Progress by task number at year 3 of 5
The chart shows the completion status of all 41 tasks in the Wildlife Plan. Eleven tasks are fully complete, with others at varying stages from 90% to below 50%.
Strategies, actions and tasks
The Phillip Island (Millowl) Wildlife Plan has 5 key strategies that will be delivered through the implementation of the Plan. Each strategy details dedicated actions and tasks outlining lead and partner agencies for each with expected timeframes for completion.
Further information on the strategies, actions and tasks can be found in the Phillip Island (Millowl) Wildlife Plan (PDF, 2.6 MB).
To support implementation of the Phillip Island (Millowl) Wildlife Plan, governance arrangements was established in the first year of its implementation. Clear roles and responsibilities have been allocated across implementation, monitoring and review. The Plan identified 2 actions that will contribute towards balancing the needs of wildlife and the community over the 5 year implementation phase.
A monitoring, evaluation and reporting plan has been developed to include annual progress reports and reviews with a detailed review in the fourth year to inform the approach beyond year 5. These reviews will support the reporting outcomes and provide for updates to actions and tasks where required. This enables adaptive management and continuous improvement to ensure the Plan and its delivery remains relevant and fit for purpose.
ACTION 1
Identify and establish governance arrangements to oversee the implementation, monitoring and review of the Phillip Island (Millowl) Wildlife Plan.
| Tasks | Lead (Partners) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Governance arrangements, roles and responsibilities for overseeing the implementation of the plan are developed. | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council) | Year 1 |
| 2 Monitoring, evaluation and reporting plan developed. | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
Promote positive attitudes and actions towards wildlife and nature through education and providing opportunities to access and experience wildlife and nature in a sustainable and ethical way
ACTION 2
Develop an education/community program to support conservation and management of wildlife by the community.
| Tasks | Lead (Partners) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 3. Develop and implement a collaborative education program for Phillip Island (Millowl) focused on supporting and providing information to the community and landholders on wildlife values, challenges and ways to live with and manage wildlife. | Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Shire Council and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (community groups e.g. Landcare) | Year 1 to Year 5 (ongoing) |
| 4. Incorporate community and visitor involvement opportunities (e.g. citizen science) in wildlife research on Phillip Island (Millowl). | Phillip Island Nature Parks (Bass Coast Shire Council and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action | Year 1 to Year 5 (ongoing) |
Build understanding of key wildlife populations and their impacts on agriculture, public health, conservation and tourism through research to inform evidence-based decision making and wildlife management practices.
ACTION 3
Understand populations of cape barren geese, swamp wallabies and common brushtail possums and their negative impacts on agriculture, biodiversity and community.
| Tasks | Lead (Partners) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 5. Identify and establish benchmark data and monitoring requirements to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of wildlife management undertaken as part of this plan (e.g. reduction in crop loss, habitat regeneration, population numbers). | Phillip Island Nature Parks and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Bass Coast Shire Council, Universities and Research Institutions, landholders, managers, community) | Year 1 |
| 6. Identify the key factors resulting in sick, injured and orphaned wildlife on Phillip Island (Millowl). | Phillip Island Nature Parks (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Bass Coast Shire Council, Universities and Research Institutions, wildlife groups) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 7. Identify emerging wildlife issues on Phillip Island (Millowl) to inform plan review on implementation. | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Shire Council and Universities and Research Institutions) | Year 1 to Year 5 (ongoing) |
| 8. Determine the impacts of cape barren geese on agricultural production. | Phillip Island Nature Parks, Federation University and landholders | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 9. Understand the microbiome and internal parasite loads of cape barren geese and potential impacts to agriculture. | Federation University, Phillip Island Nature Parks and landholders | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 10. Annual monitoring of cape barren geese on Phillip Island (Millowl). | Phillip Island Nature Parks (Birdlife Bass Coast and community) | Year 1 to Year 5 (ongoing) |
| 11. Determine the breeding success and chick survival to determine annual recruitment (clutch size, hatching rates, and fledgling rates). | Phillip Island Nature Parks (Universities and researchers) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 12. Understand dispersal and movements of cape barren geese (colour banding to determine composition of flocks, dispersal, including off the island, and seasonal movements). | Phillip Island Nature Parks (Universities and researchers) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 13. Develop a population model for cape barren geese to assess impacts of management options. | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Phillip Island Nature Parks) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 14. Estimate population sizes of swamp wallabies and monitor trends over time. (These will include considerations of habitat-specific densities, home ranges and movements). | Phillip Island Nature Parks (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Universities and researchers and community) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 15. Demographic modelling of swamp wallaby and common brushtail possum populations to determine the most significant factors contributing to population growth. | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Phillip Island Nature Parks) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 16. Assess the effectiveness of a virtual fence on reducing the number of wildlife killed on roads, particularly swamp wallabies. | Bass Coast Shire Council (Victoria University, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Regional Roads Victoria and community) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 17. Review deterrent and exclosure opportunities for swamp wallaby and common brushtail possum management and examine the efficacy and impact of strategies for Phillip Island (Millowl). | Phillip Island Nature Parks (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Universities and researchers) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 18. Determine the impacts of grazing/browsing by cape barren geese, swamp wallabies and common brushtail possums on conservation works. | Phillip Island Nature Parks, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Universities and researchers and landholders | Year 1 to Year 3 |
ACTION 4
Explore the current and potential role native predators play in the management of wildlife on Phillip Island (Millowl).
