An innovative approach to weed management led by Serco’s facilities management team has helped to save the habitat of a regionally significant species of lizard in Melbourne.
White’s Skinks have lived in an area of Royal Park for more than 20 years and are one of the only surviving populations in central Melbourne, but their habitat was under threat from weeds and invasive grasses.
The rocky environment, which the reptiles use to soak in sunlight, create burrows to avoid predators and hibernate around, was difficult to access and fell beyond the parkland Serco was contracted to maintain.
When the City of Melbourne asked our Parks and Gardens team to help clear the land without harming the skink, Head Gardener Bruce Crotty began researching alternative, sustainable methods that would avoid the use of chemicals or heavy equipment.
He discovered reports of goats being used in similar situations to remove weeds and revegetate rocky environments and found a local business that could help.
The idea led to a research project between the City of Melbourne and the University of Melbourne to measure the impact on the skink population and quality of their habitat.
Goats were gradually introduced to fenced-off plots in Royal Park over a period of three months, with additional plots used as control sites and left unmanaged.
After the goats were removed, indigenous grasses and flora were planted, and research into the White’s Skink population and quality oh habitat is now underway.
Bruce was reognised for his innovative thinking and commitment to sustainability in Serco’s employee awards program, winning a global pulse award in January 2023.
Serco is proud to support the city of Melbourne to achieve its nature in the city strategy, which aims to improve ecosystem health and biodiversity in the community.