The Moorabool Shire council is taking a pro-active approach to beautifying the shire and creating healthy habitats by giving away free native plants throughout autumn.

Residents within the shire can get up to ten plants per household, while stocks last.

Residents can choose from a variety of plant species that are adapted to Moorabool Shire’s climate and soil conditions and require less water and maintenance than exotic plants.

Mayor Cr Ally Munari said this fantastic initiative would help local gardens attract local wildlife and improve garden aesthetic.

“Planting native flora can provide food and shelter for birds, insects and other animals, improve garden structure and aesthetic value, and add a burst of colour to your outdoor space,” Cr Munari said. 

“If you are interested in creating a habitat for birds, bees, or butterflies, or just enjoy the beauty of nature, native plants are the way to go, so I fully encourage residents to take advantage of this amazing initiative put together by our environment team.” 

To snap up their free plants, locals will be able to visit shire staff at one of the following locations and dates: 

• Sunday March 3 – Egans Reserve, Greendale 
• Sunday March 17 – the environment team stall at the Ballan Autumn Festival
• Sunday March 24 -Lal Lal Soldiers Memorial Hall
• Saturday April 13 – Gordon Recreation Reserve (lines up with Gordon v Dunnstown football match – there is a $10 admittance fee to the recreation reserve)
• Sunday May 5 – Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh 

Each event will run from 10am – 12pm.

Residents will require ID as proof of Moorabool residency and a bag or box to carry your new plants.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to beautify your garden and support our local environment. We hope to see you at one of the locations,” Cr Munari said. 

The Moorabool Shire Council has expressed its disappointment at the verdict handed down by the Supreme Court earlier this month relating to the Western Renewables Link (WRL).

The Supreme Court handed down a verdict n 20 December 2023, in a matter brought by the Moorabool Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA) against the Minister for Energy and Resources.

The verdict handed down was in favour of the Minister.

The council in a statement said it understood the community group’s case challenged the validity of key decisions made by the Minister in February and May 2023, which sought to fast-track the proposed Western Renewables Link (WRL) and Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) projects.

The WRL proposes a 190km high voltage overhead transmission line from Sydenham to Bulgana, including 60km directly through Moorabool Shire.

The MCHPA are strong advocates for community members impacted by WRL and VNI West and raised significant funds to have their concerns heard by the Supreme Court.

“This will be difficult news for community members who are affected by the project, especially during the holiday period,” CEO Derek Madden said.

“For the community’s sake, we hope that timing of the Western Renewables Link Environment Effects Statement is not further delayed and goes on exhibition for public comment in late-2024, as is currently planned.”

An Environment Effects Statement (EES) is not an approval process itself, rather, it enables decision makers to consider whether a project with potentially significant environmental effects should proceed.

The EES is set to be exhibited for public comment for 30 business days via the Engage Victoria website in late-2024, during which time interested people may lodge a submission expressing their views about the proposed project or its environmental effects. It will be a significant milestone for community participation.