| Tasks | Lead (Partners) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 19. Explore the potential contribution of introducing/attracting native predators on Phillip Island (Millowl) (e.g. owls, quolls) and evaluate the associated risks of introducing new predators to non-target species. | Phillip Island Nature Parks | Long term |
ACTION 5
Undertake a comprehensive and cost benefit analysis (cultural, economic and social) of wildlife to the Phillip Island (Millowl) and visitor community.
| Tasks | Lead (Partners) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 20. Continue to build the relationship with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and better understand the views of its members regarding wildlife management on Phillip Island (Millowl). | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Bass Coast Shire Council and Phillip Island Nature Parks) | Year 1 to Year 5 (ongoing) |
| 21. Understand the views of the local community and visitors about wildlife and its management on Phillip Island (Millowl). | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Bass Coast Shire Council and Phillip Island Nature Parks) | Year 1 to Year 5 (ongoing) |
| 22. Evaluate the economic value and importance of wildlife to Phillip Island's (Millowl) community (social and cultural). | Bass Coast Shire Council (Phillip Island Nature Parks) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
Actively manage wildlife to balance conservation, natural and built environments, public safety, social and economic values on Phillip Island (Millowl).
ACTION 6
Establish and implement a coordinated and collaborative approach to managing impacts of wildlife on agriculture, built assets,
public safety and conservation areas on Phillip Island (Millowl).
| Tasks | Lead (Partners) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 23. Authority to Control Wildlife conditions developed for cape barren goose, swamp wallaby and common brushtail possum control to facilitate the use of carcasses for research or Aboriginal cultural use. | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 24. Establish a process for reporting the number and types of Authority to Control Wildlife permits issued on Phillip Island (Millowl). | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Landholders and land managers) | Year 1 |
| 25. Develop an approved wildlife management plan template available for landholders and managers on Phillip Island (Millowl) to support wildlife management planning. | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 26. Support coordinated Authority to Control Wildlife applications from landholders to manage key wildlife species. | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Landholders) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 27. Investigate opportunities to issue long-term Authority to Control Wildlife permits (up to 3 years) in accordance with agreed wildlife management plans that incorporate a range of control options, including non-lethal methods. | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Landholders) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 28. Register landholders/managers wanting to participate in trials of alternate control methods. | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Landholders and land managers) | Year 1 |
| 29. Provide input into the Speed Review Communications and Engagement Plan. | Bass Coast Shire Council (Phillip Island Nature Parks, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Phillip Island (Millowl) landholders and community) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
ACTION 7
Undertake trials of alternate control methods for mitigating damage and financial loss by wildlife and improving wildlife
welfare outcomes.
