Landscapes: In the Goulburn Valley, we’re surrounded by bushland, so much so that we can begin to take it for granted.
In the fruit bowl of the nation, we’re fortunate to have some of the most stunning waterways right on our doorstep.
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When passing by the rivers day in and day out, the habitat becomes familiar, and while it brings with it peace, quiet and a nature-filled serenity, its complex role within the ecosystem can be easily forgotten.
Not just the rivers, but the vegetation and bushland that surrounds the Goulburn Broken Catchment plays a part bigger than most could imagine.
Native: RiverConnect project officer said vegetation is “fundamental” to the survival of ecosystems.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
RiverConnect is a project that aims to see the Goulburn and Broken rivers recognised as the life and soul of the Shepparton and Mooroopna communities.
“Vegetation is fundamental to the survival of our ecosystems and provides us with many cultural, social, economic and physical benefits,” RiverConnect project officer Alison White said.
Rivers: Thousands of flora species are in the Goulburn Broken Catchment area.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“Each of these species add to the diversity of life we have here, or the biodiversity, and each have their own important role to play within our environment.
“Our world exists as an interconnected system and we must ensure that we protect all that we have for future generations to come.“
According to the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, there are 3061 native flora species in the catchment area and 770 non-native species.
Bright: Fauna and flora of the region.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The GBCMA highlights many species considered rare or threatened within Victora, so when spotting them in the Goulburn Valley, it’s a moment of significance.
The hooked needlewood, a small tree characterised by white blooms in spring, or perhaps the chocolate lily, the purple perennial, opening in late spring with a scent of rich chocolate.
“We can each care for our environment by protecting and planting native plant species that provide food and habitat for animals, learning about ecosystem functions and getting involved in community events such as tree planting and weed management,” Ms White said.
Pop of colour: Purple flowering shrubbery.
“We at RiverConnect aim to nurture the community’s respect for, use and love of rivers and wetlands through education, events and improved access.”
The rivers and surrounds have been and will be here for longer than our lifetimes.
So the next time you’re making your way along the river on the boulevard or on a bike ride down the bushland path, take a second to smell the roses, or in this case, native plants — and with respect, of course.
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