Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation 2016–17 grants awarded and project summaries

Australian River Restoration Centre Limited

Rivers of Carbon: Yass River linkages stage 2 – $99,954

Rivers of Carbon (RoC): Yass River linkages stage 2, builds on the work of the successful RoC: Yass River linkages stage 1 project completed in June 2016. The awareness raised and community support generated through RoC: Yass River linkages has led to more people wanting to be involved in restoring their stretch of the Yass River for fish and wildlife habitat. Yass is an important water supply catchment, and RoC focuses on reducing sedimentation, regenerating structurally complex riparian vegetation, and boosting biodiversity. With an engagement approach targeting fish habitat, this project will continue to work with NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries to conduct fish surveys and examine the possibilities of bringing native species formerly found in the Yass River, back into the waterway. Other project partners will be the Yass area network of Landcare, Greening Australia, Local Land Services, landholders, and the broader community.

Australian River Restoration Centre

Rivers of Carbon: Burra banks, bush and biodiversity – $99,954

Rivers of Carbon: Burra, builds on the work of the successful large-scale Rivers of Carbon initiative (www.riversofcarbon.org.au), a proven model that focuses on connecting and linking riparian rehabilitation projects and remnant vegetation. Rivers of Carbon: Burra is being developed in response to a community identified need to address soil loss, sedimentation, fragmentation of remnant vegetation and lack of riparian connectivity in this important water supply catchment. Activities will include fencing and revegetating riparian areas, strategic erosion control works to improve water quality, and linking wildlife habitat. The project will be carried out in partnership with the Molonglo Catchment Group, Greening Australia, South East Local Land Services, landholders, and the broader community. It also complements 2 other important initiatives in the region that focus on community engagement.

Barragal Landcare Group Inc.

Restoring Shale Hill woodland in Barragal Lagoon catchment – $99,060

This project builds on the achievements of the Barragal Landcare group to restore endangered Cumberland Plain woodland on Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) near Menangle, NSW. The Landcare volunteers and EMAI Management have demonstrated a commitment to remove African olive, which is listed as a key threat to significant remnants of Shale Hill woodland and other Cumberland Plain vegetation communities present on EMAI. This new project will engage bush-regeneration contractors to undertake primary control of the remaining stand of African olives in Barragal Lagoon catchment. The project will target olive regrowth in the catchment and assess treatment options for tiger pear, which is emerging as a new threat to endangered plant communities on EMAI. The Landcare group will continue to grow volunteer capacity by attracting new members from EMAI staff and the community.

Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group Inc.

Enhancing remnants, linkages and corridors across the Big Scrub – $100,000

This project will convert mixed stands of camphor laurel and rainforest to patches of lowland subtropical rainforest at strategic locations, to expand the area of remnants and improve the linkages between remnants. It will enhance connectivity across the Big Scrub landscape and contribute significantly to the restoration of critically endangered lowland rainforest of subtropical Australia (CELRSA). Conversion involves the progressive removal of camphor laurels and ongoing control of camphor and other weeds to facilitate natural regeneration of rainforest, which at some sites may be supplemented by planting. Digital mapping, vegetation mapping and a landholder survey will be used to assist prioritisation of potential sites, supplemented by site conservation and connectivity values, site contribution to project targets and landholder commitment. This project will build on Big Scrub Landcare’s previous highly successful project to convert mixed camphor laurel/rainforest patches to rainforest.

Boorowa Community Landcare Group Inc.

Creating land and water connections for Superb Parrots and Pygmy Perch – $95,601

This project will create a series of White Box Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum revegetation corridors totalling 43 hectares across 7 landholdings that will complement the existing endangered White Box Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum Woodlands within the Pudman Creek catchment. Aquatic plants will be planted in Pudman Creek catchment waterways to provide additional protection for the Pygmy Perch and habitat for their food source. A community awareness day discussing the attributes and benefits of Box Gum Grassy Woodlands, native birds and the requirements of a healthy Southern Pygmy Perch native fish population will be held at the beginning of the project. School and community engagement through growing and planting native and aquatic plants will be undertaken.

Bowning-Bookham Districts Landcare Inc.

Habitat hops from Burrinjuck to Bango, stages 1 to 3 – $99,650

The purpose of the Habitat Hops project is to establish 30–50 ‘habitat hops’ (tree plots) as the initial steps towards a habitat zone between Burrinjuck to Bango in South East NSW. The project is led by the Bowning and Bookham District Landcare Group and is intended to work closely with landholders to re-establish habitat in the predominantly cleared landscape and to protect remnants of box-gum woodland. At least 10 landholders have expressed interest in the project and identified potential locations for tree plots. These 10 properties will be the focus of Stage 1 field days will be held to expand the number of landholders involved in stages 2 and 3. This project is led by a dynamic and reliable group that is ‘shovel-ready’ and will make a positive contribution to the environment and local communities.

Brunswick Valley Landcare Inc.

Simpsons Creek Koala Corridor: restore, enhance and connect, stage 1 – $94,400

This is a riparian restoration project to protect 1.2 kilometres of Simpsons Creek, enhance the 6-hectare creek koala corridor and restore 3 hectares of Swamp Sclerophyll Forest. The koala corridor will be enhanced by removing weeds and the strategic planting of koala food trees within the existing remnant of sub-tropical coastal swamp forest. Fencing the creek on both sides and providing an off-stream water trough will exclude cattle from the remnant, and erosion control measures will be undertaken to repair damage to creek banks. The 3 hectares of Swamp Sclerophyll Forest will be restored through the removal of invasive weeds.

Bush Heritage Australia

Restoration of threatened grasslands at Scottsdale Reserve, Bredbo – $93,546

The project will restore areas of the critically endangered ecological community Natural Temperate Grassland to Scottsdale Reserve, NSW. The restored areas will provide habitat suitable for future reintroductions of threatened grassland fauna such as the striped legless lizard, and for a range of threatened forbs (herbaceous flowering plants). The community will be involved through collection of a diverse array of native forb and grass seed, in monitoring grassland restoration, and through field days. This will increase awareness and understanding of the threatened grassland ecological community and associated fauna, and will also improve the community’s capacity to identify and manage the flora and fauna.

Central Tablelands Landcare Inc.

Planned woodland pathways: connecting our endangered communities – $99,241

This project builds on from previous woodland revegetation projects in the Central Tablelands Landcare district. The project will focus on the creation of pathways to connect our grassy woodland remnants at a property scale. It covers not only the revegetation of grassy woodlands around isolated habitat trees, but also the planting of ‘paddock triangles’ to strategically connect remnant grassy woodlands on a property scale. The revegetation project will be supported with the undertaking of wildlife surveys (bird surveys and wildlife camera monitoring) to assist individual landholders to develop biodiversity plans for their properties. These biodiversity plans will be used to not only locate the best location for the planting undertaken in this project but will also develop a 10-year plan for further planting locations, designs and costings for each property into the future. A series of workshops will also promote our endangered woodlands and our local wildlife to the broader community.

EnviTE Inc.

Dorrigo World Heritage Area ecological restoration – $100,000

Bush regenerators will restore critically endangered lowland rainforest and habitat for threatened plant and animal species in the Gondwana World Heritage Area of Dorrigo National Park and surrounds. Restoration works will be implemented at 3 sites in Dorrigo National Park and Dangar Falls Reserve. Vegetation communities also include Antarctic Beech, Cool Temperate Rainforest, Port Jackson Cyprus woodland and Temperate Rainforest. Weed infestation, including small-leaved privet, Japanese honeysuckle, lantana and camphor laurel, is degrading native plant communities and limiting regeneration. Around 140,000 people visit the reserves annually. Locals and visitors will be able to participate and learn through field days which demonstrate the conservation significance of the area and develop awareness of the need to manage threats such as weeds.

EnviTE Inc.

Restoring and connecting rainforest habitat in Wanganui Gorge, stage 1 – $100,000

Bush regenerators will restore critically endangered lowland subtropical rainforest in Wanganui Gorge (north) linking Nightcap World Heritage area and Goonengerry National Park. Located in a narrow gorge between the parks the area is a significant wildlife and identified climate change corridor. The site provides habitat for 28 threatened species. Implementation of systematic bush regeneration works will stimulate natural rainforest regeneration in this highly resilient site with benefits for the health and connectivity of flora and fauna habitat. Replacing extensive areas of lantana with rainforest in this corridor will enhance resilience to climate change and other threats. Weeds, particularly lantana, are restricting natural regeneration and growth of native species. Field days will showcase restoration works and develop community awareness of the significance of the area and how to manage threats posed by weeds.

Goonengerry Landcare Group Inc.

Goonengerry Landcare’s restoration and rehabilitation project 2017 – $92,450

This project aims to expand on the previous significant and successful restoration of wildlife corridors, connecting multiple National Parks and Nature Reserves near Goonengerry, North East NSW. These corridors are essential for the recovery of the 47 threatened and endangered species occurring with the project area. Weed control will be carried out to reduce threats posed by invasive woody weeds which dominate large tracts of land, which will be converted into sub-tropical rainforest, improving forest structure, biodiversity and habitat values. This project compliments multiple other private and Government funded projects within the greater project area by connecting, enhancing, expanding, buffering and consolidating these previous and current projects.

