The extension of the Calder Freeway towards Bendigo is a major infrastructure project, passing through significant areas of native vegetation.

Under the Victorian Native Vegetation Framework, impacts on native vegetation must be offset by protected or restored vegetation reserves.

Ecological Associates was engaged to assess parcels of land that may be suitable as offsets in construction work between Kyneton and Ravenswood. This involved comparisons of ecological integrity and diversity, using the Habitat Hectares methodology.