By Matthew Sims
Maribyrnong’s birdlife and wildlife would soon have 200 new homes to make their own.
During its meeting on Tuesday, June 14, council moved a motion to endorse the installation of 200 nesting boxes across the area as part of the 2022/2023 capital works program.
Yarraville Ward councillor Michael Clarke said historical land clearing had meant there were few mature trees or ‘dead’ trees which had the opportunity to develop hollows for birdlife and wildlife to make a habitat.
However, he said recent circumstances had meant there had been an influx of birdlife.
“Whilst the fires that occurred over the last couple of summers have been horrific, the impact of those fires has seen, for this city, an influx of birdlife never, ever seen in the history of this city,” he said.
“The birdlife has just exploded.
“We have to step in here and help our native flora and fauna.”
Council has sought the help of the Braybrook Men’s Shed to create the 200 nesting boxes.
Cr Clarke said the new habitats would ensure the local fauna would flourish.
“With the existing hollows that we’ve got plus what we’re putting in place, our children will enjoy what is a great legacy,” he said.
“It’s a good beginning, I hope that other local government authorities in the west take up what is, I think, a fantastic initiative.”
