A project delivered in partnership with Local Land Services (LLS), Coastwatchers and EcoCrews is helping to restore habitat for native animals including the Great Glider, which is listed as a threatened species, with the creation of wildlife corridors.
Over 3,500 natives have been planted across 1 kilometre of land connecting the wetlands of Coila Lake and the coastal woodlands creating the corridor. As the plants grow, they serve as travelling avenues for wildlife, providing important sources of food, and restoring connectivity between natural habitats, which increases the survival of populations in fragmented areas.
“As coastal development increases there is a greater need to extend wildlife habitat, particularly in the Bingi-Congo area where there is a listed threatened species population of the Greater Glider. To future proof such species to withstand the impacts of climate change we need to extend their habitat”. Sonia Bazzacco – Senior Land Services Officer, South East Local Land Services.
Local landowner, Tess Schwarz also noted the importance of enhancing biodiversity in the region. “As a landholder I think we have a responsibility to think about how we can improve biodiversity and wildlife habitat not only on your own property but also linking remnant vegetation across the landscape.”
The corridors have been established over several months with planting performed by EcoCrews, a social enterprise of Campbell Page who provide jobs to locals supported by accredited training while completing much needed environmental projects. The most recent and final stage of the project saw 760 natives planted in 4 days.
“We’re thrilled to be involved in such important projects. We’ve covered a large area and it’s very exciting for our Crew members to know that the work we’re doing today will benefit the local region and native fauna for years to come”. Mark Green- Regional Manager EcoCrews.
The Coastwatchers contribution to this project is through a Great Eastern Ranges (GER) grant funded by World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia (WWF).
To find out more, contact Sonia Bazzacco – Senior Land Services Officer, South East Local Land Services on 0429 998 585.
Aiden Watson
LR- Cory Coqica Aiden Watson Kristen Kalkman Sonia Bazzacco Tess Schwarz
