Extending Habitat for Bandicoots in the Koo Wee Rup Swamp
This project was delivered as the first on-ground action of a broader collaborative restoration initiative across the former Great Koo Wee Rup Swamp. Led by the Western Port Swamp Landcare Group it was delivered in partnership with local Landcare groups, community organisations and government agencies, with the shared goal of restoring habitat connectivity in this highly modified landscape.
The project focused on revegetating a key gap in the conservation corridor at Bayles, adjacent to Bandicoot Corner Reserve on Melbourne Water–managed land. This area was historically part of the Great Koo Wee Rup Swamp and had been cleared for agriculture and development.
Project activities
- Delivered two community planting days at Bayles
- Planted 5,000 indigenous Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC) plants across 0.2 hectares
- Revegetated bare ground and exotic grassland to restore native habitat
- Worked in collaboration with Melbourne Water to complement previous rehabilitation works
- Engaged local residents, volunteers, schools and community groups in on-ground restoration
- Promoted awareness of the Southern Brown Bandicoot and other threatened swamp species
Project outcomes
- Extended and strengthened habitat corridors for wildlife
- Improved connectivity for the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot (EPBC-listed)
- Created habitat for Growling Grass Frog, Latham’s Snipe and Swamp Skink
- Increased community awareness and stewardship of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp
- Established a foundation for the larger SwampWorks landscape-scale restoration project
