Restoring Ecosystems and Enhancing Biodiversity Across Campus Landscapes
Our maintenance team has recently completed their second major revegetation project at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus, in collaboration with the University’s Sustainability and Biodiversity departments. The initiative forms part of an ongoing commitment to reinstating biodiversity and achieving net-zero habitat loss across University campuses.
Native plantings selected to enhance habitat for wildlife
The project included the planting of over 200 native and indigenous tube stock along historic shelter belts, 900 around the centre pivot, and an additional 76 juvenile native and indigenous trees across campus, with all ArcGIS mapping and Konect data completed for the year.
Plantings were carefully selected for ecological suitability, including adaptation to boggy and variable microhabitats, while enhancing habitat for resident wildlife. Species selected for this project included Eucalyptus melliodora, E. sideroxylon E. macrocarpa, E. polyanthemos, E. camaldulensis, Corymbia citriodora, Acacia dealbata, A. implexa, Callitris glaucophylla and many more.
All species were sourced from local and Indigenous seedbanks and connected nurseries, selected for resilience and long-term ecological performance. In partnership with Outback Academy Australia (OAA), a fully Indigenous-owned and operated nursery, Solutions+ implemented a circular sustainability initiative within this project. All tube stock containers and 12–14 cm pots for the 2025 understory revegetation program were recycled, reducing waste and supporting sustainable nursery practices.
Community engagement key to project success
The project also involved significant community engagement, with over 80 students, staff, alumni, and volunteers participating. This collaborative effort combined ecological restoration with Indigenous knowledge and local community involvement, strengthening social and environmental outcomes.
The University of Melbourne has already embraced the planning of our 2026 Understory Revegetation Project, reflecting the success and impact of these ongoing initiatives.
Through strategic species selection, habitat-focused planning, and collaborative implementation, this project exemplifies our commitment to sustainable revegetation, biodiversity enhancement, and lasting ecological and cultural impact, along with our ongoing dedication to community engagement.
