A conservation project is aiming to enhance the connectivity and health of important ecosystems across the Gippsland Red Gum Plains.
This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
The project focuses on the Gippsland Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands Threatened Ecological Communities, which exist across private and public land. The Redgum Grassy Woodlands and the Seasonal herbaceous wetlands provide important habitats for a variety of rare and threatened flora and fauna.
The Moormurng and Bengworden Reserves, the key focus areas of the project, are home to some of the largest remaining patches of these ecosystems. The project has been shaped through extensive consultation with partners who will also assist in undertaking work including Gunaikurnai, community groups, non-Government organisations, and land management agencies.
Endangered under the EPBC Act (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999), the Dwarf Kerrawang will benefit from the conservation work as the focus of the project is on existing remnant patches of the woodlands and wetlands, where this species is found. Works will include habitat condition surveys, restoration activities and targeted interventions to address specific threats to biodiversity.
The project will address major threats including invasive weed species control, covenanting private land with the assistance of landholders, revegetation including direct seeding and supplementary planting, and fire management activities. All efforts are in line with the latest conservation advice for Threatened Ecological Communities.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to these areas,” said Bec Hemming, CEO of the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. “By joining forces, we can protect and rejuvenate these unique landscapes.”
