Mount Martha: Briars Sanctuary Expansion

Project typeOpen Spaces and Reserves
Project value$2.3 Million

The 2020 adopted Briars Master Plan focusses on protecting, enhancing, and celebrating the natural, cultural and heritage beauty of the Briars. One of the main aims during the development of the Plan was to keep what is already loved and bring in some new, carefully considered experiences that allow more people to enjoy the Briars. In the future, “The Sanctuary” will deliver 3 distinct experiences; The Nature Reserve will continue to service the local community and visitors with a free bushland and wildlife experience; Wildlife Wonders will cater to those who are after a close encounter with wildlife in a natural bushland setting; and Sanctuary Dreaming will provide an opportunity for visitors to be immersed in nature through an overnight stay in the extended wildlife sanctuary, with a focus on Indigenous led experiences such as Aboriginal stories, stargazing, night walks and bush food.

This current project is jointly funded by Regional Tourism Investment Funding and Council as 3:1 ratio.

Key deliverables include:

Installation of vehicle gates and pedestrian gates
Installation of additional predator-proof fencing
Boardwalk maintenance
Indigenous plantings - site preparation, planting and maintenance
Construction of 2.5km Accessible connecting pathways
Interpretive and wayfinding signage
Main access road upgrade

The project commenced a staged construction in 2024, with the first element of delivery being the construction of an additional 2.5km of predator proof fencing to expand the current wildlife sanctuary by 40 hectares. The primary fencing and gates work are complete with contractors finalising outstanding works in early 2025 to ensure its functionality. Seasonal Indigenous plantings for revegetation of the area are ongoing with future areas planned for over the coming years. Remaining deliverables have now progressed into Detailed Design including the trail network, access road improvements and signage. Works are subject to a Cultural Heritage Management Plan conditions with field work and investigations currently underway.

Update: October 2025