Hunter Wetland Centre Australia

Restoring wetland EECs and protecting threatened waterbirds – $91,639

This project will restore 3 hectares with 2 Endangered Ecological Communities of Freshwater Wetland and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest in a coastal Ramsar wetland, through weeding plus propagation and revegetation with 9000 tubestock plants. The project will increase foraging habitat for vulnerable Magpie Goose, and reduce weed infestation of endangered Australasian Bittern habitat in a key coastal refuge in the Hunter Estuary. Revegetation will expand the area of endangered waterplant Zannichellia palustris. Control of foxes and feral cats through baiting, trapping and shooting will reduce predation upon these threatened waterbirds, and provide a coastal nesting refuge for 4 species of egrets.

Inland Waters Rejuvenation Association

Returning flow to the Barren Narran – $59,848

Inland Waters Rejuvenation Association in collaboration with NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries are restoring fish passage at Bil Bil Weir on the Narran River. The complete removal of Bil Bil Weir will return fish passage to 45.9 kilometres of important fish habitat. Fish passage is not regularly available at the site with fish only able to pass the structure during high flows. Restored fish passage at the site will benefit native fish populations with an increased ability to move through the system and utilise key habitats for reproduction and survival. Work will be carried out with assistance from NSW DPI, Western Local Land Services, and Sydney Aquarium.

Jaliigirr Biodiversity Alliance Inc.

Jaliigirr koala habitat restoration: Hydes Creek to Bongil Bongil – $99,500

This project will improve the condition and connectivity of 90 hectares of core koala habitat through works across 9 priority sites. Work will take place within the Hydes Creek Community private lands, Pine Creek State Forest, and boundary with Bongil Bongil National Park. This area has been identified nationally as one of the most critically important to maintain koala population viability within the region. Jaliigirr partners will deliver activities that achieve habitat restoration, riparian zone recovery and canopy enhancement to secure long-term food source and connectivity for koalas. Community participation will be encouraged to identify signs of koala presence, key food trees, and key threats.

Landcare Illawarra Inc.

Reconstructing EECs in Illawarra farmscapes – $99,995

Landcare Illawarra will partner with rural property owners to reconstruct endangered ecological communities on their farms, and establish new plantings to support remnant vegetation on rural properties. Plantings in paddocks will take place to provide wildlife habitat and corridors connecting remnant vegetation. 12,000 plants will be distributed, and local seed collections to enhance the genetic diversity of planted species populations will take place. The seed collections will draw upon the back-up and support of the network of rural residents that Landcare Illawarra has developed in the last 7 years. Plantings will be monitored to ensure that kikuyu incursion or other weed threats are managed.

Michelago and District Landcare Group Inc.

Building habitat linkages for woodland birds on the Monaro – $52,676

This project will provide habitat for small birds within the Michelago valley, in a landscape that has been largely cleared of trees, with only remnant woody vegetation remaining on the surrounding hills. With the cooperation of 10 landholders, Michelago and District Landcare Group will connect remnant vegetation and other small bird habitat (such as gardens around homesteads) by fencing off existing pasture then planting shrubs and trees across the valley from southeast to northwest, parallel to Tinderry Road. Planting will continue across the hill down towards Michelago Road which follows the creek, with trees and shrubs to be planted along 1.2 kilometres of the creek’s riparian zone.

Molonglo Catchment Group Inc.

Wandiyali banks to bush riparian linkages project – $74,920

Wandiyali is a property managed for conservation. It is the centrepiece of a cluster of 4 properties, all with significant environmental values including the threatened ecological community Box Gum Woodlands, and a number of threatened and vulnerable species. However, the Jerrabomberra Creek, which runs through these properties, needs rehabilitation to manage threats to biodiversity. These threats include stock access and a minor willow infestation which threatens to worsen if stock are removed. Canopy species need to be reinstated to improve the riparian corridor. The Jerrabomberra Creek in this area has very good recovery potential with some minor intervention activities. This project also links with initiatives that have been (and are being) carried out upstream and downstream by landholders, Landcare, Catchment Groups and Council.

Murrumbidgee Landcare Association Inc.

More than just pretty trees: restoring native habitat on Junee farms – $100,000

Native vegetation in the Junee region has been extensively cleared, with remaining vegetation existing primarily in fragmented remnants. The increasing scale of cropping operations in the region poses an ongoing threat to the limited remaining vegetation. Rehabilitating habitat on farms in this region for endangered woodland birds and other fauna is a critical priority, to prevent further population decline. This project will support landholders to restore and regenerate native habitat, targeting landscape-scale connectivity, while balancing production needs. It will also focus strongly on educating landholders and the wider community of the importance of native vegetation in cropping landscapes.

Nambucca Valley Landcare Inc.

Protecting threatened ecological communities of northern Nambucca – $95,256

The Swamp Sclerophyll, Coastal Salt Marsh, and developing Littoral Rainforest of northern Nambucca Heads are superb representatives of these rare and endangered ecological communities. They are diverse, mature, and have not been degraded by extensive clearing, grazing or bushfires, however these ecosystems are now under threat from serious invasive plant species. This project will harness the combined experience of Landcare, Nambucca Shire Weed Office, NSW NPWS Rangers and the community to conserve, restore and ensure the future health of these high conservation value ecosystems through strategic weed management and controlled access. The project will also seek to educate the community of the importance of these unique ecosystems, promoting positive behavioural change and increasing capacity through training and participation.

Shoalhaven Landcare Association Inc.

Reintroduction of Stuttering Frog to Cambewarra Range – $81,055

This project aims to reintroduce a self-sustaining population of a locally extinct species, the Stuttering Frog, to Cambewarra Range. To support the reintroduction, conservation actions will include captive breeding, revegetation to facilitate habitat connectivity, education, feral animal and weed control and long-term monitoring. The goal is to have a self-sustaining and expanding population of the frog to help restore the ecology of the region. The actions will benefit many species, including the brush-tailed rock wallaby, koala, large forest owls, tiger quoll and golden-tipped bat, and are intended to assist these species persist in the wild. These objectives are aligned with both national and state recovery plans. Field days and web postings will promote the project and actions.

Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS)

Healing old wounds: restoring Posidonia australis in mooring scars – $95,954.00

This project will use recent innovations in seagrass restoration to revegetate Posidonia australis in boat-mooring scars in Port Stephens, where environmentally friendly moorings have recently been installed. Donor seagrass shoots will be collected by ‘citizen scientists’ following large storms, which result in detached seagrass being washed up along beaches. This will avoid exacerbating damage to existing Posidonia australis meadows while also engaging local communities in restoration. A science communication campaign will raise awareness about the importance of seagrass meadows and the benefits of environmentally friendly moorings. Project knowledge will be transferred to volunteer groups to facilitate Posidonia australis restoration in other NSW estuaries.

Tweed Landcare Inc.

Protecting and restoring biodiversity at Bilambil Creek – $40,460

The project aims to continue the protection and restoration of biodiversity on public land sites at Bilambil Creek. A tributary of Bilambil Creek flows through steep gullies to join at the tidal limit and is important terrestrial fauna and fish habitat. Though dominated by camphor laurel, the vegetation contains many threatened flora species and provides habitat for threatened fauna. Woody-weed control and planting of cleared areas will restore biodiversity and habitat, and contribute to the ongoing rehabilitation of this ecologically important part of the Tweed estuarine ecosystem.

Tweed Landcare Inc.

Filling biodiversity gaps connecting Tweed coast to border ranges 3 – $100,000

‘Filling biodiversity gaps’ is a continuing project which aims to connect, expand and maintain the high diversity of flora and fauna, including threatened species, within Tweed Shire. Project properties are selected by location, and may be within a corridor, link to National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) reserves, or complement properties included in previous projects, and have interested and supportive landholders. The properties selected in this project are located adjacent to Mt Warning National Park, Limpinwood Nature Reserve and Mebbin National Park. The project continues to build on the corridors/subcatchment planning and implementation begun in 2009 by North Coast Local Land Services, and supported by NPWS, Tweed Shire Council, Landcare and the community.

Upper Clarence Combined Landcare Inc.

Restoring Upper Clarence floodplain wetlands: stage 1, Tabulam – $99,970

The largest wetland in the Upper Clarence is degraded by siltation from upstream gully erosion, grazing, feral animals and weeds, and vegetation decline. The site has high conservation values and cultural significance to the local Aboriginal community. It provides habitat for the black necked stork and other threatened species. Based on plans developed with the landholder and in consultation with Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council, the project aims to address erosion and siltation; establish sustainable hydrology and improved water quality; plant 20,000 local native species; enhance land and aquatic habitat through placement of large woody debris; and control stock access, feral animals and weeds on the 55-hectare site near Tabulam. The project will support system natural resilience, and maintain Aboriginal cultural values. Site surveys and monitoring will measure improvement in condition and sustainability from the current state.

