Biodiversity

Moira Shire enjoys a natural environment with an abundant range of natural features dominated by river systems, wetlands, plains, woodlands and grasslands some of which are among the most significant of their kind. Even at a global scale, the biodiversity that we have in our region is significant.

Located in North-East Victoria, Moira Shire’s northern boundary is the Murray River, which is one of the region’s most significant environmental features along with the internationally RAMSAR significant Barmah Wetland, the largest River Red Gum forest on the planet. The Murray River also provides high quality water, which is the economic life-blood of the community.

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the variety of all living things; the different plants, animals and micro organisms, the genetic information they contain and the ecosystems they form.

Biodiversity is usually explored at three levels - genetic diversity, species diversity, ecosystem diversity. These three levels work together to create the complexity of life on Earth.

The best way to conserve biodiversity is to save habitats and ecosystems rather than trying to save a single species.

What Threatens Biodiversity?

Demands on dwindling natural resources from increasing human activity place great pressures on biodiversity. Habitat modification, particularly for urban development, the introduction of exotic species, and pollution from a variety of sources all contribute to a loss of biodiversity.

Pre-European Biodiversity

Over the past century much of Moira Shire was cleared of vegetation to make way for agriculture. While this has been essential for the region’s growth and economy, the environmental cost has only begun to be understood. Major vegetation types across the Shire are severely depleted and some species of plants and animals have disappeared entirely.

Despite Moira being located in a highly developed agricultural area, there are still many locations with remnant (undisturbed pre-European) populations of native vegetation. The most significant remaining vegetation is on roadsides or riverbanks, on public land or in small patches on private land.

These remnant stands are often scattered and are vulnerable to inappropriate land-use, insect attack, water-logging and a range of other environmental hazards. Sensitive management is essential for their survival and replenishment. Follow the links below to read more about key sites of remnant vegetation in the Moira Shire.

Kinnairds Wetlands

Barmah National Park

Information on pre-European vegetation communities can be viewed and downloaded from the Department of Sustainability and Environment website.

In addition to this, Moira Shire has developed a list of threatened plant and animal species native to different areas of the Moira Shire. Follow the links below to read more about threatened plant and animal species in the Moira Shire.

Threatened Native Plants of the Moira Region (add a link here to Council Resource)

Threatened Native Animals of the Moira Region (add a link here to Council Resource)

Pest Plants and Animals

Within the shire, the invasion of pest animals and plants into areas of significant open space is also a major threat to biodiversity management.

For more information on pest plants and animals in Moira please contact the Sustainability Awareness Officer during business hours.

Maintaining and Restoring Biodiversity in Moira

Moira Shire Council recognises that the well being of our community is linked to that of its natural environment and is dedicated to developing and managing all of its assets to not only preserve, but also enhance, their environmental value. Furthermore the shire is committed to restoring native vegetation communities throughout the Council area where ever possible: this includes reserves, roundabouts and verges etc.

As well as doing "infill" plantings in areas of remnant vegetation, there are a few sites where new habitats have been artificially created to mimic pre-European vegetation communities. Follow the links below to find out more: