Community members have an opportunity to have input into the future development and use of Roberts Court Bushland Reserve in Drouin.
The 10.53-hectare property was purchased by Baw Baw Shire in 2022 after it was identified as a high value environmental property with significant biodiversity values and potential for future activations and enhancements.
The reserve features diverse natural habitat for local wildlife with species such as burrowing crayfish, lorikeets, rosellas, kookaburras, and many more calling the site home, as well as being home to a population of the nationally threatened Strzelecki Gum.
The purchase was strongly supported by the community and Friends of Drouin's Trees.
Following successful acquisition of the property, council is now developing a master plan to guide the long-term future of the reserve that reflects both the ecological importance of the site and the community's aspirations for its future use, access and protection.
A short survey is available for community input, with consultation closing on September 1.
Mayor Danny Goss said the first phase of engagement sought to understand the community's current values, ideas, concerns and aspirations for the reserve.
"This reserve is a fantastic piece of land and real asset to our community. Now it's time to plan how we can best make use of this area so we can enjoy it for many years to come.
"As always, our goal is to develop a plan for the reserve that is community-informed, inclusive, and grounded in local knowledge and aspirations. We welcome early input from everyone to capture all ideas and ambitions for this amazing bushland reserve," he said.
For more information about the project and provide feedback, visit council's engagement platform Baw Baw Connect.
Early phase consultation feedback will be used to inform a draft master plan for the site with proposed actions, spatial layout and key themes aligned with the site's environmental values and community aspirations.
The draft master plan will be again exhibited for community feedback in due course.