* This funding has been withdrawn/declined.

Albury City Council

Wagirra Trail Murray River restoration project – $100,000

Wagirra is a Wiradjuri word meaning ‘to step on the ground’. The Wagirra Trail Murray River Restoration Project will connect the Albury community, local Aboriginal community and visitors to the region both physically and metaphorically with the Murray River. Construction of the 14-kilometre Wagirra Trail (a walking and cycling trail) will coincide with exclusion of livestock from 12 kilometres of Murray River frontage. Weed control and re-vegetation activities will provide major improvement to water quality in the Murray River. This work will be conducted by the Wagirra Trail Team who are an all-Aboriginal land management and construction team.

Ballina Shire Council

Reinstating coastal EEC and protecting a cultural site, East Ballina – $98,500

The project will reinstate 2.8 hectares of coastal endangered ecological communities (EEC) on previously cleared and degraded Ballina Council land adjacent to North Creek Estuary. These restoration works will also improve the cultural values associated with East Ballina registered Aboriginal Place. Revegetation will reinstate 1.2 hectares of swamp oak forest and subtropical lowland rainforest’ and 1.6 hectares of surrounding remnant coastal EEC will be restored through bush regeneration. The project will engage Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council, volunteers and the wider community in on-ground works to raise awareness of coastal EEC conservation and the cultural values of the region.

Bellingen Shire Council

Restoring public reserves of the Never Never, Gleniffer: stage 1 – $100,000

Bellingen Shire Council and Never Never Catchment Group will work in partnership to protect and enhance 1.6 hectares of riparian zone within Earl Preston Reserve adjacent to the Never Never River and Timboon Road, Gleniffer. Vegetation includes an endangered ecological community, which is threatened by invasive plants, as well as compaction from stock and vehicle access. Mature weed trees will be removed and mulched, juvenile weeds will be managed and the width of the riparian zone will be increased by revegetation and fencing. This will improve the stability of the eroding river bank and complement rehabilitation on the opposite river bank. Stock and vehicle access will be controlled by fencing and large rocks. Community working bees, interpretive signs and media articles will provide an opportunity to involve the local community and to raise awareness of local environmental assets, riparian rehabilitation techniques and priorities in Council’s Gleniffer Reserves Master Plan.

Blayney Shire Council

Revive 2: rehabilitation of the Belubula River at Danvers Street, Carcoar – $54,265

This project aims to improve the riparian environment of the Belubula River at Danvers Street, Carcoar. The river is completely choked with debris from willow and poplar tree species. There is significant weed infestation of the other reaches of the river tributaries of willow, privet and blackberry. A log jam of exotic timber is causing the river to divert from the natural water course: at times of heavy flow the river damages surrounding properties and infrastructure, including roads, and the downstream environment. Blayney Shire Council, Carcoar Show Society and the Carcoar Urban Landcare Group are partnering to improve both the riparian and in stream habitats by clearing weeds that are choking the river with exotic debris. Introduced species such as willow that are altering the amount of organic debris in the river will be removed. Community groups will work together to clear the instream debris and plant native timber snags, remove woody weeds from the banks and replant appropriate native and endemic riparian species. Nest boxes will be placed in established trees, increasing the biodiversity of the area and encouraging native wildlife back to the river environs.

Byron Shire Council

Byron habitat corridors: ensuring a future for threatened fauna – $99,850

This project will link 10 hectares of native habitat to form a corridor for threatened fauna across the Byron Shire landscape. The project will focus on rebuilding sclerophyll forest ecosystems for koalas following the newly adopted Byron Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management. Landscape-scale connections between existing forest patches will be a focus for the restoration using riparian areas, wetlands and creek lines to provide habitat for the many species using these natural environments. This project follows the model of the successful Tweed Byron Koala Connections project. A strong focus of the project is inclusion of landowners who are keen to manage their land for long term threatened species protection leading by example. Through a partnership with the Homeward Bound team the project will provide workshops to build strong environmental leadership in the community.

Canterbury-Bankstown Council

Post-flooding restoration in Deepwater Park – $61,860

Deepwater Reserve is a major conservation node along the Georges River biodiversity corridor with at least 3 endangered ecological communities and a population of Acacia pubescens (vulnerable). Recent flooding had major impacts including the spread of weed propagules into previously healthy areas and the death of groundcovers in low-lying areas where inundation persisted, leaving bare areas prone to weed colonisation. This project will protect the areas richest in species diversity by removing these colonisers to prevent them becoming established and reduce threats at degraded edges. In low-lying areas, native species tolerant of periodic flooding will be re-established and maintained.

