Wedderburn Conservation Management Network
Protecting Biodiversity - ​​Our Flagship Species - Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata
The Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) is found exclusively on mainland Australia and is a member of the Megapode family.
Megapodes are unique - the do not use their body heat to incubate their eggs like most other birds; rather, the eggs are buried in a mound then incubated by external heat sources. Malleefowl use the heat generated by decomposing leaf litter and the sun to heat their mounds, and constantly manipulate the soil depth and mound shape to regulate the temperature. Amazingly, despite a wide range of day and night temperatures over the seasons, Malleefowl are able to keep their egg chambers at a constant temperature. The Malleefowl is recognised as a nationally threatened species and is listed as Endangered in Victoria.
Check out the Wedderburn CMN newsletter archive and Blogspot
Check out the Wedderburn CMN newsletter archive and Blogspot
Wedderburn CMN Target Area
Our Mission:
The mission of the WCMN is to foster a collaborative and inclusive approach to environmental stewardship. We aim to work closely with landholders, the broader community, and environmental advocates to promote enterprises that are not only profitable and productive but also sustainable and ecologically responsible.
Our Goals:
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Biodiversity Conservation: We are committed to the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in the Wedderburn area. Through various initiatives, we strive to maintain and restore native habitats, support species diversity, and ensure the resilience of our natural landscapes.
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Cultural Landscape Respect and Restoration: We recognize and honour the cultural landscapes of the Wedderburn District. We actively collaborate with the Traditional Owners, the Djaara people, to protect, repair, and heal cultural sites. This partnership ensures that our conservation efforts respect and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region.
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Education and Promotion of Sustainable Practices: By engaging with the community and stakeholders, we aim to educate and advocate for sustainable agricultural and land management practices. Our focus is on creating a balance between economic viability and environmental responsibility, fostering enterprises that contribute to the long-term health of our ecosystem.
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Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: We are dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Through adaptive management and innovative practices, we seek to build resilience in our local environment and communities, ensuring they can thrive amidst changing climate conditions.
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Apolitical Environmental Advocacy: The WCMN serves as a non-partisan voice for the environment, advocating for policies and actions that benefit the natural world. We work with governments and agencies to represent environmental interests, striving for solutions that are based on sound science and the collective well-being of our community.
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The Wedderburn CMN covers an area of approximately 170,000 ha between the townships of Wedderburn and Wychitella, in the North Central Catchment Management Authority area of Victoria. The area includes fragmented public land blocks and freehold properties important for conservation of Box-Ironbark forests and Mallee woodlands.
The Wedderburn landscape consists of large remnant blocks including Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve, Mt Korong Nature Conservation Reserve and Kooyoora State Park, scattered small remnant blocks, roadside native vegetation, and smaller areas supporting large remnant trees and rare native grasslands.
The Wedderburn CMN Committee consists of residents, landholders, and collaborates with representatives from Dja Dja Wurrung, Bush Heritage, Landcare, Victorian Malleefowl Recovery Group (VMRG), Wettenhall Enviromental Trust, Trust for Nature (TFN), Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Parks Victoria, Loddon Shire Council and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA).
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The WCMN formulates actions with respect to conservation of biodiversity issues, community engagement and education, based on informed opinion and research from a wide network of sources. We are committed to creating a future where the natural and cultural landscapes of the Wedderburn District are cherished, protected, and thriving.
We believe in the power of collective action and the importance of an inclusive approach to conservation.
Together, we nurture a legacy of stewardship that benefits both current and future generations.
By aligning our efforts with these goals, we aim to inspire a culture of care and responsibility for the environment, ensuring that the Wedderburn District remains a vibrant and sustainable place for all its inhabitants.
The Wedderburn CMN had its first meeting in September 2003.
Role of the Wedderburn CMN
