Kingston has a new strategy to protect, restore and manage biodiversity across our city over the next five years.
The Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2029 was informed by broad community consultation and presents the vision that Kingston's biodiversity is protected, connected, rich and resilient, through our deep nature connections, strong partnerships, and actions across all the community.
The community expressed overwhelming support for this vision, with urban development and climate change currently seen as the biggest threats.
The vision is underpinned by five priorities:
- Connected biodiversity across all land types regardless of tenure and within Kingston, to address biodiversity protection on a landscape scale.
- Engaging Kingston by improving the connection between people and biodiversity with the understanding that a reciprocal relationship exists between the two entities.
- Building resilience and adapting to change so that actions taken now will assist with making the Kingston environment 'climate and threat ready'.
- Strong biodiversity planning and regulations to underpin conservation efforts.
- Tracking our impact through monitoring and evaluation of our actions to measure their effectiveness.
Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns said our world is changing and the risks posed to biodiversity have never been higher.
"Biodiversity is vital for ensuring that we maintain our quality of life into the future, requiring action at every level of government and across the world to be successful. It's absolutely essential that we play our role in protecting and enhancing biodiversity in Kingston," Cr Davey-Burns said.
"Australia is known for its iconic native plant and animal species, many not found anywhere else in the world, and protecting them is paramount.
"Our strategy is about renewing our connection with nature, visionary planning and taking tangible actions to support our local environment.
"Together we have an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference as we continue to build the most liveable and sustainable city in the state."
Como Ward Councillor Chris Hill said the new strategy sets out a strong vision and takes a holistic approach to biodiversity across Kingston.
"There are 744 plant species that are indigenous to Kingston, however only 59% of these are still found here and 408 indigenous animal species, 90% of which are still found within the City of Kingston. Our new Biodiversity Strategy will help us to better protect and enhance the biodiversity that exists here, for the benefit of future generations," Cr Hill said.
You can read the Biodiversity Strategy at kingston.vic.gov.au/council/council-documents/plans-policies-and-reports/biodiversity-strategy.