Fairfield City Council

Creating habitat corridors along Green Valley Creek, Mount Pritchard – $86,750

Cumberland Plain woodland is listed as a critically endangered vegetation community with only 8% of the original cover left in the Sydney Bioregion. This project will be focus on improving the biodiversity and connectivity within a section of Green Valley Creek which forms part of the Cumberland Plain. The project will rehabilitate 5 hectares of the upper reaches of Green Valley Creek that have been impacted by dense urban development near waterways. Work will be carried out to improve and enhance in-stream geomorphic diversity, riparian corridor biodiversity and improve the water quality within and entering the water course. Infestations of woody and environmental weeds will be removed, riparian frontage planted and the banks stabilised, and 35,000 new native plants will be established to contribute to improving the micro-climates for fauna diversity. Opportunities for community education and participation will be provided through educational workshops and implementation in a vegetation monitoring program.

Federation University

Enhancing habitat values for threatened species on Nanya Station – $99,804

The project will address threats to vulnerable communities and species on Nanya Station. Rehabilitation strategies will include: reduction of total grazing pressure through closure of water points and rabbit/goat control; control of fox/cat populations; increasing tree and shrub cover though seeding and ripping to promote suckering; retention of litter, log debris, understorey shrubs and healthy Triodia; application of suitable fire management plans; determining ecological requirements of species with regard to fire. Public awareness will be raised through workshops, volunteerism and guides to assist neighbours to undertake actions to enhance habitat. Federation University is well placed to undertake this program with ecological expertise and a record of successful conservation management through ownership of Nanya and Euston Stations. Monitoring will assess improvements in values through the project.

Hunter Councils Inc.

Conservation of Hunter Valley Weeping Myall Woodland Stage 2 – $79,230

In collaboration with Singleton Council, state agencies, land owners, and community groups, the project will deliver on ground restoration works in the Jerry’s Plains area to consolidate, protect, expand and improve connectivity between fragmented, remnant populations of federally listed critically endangered Hunter Valley Weeping Myall Woodland. This will include weed control and fencing to encourage natural regeneration and reduce the impact of key threatening processes. The location of newly identified remnants will be mapped and a management strategy developed for the Upper Hunter to drive long-term collaborative efforts to conserve this community across the diverse locations and land tenures on which it is located, directly contributing to the delivery of the Hunter Valley Weeping Myall National Recovery Plan.

Hunter Councils Inc.

Valleys wildlife corridor project in the Upper Hunter, stage 1 – $97,178

Through long-term partnerships and collaboration with Martindale Landcare, state agencies, land owners, and local council, the project will deliver part of a broader 10-year strategic objective to establish fauna habitat linkages, protect and enhance critical biodiversity values across the Giants Creek to Jerry’s Plains corridor. This aims to reduce the threat of habitat degradation and fragmentation by improving regional interconnectedness, create and maintain important retreat and movement corridors for threatened species including the speckled warbler, hooded robin, squirrel gliders and brush-tailed rock wallabies ensuring long-term survival. Stage 1 project activities will be undertaken in the Martindale Valley to improve connectivity of fragmented habitats through restoration planting, fencing and weed control. This will encourage an increase in the number of potential connections and inter linkages to contiguous bushland areas.

Ku-ring-gai Council

Duffys Forest endangered ecological community remnant consolidation – $63,500

This project seeks to restore, consolidate and connect 1.3 hectares of fragmented and degraded Duffy Forest endangered ecological community (DFEC) remnants at the St Ives Showground, in partnership with the Australian Native Plant Society, STEP and the St Ives Showground Trust. The St Ives Showground area contains one of the largest northern most extents of DFEC outside the reserve system and adjoins bushland that is contiguous with Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This rare oxide-rich soil derived ridge-top community is fast disappearing from its highly restricted distribution. This project will seek to increase awareness by providing environmental interpretation to the more than 180,000 people who visit the St Ives Showgrounds each year.

Ku-ring-gai Council

Restoration of Warrimoo Coastal upland swamp endangered ecological community – $69,043

Restoration of Warrimoo Coastal Upland Swamp endangered ecological community will involve a series of works at the former Warrimoo downhill mountain biking track to restore the Coastal Upland Swamp endangered ecological community. These works will include fencing of tracks to prevent access to sensitive areas, removal of unauthorised mountain bike infrastructure and rehabilitation of tracks, management of runoff from nearby council infrastructure, weeding and regeneration works, community education and monitoring.

