New ‘Bug Hotels’ developed along Kororoit Creek

There’s a hotel construction boom taking place along a stretch of Kororoit Creek in Sunshine West.

These hotels won’t be filled with people. Rather they are being created specifically for bugs  by local environmental group Friends of Kororoit Creek!

Artist Mike Nicholls has been carving out these `bug hotels’ from logs donated by Development Victoria that were removed from the nearby LUMA residential development in Sunshine North.

These `bug hotels’ are crafted to provide a haven for insects and smaller animals where they can seek shelter and avoid predators.

Friends of Kororoit Creek President Jessica Gerger said the `bug hotels’ are designed to create a habitat which encourages bugs to shelter, nest and pollinate within the area along the creek.

“These bug hotels will be right at home as part of our ‘Bug Rug’ project which aims to encourage biodiversity along the banks of the creek trough local wildlife and insects,” Ms Gerger said.

The 15 logs which have been fashioned into the ‘bug hotels’ were from trees removed by Development Victoria to allow for civil works at its LUMA development. Construction of homes in the first stage of the development is due to begin later this year.

The leftover tree debris have also been mulched to be spread around the bug hotels and garden beds at the nearby Bug Rug.

Development Victoria’s Group Head, Housing, Penny Forrest is delighted the Friends of Kororoit Creek has been able to repurpose the trees for the benefit the creek’s environment.

“I am so pleased we could contribute to Friends of Kororoit Creek’s wonderful ‘Bug Rug’ project by providing a haven for local bugs for years to come.

“Where possible we try to avoid tree removal as part of our developments. We always work with local councils to ensure we have approved permits if removal is required and develop a plan to assess ways we can reuse trees.

“We are always happy to provide local community groups logs for conservation purposes if requested and if trees are unable to be used.”

LUMA is a new neighbourhood being developed on the former City West Water site in Sunshine North. When complete it will feature approximately 300 homes surrounded by green spaces and close to Sunshine Hospital and the Victoria University campus.

The development will deliver sustainable and affordable housing opportunities for individuals, couples and families, with all homes in Stage 1 now sold and Stage 2 sales opening in early 2024. Visit our LUMA project page to learn more.