Unlocking land for biodiversity and housing in Sale

15/07/2026

The groundwork has been laid for more houses, enhanced liveability and economic activity in Sale, through the creation of the North Sale Wetlands and Biodiversity Reserve.

Backed by a $1 million investment from our Regional Infrastructure Fund and more than $1 million from Wellington Shire Council, the project is an innovative response to residential development needs.

Drone view of the wetlands and biodiversity reserve. Set in a greenspace that’s surrounded by houses, the image shows 7 large ponds surrounded by marshland, an ovular walking track and hundreds of newly planted trees.

Formerly known as ‘Flooding Creek’, Sale has long been susceptible to minor flooding due to the waterway that flows through the town.

The new reserve features storm water infrastructure that will reduce downstream flooding and help lower flood risk for future residential development. This could unlock up to 500 new houses in the North Sale Growth Area.

With Sale expected to welcome thousands of new residents by the mid-2040s, this project will help meet future demand for housing and has supported the regional construction sector and local jobs.

It will also strengthen the town’s role as Wellington Shire’s economic and service hub, supporting long-term growth and investment across the region.

The walking track that runs along the edge of the wetlands and biodiversity reserve, with park furniture visible to the right of the image and hundreds of newly planted trees visible to the left of the image, running into the background.

The project, which recently won an award for Engineering Excellence at the Victorian IPWEA Public Works Conference, has been an important milestone in the ongoing development of the town and its future growth.

Delivered by McInnes Earthmoving, it is an example of regional businesses shaping the future of their communities, and the project supported 27 jobs during construction.

It has also created a five-hectare green open space with native landscaping, walking tracks and park furniture for people and wildlife to enjoy. More than 115,000 plants have been added to the reserve.

Our support for this project is part of our ongoing work to make regional Victoria an even better place to live, work, stay, experience, invest and study.

Images courtesy of Wellington Shire Council.