Native Flora and Fauna

Murrindindi Shire is a rural environment home to a spectacular range of indigenous flora and fauna.

There are some 2,168 recorded native plant species, and 393 recorded native fauna species in the Murrindindi Shire. Around 49 of these species are protected under state and federal environmental legislation.

Our native flora and fauna habitats are susceptible to invasion by pest plants and animals, encroachments of farming activities and urban development, firewood collection, road maintenance and construction works, inappropriate fire prevention activities and the installation and maintenance of utility services.

These activities, when managed inappropriately, have the potential to negatively impact on habitat for flora and fauna.

Legislation

Much of indigenous flora and fauna is protected under state legislation, specifically the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, and Wildlife Act 1975, and federally under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Threatened Fauna Species

Some examples of threatened fauna species in Murrindindi Shire include:

  • Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)
  • Smokey mouse (Pseudomys fumeus)
  • Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri)
  • Helmeted honeyeater (Lichenostomus malanops cassidix)
  • Striped legless lizard (Delma inpar)
  • Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri)
  • Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) 

Threatened Flora Species

Some examples of threatened flora species in Murrindindi Shire include:

  • Round Leaf Pomaderris (Pomaderris vacciniifolia)
  • Purple Diuris (Diuris punctata var. punctata)
  • Crimson Spider Orchid (Caladenia concolor)
  • Buxton Gum (Eucalyptus crenulata)
  • Snow Berry (Gaultheria hispida)

Plants in your Patch

Murrindindi Shire Council in partnership with the Upper Goulburn Landcare Network has published a booklet which displays a range of native flora understory species that are found commonly in Murrindindi Shire, particularly on our roadsides.

Click here(PDF, 14MB) to download a copy, or contact Council's Environmental Unit on (03) 5772 0333 to obtain a printed copy.

How can you help?

You can help enhance habitat for wildlife by planting indigenous vegetation and managing weeds in your garden and/or property. You can also join an environmental group to support projects that improve your local environment. For more information, visit the Get Involved page.

Flora and Fauna Sightings

Local residents play an important role in providing us with information on flora and fauna sighting records around the Shire. The Department of Environment and Primary Industries Biodiversity Atlas database does not always give us the full picture and while extensive surveying has been done, it gets outdated quickly.

We would appreciate your assistance by telling us when you spot something special! You can let us know by emailing the following information to customer@murrindindi.vic.gov.au

  • Name
  • Contact number
  • Description of what you have sighted
  • Location of sighting
  • Date of sighting
  • Attach a photo if possible

Aussie Backyard Bird Count

As part of Birdlife Australia's National Bird Week celebrations, Birdlife Australia run the Aussie Backyard Bird Count. This citizen science endeavour enables everyone from school children, senior citizens, families and community groups to participate in capturing a snapshot of Australia's birds and assists to raise the profile of bird species throughout Australia.

In October each year, Murrindindi Shire Council participates in the program and encourages residents to take part too.

Further information and Useful links

Upper Goulburn Landcare Network (UGLN): UGLN  run community based projects stretching from revegetation, to water and salinity monitoring, field days, wildlife walks and surveys. Visit ugln.net

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA): Check out the GBCMA Biodiversity Strategy and current projects for information on a range of flora and fauna projects from across the catchment. Visit gbcma.vic.gov.au/our-region/land_and_biodiversity

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA formerly DELWP): This state government department holding a range of data, mapping and tools on assessing biodiversity values across Victoria, including records of flora and fauna species. Visit environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/biodiversity-plan