SOUTH GIPPSLAND SEED BANK

The South Gippsland Seed Bank has been in operation since 1995.  It collects or purchases seed from local remnants of native vegetation within the South Gippsland area.  Seed is stored within the Seed Bank and sold to plant nurseries or to others undertaking revegetation works.  The main aim of the Seed Bank is to support revegetation works and to help restore vegetation communities from the coast to the forests of the Strzelecki Ranges.
Seed from as many species and geographical locations are obtained and stored in the cool room at the seed bank.  Provenance (origin of parent plant where seed is collected from) is important within our Seed Bank.  Seed batches are carefully labeled to ensure we never lose track of where the seed has originated from.  Where possible, seed is sent to areas for revegetation that are as close to its original point of collection.  Genetic diversity is also encouraged, by ensuring collected seed comes from as many parent plants as is practically possible.
Our seed is collected by a dedicated band of contract collectors and volunteers.  Collectors are not employed by the Seed Bank but supply and sell seed on a contract basis.  Each seed collector is required to have the current permits for collecting seed under the requirements of local and state government bodies.  OH&S issues are always carefully adhered to, so to ensure the safety of our collectors.  If you are interested in collecting seed, do not hesitate to contact the seed bank to see how this can be done.
The South Gippsland Seed Bank sells seed to a large variety of clients.  These include Landcare networks and group members, Vic Roads, Catchment Management Authorities, Greening Australia, Water Authorities , DSE, Plant Nurseries and individual landholders wishing to undertake direct seeding.   Most of the seed is sold to revegetation projects for direct seeding.  The rest is supplied for plant propagation to nurseries or individuals.
Located in the Leongatha Industrial Estate, the South Gippsland Seed Bank is open to the public every Thursday morning between 9:00 and 12:00.  You are most welcome to drop in for a look, volunteer your help or purchase seed at any time on Thursdays.  The manager for the Seed Bank is Geoff Trease.  His days of work are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The contact details for the Seed Bank are as follows:

Manager:    Geoff Trease
Telephone:    (03) 5662 2453 (Tue, Wed, Thu)
Mobile:        0400 746 828
Email:        geofft@wgcma.vic.gov.au

Seed Bank Brochure