Conserving Victoria's biggest freehold property to help save the mighty Murray River

Trust for Nature purchased Victoria's biggest freehold property, Ned's Corner, on the Murray River near Mildura, for conservation in 2002.

It was able to do this with help from the National Reserve System program, The RE Ross Trust and The Nature Conservancy.

The historic sheep and cattle station has a mosaic of threatened ecosystems including an ancient alluvial plain domainted by Saltbush.  Other types include Mallee and Black Box woodlands, corridors of Murray Pine and iconic River Red Gum corridors.

Since 2002, Trust for Nature has rehabilitated the former station by stopping all grazing of the land to allow for the gradual regeneration of native vegetation.

Trust for Nature has removed fencing wire to open up paddocks and has fenced other areas which contained sensitive vegetation.

An extensive and successful rabbit control program, completed with the assistance of the Mallee Catchment Management Authority and Department of Primary Industries, has had a siginifcant impact on the rehabilitation of the 30,000 hectare property.

Ned's Corner's remarkable values have been recorded through a La Trobe University flora and fauna survey.  Trust for Nature has followed this with flora and fauna surveys conducted by many valued volunteers such as the local Bird Observers' group and the Bendigo College of TAFE.

In late 2006, Trust for Nature completed an extensive renovation of the main homestead to accommodate invited guests.

In the future Trust for Nature will look to appoint a full-time Ranger-Manager to ensure quality, ongoing management of the property.  Trust for Nature intends to continue a process of community consultation and involvement at Ned's Corner.  Plans include the development of a co-operative research centre, ecological restoration works through revegetation and mammal reintroduction and to develop eco-tourism at the property, providing volunteer and employment opportunities for the Mildura and district community.

Watch the National Reserve System promotional video >>

Read the Article Ned's Corner is Peter's backyard >>