News

Greater Shepparton’s habitat restoration project takes root

By Taylah Baker

Dec 3, 2025

One benefit of the program is that it supports the growth of mature river red gums. Photo by Christian Pearson - Misheye

Mother Nature has been given a helping hand in Greater Shepparton, with council crews completing ecological thinning across several flood-affected bushland sites.

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Greater Shepparton City Council carried out the work through the Victorian Government’s Flood Recovery Funding and under a Conservation Work Exemption approved by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

Contractors selectively removed overcrowded young river red gums at four locations: Mooroopna’s McFarlane Rd, Kialla’s Australian Botanic Gardens, the Broken River corridor between Archer Rd and Hassett St, and Shepparton’s Boulevard Bush Reserve.

Council director of sustainable development Geraldine Christou said the works would help strengthen bushland well into the future.

“This project is about improving the health and resilience of our bushland following the floods,” she said.

“By reducing competition for resources, we’re supporting the growth of mature river red gums and creating better habitat for local wildlife.”

Further improvements are planned before year’s end, including the installation of nest boxes and placement of large habitat logs at Shepparton and Kialla sites.

For more information, visit greatershepparton.com.au/animals-environment-and-waste/environment or contact council’s sustainability and environment team on 5832 9700.