New Season for The Island at Werribee Gorge
Cassinia Environmental has officially acquired the W James Whyte Island Reserve, a prominent privately-owned conservation property adjacent to Werribee Gorge near Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Known locally as The Island, the land is a steep, narrow, lava-capped ridge at the junction of the Werribee River and Myrniong Creek. The purchase will enable the continuation of the long-term restoration of this ecologically valuable landscape.
Cassinia Environmental is an Australian company dedicated to large-scale ecological restoration and conservation projects. With a focus on delivering long-term outcomes for biodiversity and community, Cassinia Environmental works across public and private land to regenerate landscapes and secure critical habitat corridors.
The Island holds a rich conservation history. The property has seen two decades of ecological care, with pivotal involvement from Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) and widespread community support. The CEO of CVA, Phil Harrison, notes
“CVA has taken great pride in helping to restore the environmental values of The Island. I acknowledge the huge effort of thousands of volunteers and scores of dedicated CVA staff, the essential support of many corporate and government funding partners and the local community conservation network that is so committed to preserving the biodiversity of the region. We are delighted that Cassina will be the custodian of the property, and we believe it is in very good hands for the future.”
Cassinia Environmental is proud to build upon this strong foundation and carry forward the vision of The Island as a landscape of ecological resilience. Chris Lindorff, Cassinia Environmental’s General Manager of Operations, explains
“Cassinia’s stewardship of The Island will focus on enhancing biodiversity across the site through active revegetation and restoration. We will continue the work of CVA, especially in the propagation and planting of threatened species endemic to the region, including Melbourne Yellow Gum. The project will also strengthen ecological connectivity around the Werribee River and Werribee Gorge State Park. Existing revegetation zones on The Island will be extended through additional revegetation, contributing to a more resilient and connected landscape for native flora and fauna.”
To support revegetation efforts, public access to tracks on the property will be temporarily closed. While these works are underway, Cassinia will be actively investigating opportunities for ongoing engagement with the local community, environmental groups and volunteers, and eco-tourism. Cassinia is committed to working in partnership with local stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, and many active community groups, to ensure the property’s future is shaped with care, respect, and ecological integrity.
A dedicated Property Manager will soon be appointed to oversee the revegetation and ensure the property is managed to the highest environmental standards.
