Robert Rathbone is the owner of Lois, a property situated in Koondrook, approximately 130km north of Bendigo, Victoria. Originally a piggery, the property is now a dedicated wildlife sanctuary currently undergoing bush rehabilitation. The property’s homestead is also due for renovations to provide accommodation in the future. Robert intends to continue monitoring the growth of the native vegetation whilst supplementary planting in areas of low ground cover. He is also considering filling in one of the property’s dams to create a more diverse habitat for wildlife. Robert is also the owner of WLT property Kadesh.
Lois covers approximately 1.2 hectares and features several dams as well as a canal bordering one side. Situated within a farming area, the property is also close to Gunbower Island, the Murray River and several forested areas. Vegetation largely consists of river red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and box gums interspersed with native willow (Geijera parviflora) and a variety of shrubs.
Prior to its purchase, the property was overrun with African box thorn (Lycium ferocissimum) but with dedicated regeneration efforts it has become a haven for a variety of native species. Those identified include laughing kookaburras (Dacelo novaeguineae), superb fairy wrens (Malurus cyaneus), topknot pigeons (Lopholaimus antarcticus), galahs (Eolophus roseicapilla) and willie wagtails (Rhipidura leucophrys), as well as a wide variety of lizards, frogs and a yet unidentified burrowing animal.