RESTORING FORESTS FOR THE FUTURE AT MOUNT MACEDON

Mount Macedon’s future looks a whole lot greener, with a landmark reforestation project underway, restoring native forests to former pine plantation sites and paving the way for a greener, more resilient future.

This large-scale forest regeneration will contribute to a healthier environment for future generations.

The project received $1.13 million funding through Victoria’s BushBank program, reinforcing the state’s commitment to biodiversity and ecological restoration.

The $77 million BushBank program funds projects across Victoria that assist revegetation of land to reduce carbon emissions and create habitat for some of Victoria's most iconic species.

Approximately 22,500 native tree saplings were planted during winter across the 94-hectare site on the south-east side of Mount Macedon.

Seeds from native local trees were collected from the Macedon Regional Park in July 2023 to ensure the new forest is created from species with local progeny.

The seeds were carefully collected, cared for and grown into healthy saplings by a local nursery ready for planting.

Monitoring sites were created across the project area to monitor the impacts of browsing animals. Protective fencing was installed in March 2025. Drone-based weed mapping and spraying took place in spring to prepare the ground for planting.

Once established, the forest will provide even more green spaces for the community to enjoy. The forest will significantly increase habitat for native wildlife, improve soil health and water quality.

For more information, visit www.environment.vic.gov.au/bushbank

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“The Mount Macedon Plantation Restoration Project is a huge win for our region and its communities. The Bushbank program is restoring natural environments across Victoria and right here in Macedon helping to stop the decline of our native plants and animals and improve our natural environment.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos
“The restoration of this forest will create even more green space for the community to enjoy.”

“Not only will the renewed forest be a place for people to come and enjoy, but it will also provide more habitat for native species and contribute to climate change resilience.”

Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Outdoor Recreation, Luba Grigorovitch
“Once established, the forest will provide even more green space for the community to enjoy.”

“The forest will significantly increase habitat for native wildlife, improve soil health and water quality.”

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