About the network

What is the Otway Community Conservation Network?

The Otway Community Conservation Network (OCCN) is a new network made up of members from community organisations, management bodies and government agencies. It aims to protect and enhance ecological values in the Otway Plain and Ranges coastal regions through coordinated community action managing two significant weed species, Boneseed Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera and Bridal Creeper Asparagus asparagoides. Through this process it is hoped to increase community awareness of ecological values, issues and the impact of significant weeds species.

What area does it cover?

The network covers an area from Anglesea to Port Campbell and up to Colac and takes a cross tenure approach, looking to assist with the control of Boneseed and Bridal Creeper across public and private land.

Why do we need a conservation network?

Managing the threatened vegetation that remains in agricultural landscapes has been described as one of Australia’s greatest environmental challenges. Vegetation often occurs as small, isolated patches and can be owned and managed by various agencies. Managing those remnants for the best biodiversity outcome is difficult for one agency. The CMN facilitates best management across land tenures.
Click here for more information on management networks and other networks in Victoria.

What this means for you...

If you have Boneseed or Bridal Creeper on your property or know of areas that have these plants we want to hear from you. There are funds available to assist with the control of these species on private land. Please contact the project facilitator Luke Hynes on mobile 0406 113 438 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to report locations of Boneseed and Bridal Creeper or for more information on what the network is about and how to get involved.

See the video below or download the scoping paper for more information on the network and how it came about.