Project Status Updates

Project Status Update – November 2024

The Minister for Planning approved the VPA Business Plan 2024-25, outlining our work program and priorities for this financial year.   

Merrimu is in this year’s VPA Business Plan, meaning we will formally recommence it as a VPA planning project in the coming months.  

This is a strong commitment from Government for the VPA to get on with our planning for Merrimu, and to streamline and fast track the delivery of our plans where possible.  

In the coming months we will be working with Moorabool Shire Council and our partners across government to scope up this project and formally recommence planning.  

Planning for Merrimu while protecting VGED habitat

In January 2023, the critically endangered Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon (VGED) was rediscovered in a location west of Melbourne. It was the first time the species had been sighted in more than 50 years, and it was previously considered likely to be extinct. 

Since the rediscovery of VGED, the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has been working with the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to confirm its habitat distribution and how to undertake surveys for the VGED. 

We now have clear guidance on how to progress planning for Merrimu while protecting VGED habitat.

Find out more about planning in areas that include potential VGED habitat. 

Previous Project Status Updates

• Project Status Updates – February 2024
• Project Status Update – November 2023
• Project Status Update – July 2023
• Project Status Update – April 2023
• Project Status Update – October 2022
• Merrimu PSP Landowner Updates – December 2021 (PDF)
• Merrimu PSP Landowner Updates – September 2021 (PDF)
• Merrimu PSP Landowner Updates – June 2021 (PDF)
• Merrimu PSP Landowner Updates – April 2021 (PDF)
• Merrimu PSP Landowner Updates – February 2021 (PDF)