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Langwarrin Flora And Fauna Reserve (Former Military Reserve)
McClelland Drive, FRANKSTON VIC 3199 - Property No L10057

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Statement of Significance
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Statement of Significance

A military camp was established in this reserve at the time of the Boer War, and was in use until after World War 1. Buildings have now disappeared, but the sites of the gunnery range and hospital camp are still evident; the camp reservoir is still in good condition and retains a supply of fresh water. Exotic trees have been planted on the hospital site, and now form a potentially attractive arboretum.

The Langwarrin Military Reserve remains as an island of natural features in a district which, initially developed for agriculture, is now under increasing pressure for urban development. Occupancy of the reserve extends back almost ninety years, and began within forty years of district settlement. Thus the past military use of the reserve is closely intertwined with the historic development of Langwarrin and the surrounding country.

Military opinion that the area should be retained as a potentially significant feature in the strategic defence of Melbourne has saved it from subdivision. Most of the 212 hectares (523 acres) of terrain has not been seriously disturbed and still supports healthy communities of indigenous plants and animals. Thus the Military Reserve is a unique feature around the fringe of the rapidly extending Melbourne Metropolitan area.

Approximately forty-five percent of the plant species indigenous to the Mornington Peninsula can still be found in the reserve, and these include some which are now rare in this region. In addition, more than half the mammal species known to still exist in the Western Port/Mornington Peninsula region have been recently observed in the reserve; these include the New Holland Mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae).

Remaining natural features make this reserve a prime conservation area, and every attempt should be made to retain it as such if its strategic value ceases. It is recommended that the area should be managed as a large natural park and living museum; school groups, urban-based naturalists, and many other community groups would find the area of great value.

LOCATION:

Mornington Peninsula, south of, but not abutting, North Road, bounded on west, south and east respectively by McClelland Drive, Robinsons Road and Warrandyte Road.

Recorded 07/08/1973

Classified 05/04/1976

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