Avalon Coastal Reserve, spanning 535 hectares along Port Phillip Bay, is a critical shorebird habitat managed by Parks Victoria. Some areas are part of the Port Phillip (Western Shoreline) Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar Site, with additional sections under review for inclusion.

Historically, the Avalon and Snake Island Saltworks were vibrant tidal marshes and wetlands rich in seagrass, mudflats, and saltmarshes. However, these habitats have degraded over time. Restoring the reserve requires a careful balance—protecting existing biodiversity while enhancing tidal connectivity to support habitat regeneration.

With sea levels projected to rise by up to 70 cm by 2070, restoration planning must integrate climate adaptation strategies. A Conservation Action Plan (CAP), developed by Alluvium in partnership with Parks Victoria, provides a roadmap for future management.

The CAP follows Parks Victoria’s PRO-723 framework and The Nature Conservancy’s methodology. It includes stakeholder engagement, threat assessments, site hydrology studies, and a multi-criteria analysis to guide restoration decisions. The plan also integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge, ensuring that conservation efforts align with cultural values. This CAP will inform future restoration efforts, securing the ecological integrity of Avalon Coastal Reserve for generations to come.