How We Started
The Devilbend Foundation came about in January 2004 after an
alliance of over 40 environmentally concerned community
groups. The Devilbend Steering Group (DSG) was formed to
promote ‘A Community Vision’ for Devilbend.
The DSG included peak groups such as the Australian
Conservation Foundation, Birdlife Australia and Environment
Victoria, as well as key local groups including Westernport
& Peninsula Protection Council, Southern Peninsula
Indigenous Flora & Fauna Association (SPIFFA) and
Moorooduc Saddle Club, altogether representing a vast number
of citizens. As a result, in October 2006 an incorporated apex
body was formed- the Devilbend Foundation Inc., with provision
for additional supportive groups to become involved. Image
above by Phil Jackson.
Image below by Jason Reekie, taken at the official opening of
the Devilbend Natural Features Reserve 2012.
" Working together anything is possible "
Background
The landscapes and landforms of the reserve are intrinsic
elements of the Country of the Bunurong people.
The reserve is of considerable aesthetic, historical,
scientific and social value to the Boonwurrung/Bunurong people
and has been assessed as being of State significance for its
unique combination of cultural and environmental values.
One of almost 3000 conservation reserves in Victoria,
Devilbend Natural Features Reserve covers
an area of 1005 hectares. The reserve comprises 422 hectares
of native vegetation, almost 250 hectares of water surface
area associated with Devilbend and Bittern Reservoirs, as well
as 328 hectares of non-native vegetation predominantly in the
form of cleared grazed land. The reserve also includes the
largest inland water body on the Mornington Peninsula,
providing valuable habitat for waterbirds and shorebirds as
well as opportunities for recreation.
Devilbend Foundation is a community group working with Parks
Victoria to establish and maintain this beautiful nature
reserve- originally the Melbourne Water Reservoir site.
- The DBF committee meets monthly.
- The aim is to develop a world class reserve. Assistance from volunteers plays such an important role in achieving this.
- The Friends of Daangean group has been established by the committee and is helping to care for the park with Habitat Restoration.
- Devilbend Reserve, which covers over 1000ha, was handed over to Parks Victoria in September 2006.
- The Bunurong people are encouraged to advise and participate.
- Encouraging the owners of neighbouring land to enhance the reserves value as a conservation resource.
- A variety of volunteer work is available to help care for the reserve and its flora and fauna, monitoring birds, frogs and aquatic life.
- We are also encouraging Educational programs with school and TAFE students.
- The aim is to develop a world class reserve.
Map below shows the boundaries of Devilbend Natural Features Reserve
Map Download
The Work We Do
Devilbend Reservoir is one of 300+ Australian KBAs that meets the stringent criteria to be recognised as a Key Biodiversity Area. To help keep it that way, our members are assisting in a wide range of activities including monitoring of birds and all aquatic life including frogs. They have an active water watch program, as well as vegetation management, assisting with planting & weed control.
Foundation Mission
To support the Victorian Government, Parks Victoria and other agencies in the creation and maintenance of a world-class conservation reserve for the long-term benefit of the Community, centered on the Devilbend Reservoir site. Together with our partners, anything is possible, and we look forward to many more years of working together to achieve a truly unique place.
Our Vision
To create a world-class conservation reserve for future generations. Achieving this through the restoration, over time, of all Devilbend Reserve land back towards its original values. To work in partnership with our alliances in a positive and effective way, including helping to make a cultural learning process which aims to reconnect people with nature and with one another.