Case Study: Protecting habitat through recovery

GLENRAC has recently completed over 2,900ha of weed monitoring and control of Velvety Tree Pear north-west of Glen Innes.

Velvety tree pear is a weed is native to central Mexico and has been in Australia since at least 1912. This invasive cactus that competes with native plants, reduces food and habitat for native animals and competes with pasture plants reducing productivity. The weed spreads by seed and vegetatively and can spread very quickly.

This project was identified as a priority for investment following the 2019 Black Summer bushfires events. Private land managers adjacent to the Torrington State Conservation area were engaged to be part of the project. A project plan and budget were developed, and funding was secured through the Australian Government's Bushfire Recovery for Wildlife and Habitat Community grants program. The grant value was $119,345.

A drone survey of the weed population on four properties was completed prior to control being undertaken to gain a baseline measurement. Control works were completed by local sub-contractors with the velvety tree pears controlled using approved herbicide control measures.

A post treatment drone survey was completed at the end of the second round on control activities. Over the life of the project, the project was worked across 6 private landholdings to assist in identifying and controlling a weed that is a threat to both productive agriculture and the environment.

The project has engaged 6 private properties covering over 2,900 hectares in a landscape that connects to a key habitat area, the Torrington Nature Reserve as well as the headwaters of the Beardy River, at the headwaters of the Murray Darling catchment.

The project area and the adjacent conversation area contain significant areas of the Endangered Ecological Community White Box-Yellow Box-Blakeley's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and some areas of New England Peppermint woodlands. The project activities will enhance the habitat for both flora and fauna species known to be present in the area including the Regent Honey-Eater and Spotted Tailed Quoll.