THE Greater Shepparton City Council, in collaboration with the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation land management team ‘Woka Walla’ and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, is working to protect cultural values and facilitate Caring for Country works at the Mooroopna sand hills site. The sand hills are a culturally significant site and the last remaining relatively intact sand hill in the Greater Shepparton region.
The Council has taken steps to repair the boundary fences and access gates at the Gemmill Swamp sand hills, which have been damaged over the past year. These fences, gates, and bollards were originally installed to prevent unauthorised vehicle access to the site. However, due to damage, repairs are now being carried out to restore these assets and ensure that the site remains closed off to unauthorised vehicles.
The sand hills have faced challenges in the past, including illegal tree removal, rubbish dumping, and 4WD activity, which have contributed to the degradation of the land. By repairing the boundaries and preventing vehicle access, the Council aims to protect the site and assist Woka Walla in rejuvenating it.
The site holds immense cultural value for the local Aboriginal community and significant biodiversity value for the area, serving as a habitat for various bird species and fauna. The sand hills are the largest within Greater Shepparton and require protection. Closing off the area to vehicles will improve revegetation efforts and weed management, helping to restore the landscape.
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority has provided funding to Woka Walla for revegetation, regeneration of native vegetation, and control of pest plants and animals at the sand hills. The Council will also continue to support the Traditional Owners and educate the wider community about the cultural and biodiversity values within Greater Shepparton. General access to the sand hills without permission from the Council will incur penalties.
