Council Ends Goat Grazing Initiative, Community Petitions for Return

Maroondah Council has concluded a year-long goat grazing program along Mullum Mullum Creek in Ringwood, a decision that has prompted a community petition to reinstate the initiative. Horticulturalist Colin Arnold's goats were employed to manage invasive vegetation without herbicides near Mullum Mullum Reserve.

Community Response and Council's Position

Local residents, including Beatrice Satalich and Annalise Lawn, expressed strong support for the program, citing environmental improvements and positive community engagement.

Satalich described the area as a "jungle" and a "fire hazard" before the goats, and noted previous complaints about ineffective and harmful herbicides.

Over 350 individuals have signed a petition advocating for the goats' return, highlighting their contribution to community well-being and environmental benefits.

Maroondah Mayor Linda Hancock stated that the grazing program ended because grant funding had ceased and the goats had achieved their purpose of reducing vegetation to a manageable level. The council's bushland team plans to continue managing the site with targeted vegetation control to promote indigenous plant growth. Mayor Hancock also clarified that herbicides used by the council are regulator-approved and applied only when necessary.

Program Funding and Contractor's Perspective

The council previously received $40,000 from Melbourne Water for vegetation management, contributing its own funds to an $85,000 package. Colin Arnold's company, GrazeAway, received approximately $12,000 for managing the two goat sites over the past year.

Arnold, who oversees about 200 goats across Melbourne, indicated that tightening council budgets have reduced new work, suggesting that herbicide use is often a cheaper alternative for local governments.

Ecological Impact and Future of Grazing

Supporters of the goat program contend that the animals help maintain the landscape by selectively eating invasive weeds while preserving native plants. Observations by locals and conservation biologist Dr. Marissa Parrott suggest potential ecological benefits, such as the regrowth of native reeds and an increase in frog and rakali (Australian water rat) populations.

An environmental consultant's evaluation at other sites several years ago raised questions about the cost and effectiveness of goat grazing compared to herbicides, a finding that Arnold disputes.

Maroondah Council confirmed it continues to fund goat grazing at other locations, including the Croydon retarding basin, HE Parker Reserve, and Dorset Recreation Trail. While a council spokesperson believed the specific grant stream for the creek works was no longer available, Melbourne Water clarified that its Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways program offered $10.1 million in the current financial year. Melbourne Water provided Maroondah Council with $40,000 in November 2024 for various vegetation management activities, including weed control.