Have your say on conservation

THE future management of the Yellingbo Conservation Area will be discussed at two community drop-in sessions next month.
The area includes land that is licensed to landowners for cattle grazing.
Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) Regional Manager, Rod Anderson, said there are 197 Crown Land grazing licences along the streamside that DELWP plans to phase out by July 2018.
This will be in order to establish the new Yellingbo Conservation Area.
“These community sessions will enable landholders with a grazing licence to ask any questions they may have,” he said.
“The conservation area was recommended by the Victorian Environment Assessment Council to provide a network of wildlife corridors, protected waterways, and consolidate the fragmented reserves under one land manager.
“The conservation area will also better protect two of Victoria’s state emblems, the threatened Helmeted Honeyeater and Leadbeater’s Possum.”
The sessions will include staff from DELWP, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
The sessions will be held on Saturday, 3 September, at Upper Yarra Family Centre from 10am to 1pm.
Also on Wednesday, 7 September, from 6pm to 9pm at the Parks Victoria office at 6/7 – 9 Symes Road.
If you are unable to attend and would like further information, contact enviroplan.portphillip@delwp.vic.gov.au or phone 9210 9448.