Lane Cove Municipal Council

Batten Reserve: restore endangered vegetation and create habitat – $91,255

The aim of this project is to protect and restore the endangered ecological communities and enhance the integrity of Batten Reserve as a wildlife corridor through bush regeneration and habitat-creation works. These bush regeneration works will support the Stringybark Creek Bushcare group which was established in 1994. Several wildlife boxes will be installed to protect and enhance habitat (such as hollow-bearing trees and understorey species). Work will commence in the Coastal Escarpment Littoral Rainforest endangered ecological community along the creek line and eastern end, then working upslope towards the weed infested edges behind the houses that back onto Batten Reserve. This will improve the health of the vegetation communities by allowing them to colonise from the edges, and reduce the weed source from higher on the slopes.

Lismore City Council

Assisting rural landholders to restore high conservation value areas – $100,000

This project will expand on a highly successful pilot of council’s Rural Landholder Initiative, which is a rural landholder capacity building project aimed at enhancing and protecting areas of high conservation value on private rural land. The 12-month pilot, run in 2015–16, combined on-ground environmental restoration, field days and development of key education materials. This project will expand on this by engaging 40 new landholders in major rural land-uses to restore sites that demonstrate high conversation value. Funding will deliver on-ground works and 10 capacity building field days at the restoration sites utilising educational resources developed during the pilot and providing expert advice from industry professionals.

Mid-Coast Council

Restore the core: littoral rainforest endangered ecological community restoration project – $69,212

This project addresses degradation of sensitive littoral rainforest endangered ecological communities (EEC) of the Mid-Coast Council local-government area coastline. This degradation is a direct result of established and emerging invasive weed threats. The systems include the Blackhead/Redhead Headland and Diamond Beach Littoral Rainforest EEC. The target weeds include Weeds of National Significance (bitou bush, asparagus species, lantana, madeira vine) and other invasive weeds (mother of millions, passionfruit vine, Easter cassia, Brazilian nightshade and cape ivy).

Mid-Coast Council

Protecting and enhancing squirrel glider habitat in urban Forster – $92,800

This project aims to protect and enhance 53 hectares of core squirrel glider habitat in Forster, on the mid north coast of NSW. These urban bushland reserves support a genetically unique and geographically isolated population of squirrel gliders, and at least 5 other threatened animal species, 3 threatened plant species and 2 endangered ecological communities. The program will deliver strategic and targeted on-ground actions to mitigate key threats, such as weed invasion, predation and habitat degradation. A comprehensive community engagement program will supplement on-ground works with a vision to use the squirrel glider as a flagship species for forest conservation.

Mid-Western Regional Council

Putta Bucca wetlands extension – $89,250

This project involves the rehabilitation on a decommissioned landfill site and sewerage treatment plant outlet pond to extend Putta Bucca Wetlands Reserve, an extremely valuable wetland located on the outskirts of Mudgee. The project will involve remediation of the outlet pond and installation of drainage, and revegetation with wetland and endangered ecological community vegetation. The project will also involve weed control, construction of a further one kilometre of walking track and installation of interpretative signs.

Murray Local Land Services

Habitat enhancement for threatened squirrel gliders in Burrumbuttock – $99,500

Squirrel gliders are classed as vulnerable in NSW due to habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation. The loss of large old trees, which provide nesting hollows and important food resources, is of particular concern. Burrumbuttock Squirrel Gliders have been identified as a significant population for conservation. Murray Local Land Service is delivering the Burrumbuttock Squirrel Glider Local Area Management Plan (LAMP) in collaboration with agency and community partners, to secure the long-term viability of this population. This proposal adds value to the LAMP, aiming to enhance grassy box woodland habitat patches to improve suitability for squirrel gliders and other woodland fauna by installing nest boxes, planting and/or installation of tree guards to protect paddock trees, pruning and ecological thinning of historical revegetation sites and selective introduction of individual food resource trees to existing remnants or revegetation sites.

Murray Local Land Services

Protecting the riparian zones of the Edward-Wakool river system – $99,300

The project will work with local landholders, community groups and relevant government agencies to construct permanent stock proof fencing to protect and enhance the aquatic flora and riparian vegetation and in-stream habitat within the permanent creeks and rivers of the Edward-Wakool system. The long-term objective is to increase system biodiversity and native fish populations. Site selection will be strategically planned to enhance continuity of riparian vegetation, build on past works and add-value to environmental watering of these streams. Land managers will commit to 10-year management agreements to secure long-term outcomes.

