By Raia Flinos
THE Mornington Peninsula is set to play a vital role in a new state-wide conservation push aimed at protecting some of Victoria’s most threatened native animals and habitats.
The Melbourne Habitat Forever project was announced earlier this week by Victorian conservation organisation Trust for Nature with 15 new sanctuaries to be created on private land, including on the peninsula. Funded by Melbourne Water, the initiative focuses on safeguarding habitats for species such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot and the Growling Grass Frog, which have suffered steep declines in population due to various factors, including land clearing and climate change.
“It will help us improve the health of waterways and connect ecosystems around the edge of the city,” Trust for Nature’s south central area manager Ben Cullen said. “Melbourne is known for its city life, and I hope that one day it will be just as famous for its thriving biodiversity and ecosystems.”
Grasslands and wetlands along waterways are among the habitats the project aims to secure, both of which have been greatly threatened due to developments and climate change. Landholders who take part will be supported by Trust for Nature to establish conservation covenants. These agreements will continue to protect the land even if sold and restrict threats to native vegetation such as clearing and intensive farming.
Melbourne Water’s Chris Brace said the initiative showed how the community can help secure Victoria’s environmental future. “By supporting habitat on private land, we’re creating vital links across the landscape for species, ecosystems and future generations,” he said.
This initiative complements local conservation efforts already under way on the Mornington Peninsula. In December of last year, Southern Brown Bandicoots were reintroduced to the Briars in Mount Martha after more than 20 years of local extinction. Melbourne Habitat Forever hopes to increase the population of animals such as the bandicoots by creating connected habitats and allowing species to live and breed in areas where they have previously struggled to survive.
Trust for Nature will work with the Traditional Owners of the land to help identify and protect culturally significant spaces on the Peninsula and beyond.
First published in the Mornington News – 15 July 2025
