Living in the ELZ

BEND OF ISLANDS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

Living in the Environmental Living Zone

Zoning provisions only form the basis for conservation of the area. It requires the commitment ofthe community to achieve the aim of the zone. Residents do this by taking up land management responsibilities such as landscaping their properties with plants native to the area, erosion control, weed eradication and fire management practices, particularly with regard to fuel reduction.

Regular work parties are organised for weed management and other community conservation projects.

As management of bushland involves a continuous learning process visiting experts are also invited to share their knowledge on subjects such as native plants and animals, plant propagation methods, erosion control, weed identification, building methods and landscaping.

Increased awareness in broader conservation issues has resulted in interest and response by the community on the impact of issues such as the management of the Warrandyte State Park and the works of energy supply authorities.

The residents of the Bend of Islands are committed to flora and fauna conservation in their back yards and regard the zoning as a set of guidelines to this end rather than a set of somewhat tiresome regulations.

Their reward is a unique opportunity to live in harmony with their bush environment knowing that measures to protect the plants and animals exist now and for the future.

Some Issues Related to Living in the Environmental Living Zone

	Joining the Round The Bend Conservation Co-operative is another way to live in the Bend of Islands.
	Property sales in the ELZ are monitored by BICA
	Treatment of household effluent is an important consideration when designing and building a house in environmentally sensitive areas.
	Dealing with pest animals in an environmentally sound way is important from the point of view of wildlife conservation.
	Using indigenous plants when landscaping around your house is a requirement of the zoning for a number of good reasons.
	Living with wildfire is a fact of life and residents of the ELZ need to be aware of their responsibilities in this matter