Healthy Country Program in the Bremer and Pumicestone Passage Catchments: Cheal

(not documented)

Queensland Government (Healthy Country Project)

Landholder

(not documented)

On-ground work

(none)

Queensland Government (Healthy Country Project)

Landholder

(not documented)

(not documented)

14 May 2013

28 July 2013

This project is part of the on-ground implementation of the Pumicestone Passage Sub-catchment Healthy Country Program, an initiative funded by the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.

The project will employ weed control activities and planting of native trees in a wetland area at the headwaters of Bluegum Creek on the Sunshine Coast. This will improve habitat and water quality flowing into and surrounding a nearby dam.

A trial will also be used to test the most effective treatment methods for management of a taro (Colocasia sp.) weed infestation. The wetland has a large infestation of taro, and this weed is being found in small patches downstream in what is a low energy waterway that is perfect for this plant to dominate. From visual observation, the infestation has adversely affected water quality. The most efficient and cost-effective means of managing this weed will be ascertained and shared.

The restoration area is located on the eastern edge of the property and is approximately 1ha. The project will also facilitate an area for sediment trapping, to be implemented by the landholder at a later stage.

The works will be undertaken in palustrine wetlands of RE 12.3.4 - Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus robusta on or near coastal alluvial plains. This is an ‘of concern’ regional ecosystem with a remnant extent less than 10,000ha but with greater than 30% of pre-clearing area remaining. Activities will also be extended to the surrounding RE 12.5.3 - Eucalyptus tindaliae and/or E. racemosa open forest on remnant Tertiary surfaces. This is an ‘endangered’ regional ecosystem with less than 10% of the pre-clearing area remaining.

A ‘BioCondition’ assessment will be performed for the site. The landholder will conduct ongoing maintenance when necessary and will also engage in weed control and photo-point monitoring.

This project will:

• increase landholder’s and contractor’s knowledge and skills in natural resource management by providing a local example for sustainable land management practices
• improve water quality in Bluegum Creek and Pumicestone Passage by reducing sediment and nutrient run-off and enhancing wetland health and viability through weed control and re-vegetation.

(not documented)

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