Northern Beaches Council

Restoring our coastal headland ecosystems – Stage 2 – $100,000

This project will increase, sustain and expand further on previous ecological restoration of 5 connected headland reserves that include 2 endangered ecological communities (EECs). Northern Beaches Council will apply assisted restoration and natural regeneration attention to the headlands’ bushland vegetation, particularly to Themeda Grassland EEC and Littoral Rainforest EEC which will effectively strengthen and bolster their respective distribution. These works will lessen the effects of fragmentation and link fragments to a major corridor. This project aims to restore additional areas and link those already under restoration from previous works funded by the Environmental Trust, and keep these iconic headland ecosystems healthy and viable, well into the future.

Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council

Keeping an eye on Ox-eye Daisy in South East NSW – $88,300

Ox-eye Daisy (OED) is a serious environmental weed in 40 countries worldwide. A major outbreak of this weed in Kosciuszko National Park recently has focused attention on OED in South East NSW, where isolated infestations have increased noticeably over the past few years. Because OED is a recognised ornamental plant, its weed status is not well known. However, massive seed production, high germination rates and an ability to establish in relatively pristine natural environments and quality pasture mark OED as a high risk weed. This project aims to:

• increase awareness of the risk posed by OED to threatened snow gum woodland and other native vegetation communities
• trial and promote effective control measures
• promote the concept of general biosecurity duty required under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015.

Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust

Western Sydney rainforest rescue – $99,500

The project will ensure the conservation of species diversity from the endangered Western Sydney Dry Rainforest (WSDR) through the establishment of an additional regional conservation reserve and management zone at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. The project will build on existing naturally regenerating WSDR remnants with the collection and incorporation of regionally significant WSDR species from western Sydney which are currently under direct threat of African olive invasion. WSDR species are poorly understood and this project will draw on and contribute to scientific research into seed biology and propagation techniques for WSDR species. This project will combine the ecological management and rainforest plant expertise at the Australian PlantBank to assist the regeneration of these WSDR remnants to create a secure management zone/regional conservation reserve for this EEC where African olive is controlled, and provide a source of seed held at PlantBank for local restoration projects.

Sutherland Shire Council

Track closure and rehabilitation, Lucas Heights conservation area – $40,000

The track closure and rehabilitation project will close and rehabilitate 500 metres of 4WD track in the 100-hectare Lucas Heights conservation area. The track is heavily degraded through prior unauthorised use by 4WD vehicles and motorbikes. The track traverses the habitat of the Environmental Protection of Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999 listed Deane’s Paperbark Melaleuca deanei and the closure and rehabilitation will see that threats to this species are reduced.

Sydney Opera House Trust

Rehabilitation of marine biodiversity at Bennelong Point – $86,442

The Opera House is a building inspired by the harbour setting and nature’s forms, functions and colour. The Opera House’s granite podiums reflect the rocky headlands of Sydney Harbour. Knowledge about the design of artificial headlands to promote and support marine biodiversity has progressed greatly since the building opened over 40 years ago. The Opera House, supported by the University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney, will trial the installation of an underwater hanging fish reef underneath the site to rehabilitate marine biodiversity. This project will implement current research and contribute to the existing research base, improving marine habitat and increasing the number and species of fish around the Opera House. A key component of this project will be community education on the importance of healthy marine ecosystems, and key threats to marine biodiversity. This project is underpinned by the Opera House’s Environmental Sustainability Plan’s objective to enhance and connect to nature.

Western Local Land Services

Lower Darling River riparian rehabilitation: Tandou Station – $100,000

This funding has been withdrawn/declined.

Wingecarribee Shire Council

Three creeks (north bank) rehabilitation project – $100,000

The project will rehabilitate riparian land adjoining the northern side of Gibbergunyah Creek from the old Hume Highway past the Chinamans Creek confluence down to the Ironmines Creek confluence, and a small unnamed tributary. This riparian corridor is Crown waterway adjoining Mt Alexandra Reserve, which is Crown land under council’s care, control and management. Control of the woody weeds (privets and willows) and viny weeds (Japanese honeysuckle and English ivy) infesting the site will help reduce weed seed spread downstream into the Nattai River. The project will also seek to engage landholders adjoining the southern bank in complimentary rehabilitation works.

Wollongong City Council

Restoring the ecological integrity of Wollongong’s dune systems – $100,000

The project seeks to restore and enhance the dune vegetation of seven beaches in the Wollongong local government area. The project will involve management of invasive weeds and installation of native plants to rehabilitate an area of 10 hectares with the aim to restore the natural biodiversity zonation of these dunes and improve their ecological value. A volunteer DuneCare program will develop strong links in the community to improve the general public’s understanding of the role of dunes and vegetation in the coastal environment, and to contribute to the long-term on-going restoration of the dune environment, particularly with Surf Life Saving clubs.