TREES will be planted at Bunyip Sanctuary to compensate for the emissions of every car in Cardinia Shire Council’s fleet.

The move is part of a scheme to make the sanctuary an important local weapon in the battle against global warming.

Civic leaders have released a draft master plan guiding future management of the sanctuary, north of the Bunyip township.

A “carbon sink” is one of four designated zones in the sanctuary, each with its own special use.

Cardinia and other councils in the Western Port Greenhouse Alliance propose to use the area as an offset site for their vehicles’ greenhouse emissions.

Other areas will be set aside for conservation, revegetation and a retarding basin.

Residents have welcomed the draft plan. They say it will strike a blow for the environment and help attract tourism in the area.

Bunyip Sanctuary president Alan Cole welcomed the master plan, which will increase the size of the area by almost 100 per cent.

“This will help to develop a bigger, better buffer for wildlife,” Mr Cole said. “It will also mean a lot more walking trails,” Mr Cole said.

“Councillors and shire staff should be commended for taking this initiative.”

Bunyip Ward councillor Bill Pearson said the sanctuary was the result of a lot of hard work by residents.

“It is something of great value and pride in the township,” Cr Pearson said.