Summary
The Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP Grasslands) are listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act, with less than 5% remaining in Victoria. These ecosystems are home to a rich array of threatened plants, including the Spiny Rice-flower (Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens), Tough Scurf-pea (Cullen parvum), and Matted Flax-lily (Dianella amoena), among others.
The Central Victorian Grassland Gems Project builds on earlier work to locate, protect, and restore high-quality grasslands across the Moolort Plains and Guildford Plateau. By engaging volunteers and working with landholders, the project is raising awareness, improving habitat condition, and ensuring seed is conserved for the future.
Project Strategy
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Surveys & mapping: Identify and map high-quality VVP Grasslands and threatened plant populations on private land, with data uploaded to the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas.
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Weed control: Target invasive grasses (e.g., Phalaris aquatica, Dactylis glomerata) in priority grassland sites.
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Seed banking: Collect and store seed from priority populations of Spiny Rice-flower (P. spinescens) at the Victorian Conservation Seedbank.
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Community engagement: History and ecology of the Moolort Plains grasslands, plus a plant ID workshop. Indigenous cultural awareness workshop led by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWACC).
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Landholder extension: Work directly with local landholders to promote stewardship and management of grassland remnants.
Partners
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Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC) – Project leadership
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Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) – Technical support
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Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Seed banking and scientific expertise
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Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWACC) – Cultural heritage and Indigenous land management
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Moolort Landcare, local landholders, and volunteers – On-ground participation and stewardship
Conservation Status
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Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain – Critically Endangered (EPBC)
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Spiny Rice-flower (Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens) – Critically Endangered (EPBC, FFG)
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Tough Scurf-pea (Cullen parvum) – Endangered (FFG)
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Plus several additional threatened flora species recorded in the project area
Costs
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Estimated Cost: $50,000
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Funding Received: $0
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Duration: 12 months
