The City of Casey has received $4.46 million in funding from the Victorian State Government to create a new wildlife corridor supporting the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot.
The funding, provided through the Nature Next Door Melbourne Strategic Assessment (MSA) Program, will be used to revegetate a 1.5km long corridor to link habitat areas for the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot.
Announced at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne 20th birthday celebrations, the corridor will run from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne South to Browns Road, and through the Botanic Ridge Estate.
Council will also contribute $418,224 towards the corridor project, which will help wildlife move around reducing the risks wildlife face from roads and development, and help this iconic species survive and thrive.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said, "Cranbourne Gardens and surrounding suburbs are home to some of the last remaining urban populations of Southern Brown Bandicoots in mainland Australia.
"We're really proud to partner with the Victorian State Government on this important project. As our community continues to grow, it's vital we look after the wildlife that calls Casey home. This corridor will help keep these much-loved animals safe and connected for years to come."
Council will lead the revegetation works, with approximately 200,000 indigenous plants to be planted over three years from autumn 2027.
Local residents can expect to see activity on site from September 2026, when site preparation works commence.
Caption for photo: Director and Chief Executive of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Chris Russell; Cr Anthony Walter; Deputy Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther; Cr Carolyn Eaves; and Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen at the 20th birthday celebrations.
