What will the PSP do to protect environmental, cultural and heritage values?

In addition to being a key transport and recreation corridor, Bruce Creek will serve as the focal point for achieving key environmental goals in the precinct. The corridor will be preserved as a habitat area for the endangered Growling Grass Frog, Golden Sun Moth and Tussock Skink. Before any subdivision can be approved, landowners will be required to complete targeted surveys and management plans for the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon in potential habitat areas within the precinct, as identified through statewide modelling. 

Bruce Creek is also home to significant cultural values and sites for the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. Abutting the creek corridor, a “culturally and/or environmentally sensitive area” has been identified, within which developers will need to assess Aboriginal cultural heritage values before any development can proceed. 

The PSP will protect two sites with existing post-contact heritage values in open space – one Victorian Heritage Inventory site in the Bruce Creek corridor and another historic farmstead with drystone walls which will be located in a new local park.  

Considering both the needs of future residents and environmental preservation, the VPA has located sports reserves and local parks strategically to include significant flora and trees. This means that these natural assets will be protected from development and will remain for the appreciation of future residents while also helping to maintain biodiversity in the precinct.