$150,000 Biodiversity Bloom for Glen Innes District Farmers

A $149,998 biodiversity bloom on the way for Glen Innes with landholder Rose Gettens, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, GLENRAC Projects Manager Jenny Coldham and GLENRAC Secretary Tony Corcoran preparing to plant 20,000 native trees and shrubs.

Media Release: The Hon. Adam Marshall MP, Member for Northern Tablelands

GLEN Innes district landholders are dusting off the shovels and gearing up for a tree planting program which will see almost 20,000 native trees and shrub species added to the landscape, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $149,998 State Government Environmental Trust grant for the project, co-ordinated by GLENRAC.

Mr Marshall said the tree-planting effort would cover approximately 35 individual sites, on 12 privately managed farming properties.

“This is a great win for local farmers and the environment,” Mr Marshall said.

“This project will enhance areas of threatened ecological communities, improve the overall health of soils, native fauna and the general landscape for years to come.

“With much of the Glen Innes district having undergone some level of clearing many decades ago, landholders identified the need for more shade and shelter for livestock, and habitat for native birds, animals and beneficial insects.

“Planting of seedlings will occur in spring 2023 and spring 2024. Between now and then landholders will be working on ground preparation and establishing fenced areas to give the seedlings the best chance of success.

“I want to recognise the work GLERAC has done in working with landholders to reverse the decline in native vegetation and work towards a more sustainable farming future.”

GLENRAC CEO Kylie Falconer said the new plantings would provide habitat for flora and fauna species across a fragmented landscape.

“The sites being targeted are in areas of open and exposed landscape, and are particularly in areas which adjoin national reserve,” Ms Falconer said.

“The plant species which will be planted will be those known to be present in two threatened ecological communities - New England Peppermint grassy woodlands and White box-Yellow box-Blakley’s red gum grassy woodlands.

“This project will have an economic flow-on effect into the community, as we utilise Glen Innes region suppliers for materials, and local contractors to assist with planting of seedlings.

“We are really proud that by the end of spring 2024 more than 19,000 natives will have been planted on properties around Glen Innes, boosting biodiversity and reinvigorating this productive part of our region.”

The NSW Environmental Trust Restoration and Rehabilitation program helps organisations protect, conserve and restore landscapes and waterways of importance to local and regional communities.

This year’s grants were targeted at projects supporting the priorities of threatened species recovery and addressing climate change impacts on the natural environment.