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Bend of Islands

(3097, 28 km NE, Nillumbik Shire)

The residents of the Bend of Islands, a 634.5-ha Environmental Living Zone (ELZ) protected by special zoning regulations, are committed to protection of the natural environment. The Haughton family subdivided land in the area in the 1920s, naming the Bend of Islands Estate after the small group of islands in the Yarra River near its junction with Watsons Creek. The locality was officially gazetted in 2000.

After bushfires burned out the area in 1962, residents such as artist Neil Douglas were attracted to the natural bushland setting. The Bend of Islands Conservation Association (BICA) was formed in the late 1960s as a neighbourhood group concerned with bushfire prevention and wildlife management. The Yarra Brae Action Committee (formed 1972) successfully resisted Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works' plans for the Yarra Brae Dam, and the ELZ, established through an Interim Development Order under the then Shire of Healesville Planning Scheme in 1976, was officially opened in October 1982.

Special Use zoning under the Nillumbik Planning Scheme requires permits for clearing and fencing, the planting of non-indigenous flora apart from in kitchen gardens, the exclusion of dogs and cats, and conditions to building permits ensuring minimal impact. Forming an important zone of remnant bushland in the corridor between Warrandyte State Park and Kinglake National Park, the area is home to a diversity of birds, mammals, frogs and reptiles, including the endangered Tuan (Brush-tailed Phascogal) and the Powerful Owl.

Andrew May