Since European settlement, vegetation within the Warrnambool municipality has been significantly modified by the introduction of non-native species and the removal of native vegetation.
A number of introduced animals have also become established and these compete or prey on native animals.
The Warrnambool Coast Vegetation Management Plan (2012) found the coastal reserve - including Lake Pertobe - contained 98 indigenous and 105 introduced plant species.
In 2018 Warrnambool City Council endorsed Green Warrnambool, a plan that outlined goals to help Warrnambool achieve the vision of being the most environmentally sustainable regional city in Australia. Included in the goals was the need to enhance and protect our natural environment and biodiversity and to take a strategic approach to pest plant and animal control.
Council's draft Warrnambool Pest Plant & Animal Framework outlines Council’s responsibilities to manage pest plant and animals and considers their management under four categories; Prevention & Preparedness, Eradication, Containment and Asset Protection.
The draft plan was developed in collaboration with Council staff, Parks Victoria, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, Glenelg-Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, Birdlife Australia, local Landcare groups, key stakeholders and other community groups.
You can read the draft framework and provide feedback by emailing or writing to Council.
Email: green@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
Write: Justin Harzmeyer
Warrnambool City Council
P.O. Box 198
Warrnambool VIC 3280