Mount Macedon is undergoing a landmark reforestation project to restore native forests to former pine plantation sites.
The project received $1.13 million funding through Victoria’s BushBank program.
“The Mount Macedon Plantation Restoration Project is a huge win for our region,” Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said. “It’s helping to stop the decline of our native plants and animals and improve our natural environment.”
About 22,500 native tree saplings were planted during winter across the 94-hectare site on the south-east side of Mount Macedon.
Seeds from native local trees were collected from the Macedon Regional Park in July 2023 to ensure the new forest is created from species with local progeny.
The seeds were carefully collected, cared for and grown into healthy saplings by a local nursery ready for planting.
Monitoring sites were created across the project area to monitor the impacts of browsing animals. Protective fencing was installed in March 2025. Drone-based weed mapping and spraying took place in spring to prepare the ground for planting.
The forest is expected to significantly increase habitat for native wildlife, improve soil health and water quality.
