Public access to Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve a win for volunteers

The recent public opening of the 90-hectare Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve has been described as a win for the local community that brings a balanced approach to protecting the area’s natural values.

The public can now enjoy the reserve’s significant environmental treasures by bushwalking or picnicking at the former Frankston Reservoir site, which was closed to the public in 1920 when the reservoir was built.

Commenting on the reserve being opened to the public for the first time in 96 years, Victorian Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville stated “I’m pleased for Frankston residents and all nature lovers that we have successfully opened to the public the Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve.

“The reserve has six ecological vegetation classes of State significance, 215 indigenous flora species and over 100 fauna species including the nationally threatened Growling Grass Frog and state significant Musk Duck.

“It’s great we have been be able to experience this environment in a responsible way.”

Minister Neville also praised volunteers and the community-run Committee of Management responsible for coordinating maintenance and public access works to make the opening a reality.

Dedicated volunteers and the Committee had worked with government agencies to ensure access was granted and bushwalking trails and a 24-space car park were built.

The restricted access and minimal disturbance of the bushland since 1920 has protected the reserve’s water quality and supported national, state, regional and locally significant flora and fauna species, plant communities and fauna habitats.

A Management Plan is in place and allows the Committee to analyse the impacts of public access via Jeremey Way and explore the feasibility of alternative public access points in the future. The plan, regulations and a fire management plan make the reserve a safe place for the public to enjoy.

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