local biodiversity while creating opportunities for the community to connect with nature.
"This is about more than what you see today-it's about restoring a landscape over time and creating a place where future generations can experience the Peninsula's natural heritage," Cr Batty Said.
The new 2.6 kilometre accessible Grasslands Walk takes visitors through the restoration area, with interpretation nodes sharing the story of the landscape and the conservation work underway as the habitat continues to regenerate.
Newly elected Briars Ward Cr Christine Leahy said the new Grasslands Walk invites people to explore the sanctuary and gain a deeper understanding of the work involved in caring for our natural environment.
The Briars is a 230-hectare conservation, heritage and visitor destination where nature, history, sustainability and community come together to inspire connection, learning, recreation and care for the environment.
The community is encouraged to visit The Briars Wildlife Sanctuary and experience the evolving landscape firsthand.
