Wildlife Land Trust / Sanctuaries / VIC / Claudia’s Refuge

Claudia Haenel is the owner of a property situated in St Helens Plains, approximately 30km east of Horsham, Victoria. The property is a home and dedicated wildlife sanctuary, also protected in-perpetuity as a reserve under Trust For Nature. Claudia intends to preserve the land as a refuge for wildlife and their habitat, providing protection from shooters and hunters.

The property covers 30.35 hectares and is situated close to the Wimmera River. Vegetation is comprised of a mix of river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) woodland and native grassland. A waterway running through the property is also a protected conservation area, and mining is prohibited across the land and water as a contradictory activity for conservation.

Wildlife is abundant, with over 92 native faunal species spotted on the block.

Recreational activities that interfere with wildlife, habitat and waterway conservation are prohibited, including fishing, boating, camping, canoeing, off-road recreational driving, shooting and establishing bike and walking paths on the property.