Upper Bellinger River Aquatic & Terrestrial Habitat Connections
Upper Bellinger River Aquatic & Terrestrial Habitat Connections
Engaging landholders and the community in improving Lowland Subtropical Rainforest riparian vegetation as vital habitat for threatened species
Local Links - Stronger Communities -
LLCI033-009
The issue
Extensive land clearing, gravel extraction, weed invasion and stock impacts which have accelerated riparian zone erosion and the loss of Lowland Subtropical Rainforest endangered ecological community. Subsequent widening and shallowing of the river has degraded habitat for the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle. Ecological degradation has also negatively impacted habitat for Grey-headed Flying-foxes, Giant Barred Frog and Rose-crowned Fruit-doves amongst other endangered species. The reduction in overhanging riparian vegetation has resulted in reduced in stream windfall and debris leading to a decline in turtle habitat and food sources including aquatic macroinvertebrates. The opening of the riparian zone and watercourses has also resulted in greater levels of sedimentation and solar radiation which also impact river health and habitat quality.
The solution
Working in the upper catchment the project running during 2019-21 is engaging landholders in site assessments and formulating work plans to build their ownership of outcomes and commitment to long term site maintenance. Landholders are being supported to undertake on ground works to improve vegetation and habitat condition. Landholder workshops focus on best practice riparian management and contribute to greater understanding of river dynamics and the role of riparian vegetation in improved river structure, water quality and biodiversity outcomes. School workshops will be delivered by a local Gumbaynggirr Elder to instill respect for local indigenous knowledge and an appreciation of natural resource values. Media releases and publicity promote community understanding of our reliance on ecosystem services provided by the river system. In May 2019 a community planting day was held at a key site involving 18 people in planting 100 local provenance plant stock. In October 2019 a bush regeneration workshop was attended by 17 people and included information about non chemical bush regeneration techniques.
The impact
Landholder ownership of outcomes is being enhanced through a process which builds upon their local knowledge combined with the technical expertise of project partners.
• planning and implementation of on ground works on at least ten sites
• best practice bush regeneration over a minimum 6km stream length and 8ha area
• revegetation with local provenance plant species where required
• stock management where required
• workshops and field days
Progress towards an identified target vegetation condition is being mapped to measure the contribution of reach scale improvements to biodiversity conservation at the landscape scale. The project contributes to increased habitat connectivity, in stream habitat complexity, shading of the river channel to maintain cooler water temperatures and will inject historical food sources for aquatic fauna including windfall insects, fruits, flowers and leaves.
Key facts
- Regenerating precious riparian Lowland Subtropical Rainforest EEC
- Improving habitat for at least 5 threatened species
- Delivering targeted landholder, community and school workshops
- Wider media campaign initiated