Mitchell Shire Biodiversity Strategy

Mitchell Shire Council is developing its first Biodiversity Strategy to help protect and enhance our natural environment.

What has happened so far

Stage 1: Biodiversity Asset Report
This first stage focused on identifying:

• Key biodiversity assets across the Shire (urban, rural, and growth areas).
• Important focal species
• How well habitats are connected across the landscape.
• Strategic corridors that link areas of high biodiversity value.

Community input to date

• Community webinar (19 June 2025): Shared the process and findings from the Biodiversity Asset Report. Slides are available here
• Focal species survey: Community feedback was gathered on 12 focal species. A fact sheet with more information is available here

The results from Stage 1 will guide Stage 2 – the full Biodiversity Strategy, starting in July 2025. This new strategy will provide a data-driven plan to maintain and restore biodiversity and improve habitat connectivity.

What we’re asking from you now

We’d like to hear what you value about biodiversity in Mitchell Shire and your ideas for future management. You can get involved in two ways:

1. Complete the community survey
   • Share your views on Mitchell’s biodiversity.
   • Closes 14 October 2025.
2. Upload your photos
   • Send in photos of Mitchell Shire’s natural environment.
   • These may be included in the Strategy or other Council environmental materials.

Survey closes 14 October 2025

More information

For more information about this project please contact Council's Environment Team on 5734 6200 or email environment@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au