It’s the conservation climb: Restoring Mooroopna’s sand hills

By Taylah Baker

Jul 3, 2024

**Mooroopna’s sand hills tracks had been considerably damaged.** Photo by Supplied

The Mooroopna sand hills, a site of cultural significance to Yorta Yorta people and an environmental treasure within Greater Shepparton, have long been under threat.

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Unauthorised vehicle access, illegal rubbish dumping, and reckless four-wheel driving have damaged the sacred land and harmed its natural landscape.

In response, Greater Shepparton City Council has recently completed extensive conservation works in partnership with the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation.

New fencing, management tracks, and natural barriers to restrict vehicle access have been implemented to reinstate the land’s sanctity and boost its natural revival.

**Natural barriers, such as large rocks and logs, restrict unauthorised vehicle access to the site.** Photo by Supplied

Council’s environment manager, Sharon Terry, said the site boundaries had been strengthened, and there is now only one official entrance for authorised vehicles.

“Closing the area off to vehicles will improve the revegetation and weed management in this incredible landscape,” she said.

“Throughout the years, we have seen illegal dumping of rubbish, removal of native trees and four-wheel drive tracks resulting in severe damage.

“These are the largest sand hills within Greater Shepparton, and they need to be protected.”

The restorative measures aim to curb the damaging impacts of past misuses and foster a habitat that allows local fauna and avian species to flourish.

Enforcement measures, including monitoring by local authorities and penalties for unauthorised access, are now in place to further safeguard the land.

However, the project goes beyond simply building barriers.

For inclusive conservation, pedestrian and bicycle access will remain open, allowing the community to enjoy the sand hills with minimal environmental impact.

Additionally, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority has allocated funding to Woka Walla, the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation’s land management division, to revegetate native flora and manage pests, plants and animals.

By encouraging respect and understanding of the land, council and its partners hope to create a shared responsibility for its protection.

“It is important that Greater Shepparton City Council protect and work with Traditional Owners to rejuvenate this land back to its original state,” Ms Terry said.