Conservation collaboration set to protect Wimmera’s unique wildlife

Threatened wildlife like the critically endangered South-east Red-tailed Black-cockatoo have a bright future thanks to a renewed conservation partnership with Bank Australia in the Wimmera.

Conservation organisation Trust for Nature is partnering with Bank Australia to manage the bank’s 2,117 hectare conservation reserve on Wotjobaluk Country in Western Victoria.

The conservation reserve is a group of four properties, Salvana, Minimay, Booroopki, and Ozenkadanook with the majority of the reserve  protected from development forever with a conservation covenant through Trust for Nature.

Trust for Nature will manage in collaboration with traditional owners from the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk peoples, represented by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC).

“We’re thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Bank Australia to care for this incredibly important habitat,” said Amelia Houghton, Director, Regional Delivery at Trust for Nature.

“We look forward to continuing to strengthen partnerships with Traditional Owners and supporting their aspirations for Country.”

“We’re proudly the first bank in Australia to have a conservation reserve, which is home to both many native plant and native animal species. It’s one of the ways we’re using the business of banking to create a healthier planet,” said Head of Impact Management, Jane Kern. “Our partnership with Trust for Nature ensures that the reserve continues to be a thriving and collaborative example of science-based conservation in action.”

Since 2008, Bank Australia began caring for and growing the conservation reserve conservation reserve,

The conservation reserve protects woodlands and heathlands, including critically endangered Bulokes and Desert Stringybarks, which are the only food source for the Black-cockatoos.

Other threatened species found on the reserve include Diamond Firetails, Fiery Jewell Butterfly, and Coloured Spider-orchid. Over 280 species of animals have been recorded on the reserve, a number that is increasing as the bank restores the properties.

Located around Little Desert National Park, the reserve helps connect habitat across the landscape and create corridors for wildlife to move.

Trust for Nature has supported Bank Australia to improve habitat on the reserve, including weed and rabbit control, habitat monitoring, installing nest boxes and revegetation.

Trust for Nature is one of Australia’s oldest conservation organisations, established to protect habitat on private land. It relies on the generosity of supporters to help protect Victoria’s biodiversity.