| Tasks | Lead (Partners) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 30. Trial egg removal, replacement and addling as management options for cape barren geese. | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Landholders, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Universities and researchers) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 31. Trial establishment of alternative fresh water sources for wildlife away from roadsides. | Bass Coast Shire Council (Landholders, land and water managers, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Universities and researchers) | Long term |
| 32. Trial use of "decoy" crops at certain times of year to remove pressure on commercial pasture and crops in peak season. | Phillip Island Nature Parks (Landholders, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Universities and researchers) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
| 33. Investigate the potential use of browsing repellents (e.g. Sen-tree™) on revegetation areas. | Phillip Island Nature Parks (Landholders, land managers and community groups) | Year 1 to Year 3 |
Support and value a viable agricultural industry on Philip Island (Millowl)
ACTION 8
Maintain existing agricultural land as part of Phillip Island (Millowl) landscape.
| Task | Lead (Partners) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 34. Phillip Island's (Millowl) rural landscape is recognised and protected as a significant landscape in relevant strategic and planning documents. | Bass Coast Shire Council (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action) | Year 1 to Year 5 (ongoing) |
ACTION 9
Support opportunities for landholders to maintain viable farms that also support wildlife and conservation.
| Tasks | Lead (Partners) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 35. Opportunities for alternate and diversified options and incomes for farms on Phillip Island (Millowl) are identified and supported. | Bass Coast Shire Council (Landholders) | Year 1 to Year 5 (ongoing) |
| 36. Explore opportunities to incorporate conservation into viable farming practices (e.g. wildlife corridors). | Landholders (Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Landcare, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Universities and Research Institutions) | Year 1 to Year 5 (ongoing) |
| 37. Investigate grant opportunities for up-front cost of exclusion netting/fencing to protect crops and pasture, and to support wildlife conservation. | Landholders | Year 1 to Year 5 (ongoing) |
Identify and support opportunities to incorporate Bunurong culture into the management of wildlife on Phillip Island (Millowl).
ACTION 10
Bunurong People access wildlife from Phillip Island (Millowl) for cultural use.
| Task | Lead (Partners) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 38. Agreed conditions for Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to access wildlife on Phillip Island (Millowl) for cultural use by its members. | Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action | Year 1 to Year 3 |
ACTION 11
Bunurong culture is acknowledged and incorporated into wildlife management on Phillip Island (Millowl).
| Tasks | Lead (Partners) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 39. Opportunities and capacity requirements for Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to be involved and contribute to the management of wildlife are identified. | Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council) | Year 4 to Year 5 |
| 40. Applications to access wildlife on Phillip Island (Millowl) for Aboriginal cultural use are referred to Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation for endorsement. | Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation) | Year 1 |
| 41. Feasibility study on the commercial use of wildlife by Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (e.g. harvesting eggs). | Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and landholders) | Year 4 to Year 5 |
Key achievements to date
Every year, the Phillip Island (Millowl) Working Group release an update for the Phillip Island (MIllowl) Wildlife Plan that highlights the hard work and achievements over the past year. To date, the Plan has released 3 annual reports:
Annual report summaries
The Phillip Island (Millowl) Wildlife Plan Year 1 Report (PDF, 1.9 MB) was released in February 2023. Over year 1, the roles and responsibilities for the Working Group was developed and land holders and managers were registered to participate in future trials of alternate control methods.
Main achievements
- Governance
- Applications began for Bunurong's access to wildlife for cultural use
- Research projects with key findings on cape barren geese
The Phillip Island (Millowl) Wildlife Plan Year 2 Report (PDF, 4.0 MB) was released in January 2024.
During year 2, the pace picked up, with large projects delivered by each organisation of the Working Group.
Main achievements
- Development of educational resources that aim to assist property owners to understand and manage wildlife impacts around their homes and
gardens - Trials to test the effectiveness of exclusion coops against wallaby browsing
- Bass Coast Shire Council installed more wildlife road signage to increase public awareness and reduce wildlife road toll
The Phillip Island (Millowl) Wildlife Plan Year 3 Report (PDF, 3.3 MB) was released in March 2025.
The latest update in year 3 involved multiple research findings on exclusion techniques for browsing wildlife. This update also introduces a new cape barren geese research project led by a Melbourne University student with the assistance from the Phillip Island Nature Parks' Research Team.
Main achievements
- Cape Barren Goose research project to monitor behaviour and movement patterns across Phillip Island (Millowl) and surrounding areas
- Crop deterrents and tree collaring determined ineffective
- Rehabillitation of Gap Road wetland
- Bunurong's access to wildlife for possum skin project
Page last updated: 14/07/25