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Natural and Cultural Values

Caring for our coast’s natural environment

The coastal reserves managed by Barwon Coast are home to incredible biodiversity, providing vital habitat for many protected plant and animal species.

Our dedicated Natural Resources Team leads a wide range of environmental programs focused on:

  • Controlling invasive plants and animals
  • Protecting native wildlife
  • Dune restoration and revegetation
  • Conserving threatened Moonah woodlands

With a ‘natural environment first’ approach, the team works to protect and restore fragile coastal ecosystems, ensuring they remain healthy for generations to come.

We work closely with neighbouring land managers and are proud to have the support of passionate community volunteers, whose local knowledge and hands-on efforts help shape our conservation practices.

Together, we’re caring for Country and protecting what makes the Barwon Coast so special.

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Protection of Vulnerable 
Hooded Plovers

Hooded Plovers are among Australia’s most threatened coastal birds and are protected under both State and Federal legislation. With only around 550 remaining along the Victorian coastline, every bird counts.

Along Ocean Grove and 13th Beaches, several resident pairs nest between September and March. These tiny, ground-nesting birds — affectionately known as ‘Hoodies’ — face constant threats from beachgoers, off-leash dogs, and introduced predators like foxes and cats.

Protecting their nesting sites is critical to their survival.

Pest Plant Programs – Protecting Coastal Biodiversity

Barwon Coast runs an ongoing Pest Plant Program to manage invasive species and protect the health of our unique dune ecosystems.

These invasive plants pose a serious threat to vulnerable native flora and fauna, outcompeting local species and damaging habitat. Our program targets priority weeds and is supported by specialist contractors as needed to ensure effective, ongoing control.

Through careful management, we’re helping native vegetation thrive and maintaining the ecological balance of our coastal reserves.

Dune Care Programs

Barwon Coast is part of the $1.5 million Victorian Government-funded DuneCare initiative. Through this program, our coastal rangers will carry out vital on-ground works to prevent dune erosion, restore blowouts, and protect high-value dune woodlands. Works include installing beach fencing and informative signage to support long-term dune health.

Pest Animal Programs

Barwon Coast runs an active pest animal control program focused on managing European Rabbits and Red Foxes across coastal reserves in Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove. Other targeted species include cats and rats. Our experienced staff use a combination of baiting, trapping, and fumigation to protect native wildlife and habitat.

Volunteer

There are many ways to help care for the coast as a volunteer. We work closely with a number of active and passionate local community groups who are always looking for new members to join them.

Wildlife Protection – Caring for Our Coastal Creatures

Barwon Coast staff remain alert and responsive to the needs of wildlife throughout our coastal reserves. We dedicate resources to protecting vulnerable species through targeted programs, community education, and public awareness initiatives.

Our remote camera network across the dune systems helps monitor native wildlife and track the presence of introduced species, guiding our conservation efforts and building awareness of the rich biodiversity we’re working to protect.