LOCAL native animals are enjoying safe new homes in Greenvale’s treetops, courtesy of the Mickleham Road Upgrade Stage One.
As part of the project’s efforts to support local biodiversity, the project team has installed 12 habitat hollows in native trees along the project area.
The hollows are intended to provide critical nesting and sheltering sites for a variety of native wildlife species, including lorikeets and possums.
Created from salvaged and repurposed hollow logs, they were carefully installed in native trees selected for their dense canopies, suitable height, and accessibility.
The hollows mimic natural nesting environments while offering improved insulation, durability, and protection against predators and the elements.
Ecologists and arborists advised the project team to help achieve the best outcomes for the hollows and their intended inhabitants.
Each hollow was securely attached to the trees using chains and screw loops, with locations GPS-mapped to facilitate future monitoring.
Ongoing monitoring will assess usage during the breeding season, with inspections planned for spring 2025.
The aim of the initiative is to observe native species nesting and raising young, demonstrating the hollows’ effectiveness in supporting biodiversity.
Major Road Projects Program Director Dipal Sorathia highlighted the importance of supporting local wildlife in the face of construction.
“While the upgrade focused on improving travel efficiency and safety, it was also important to support sustainability and local biodiversity,” he said.
“The installation of the habitat hollows highlights our commitment to achieving this balance.”
The Mickleham Road Upgrade Stage One has added lanes in both directions and upgraded key intersections between Somerton Road and Dellamore Boulevard.
The project has also built sections of shared-use paths for pedestrian and cyclists, boosting active transport opportunities between Greenvale and Mernda.
The project completed major works in December, delivering safer and more reliable travel more than six months ahead of schedule.
Crews are expected to complete the project’s finishing touches, including landscaping and lighting, by the end of March. During these works, temporary lane closures and reduced speeds will be in place to protect the community and work crews.
For more information, visit www.bigbuild.vic.gov.au/mickleham.
