Environmental Restoration:
Wallaroo

Habitat installation in Mulgoa

Arauca Environmental proudly led the ecological restoration of Wallaroo, a 38-hectare conservation site in Mulgoa, managed by Cumberland Land Conservancy (CLC).

Named after its resident mob of native wallaroos, this project safeguards critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland, derived native grasslands, and over 1 kilometre of endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland and Eucalyptus Riverflat Forest along Mulgoa Creek.

Wallaroo serves as a vital refuge for threatened species, preserving unique ecosystems in one of Australia’s most heavily cleared landscapes.

Project Overview

Client: Local Land Services

Aim: To create habitat for the endangered Cumberland Plain Land Snail (Meridolum corneovirens).

Location: Mulgoa, Western Sydney, a priority area for ecological restoration.

Methodology

We sourced large eucalyptus logs from local stakeholders, transporting them to Wallaroo’s entrance using trucks. Compact Track Loaders (Posi-Track) were then used to position the logs strategically:

Under maturing stands of Narrow-Leaved Ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra).

In open areas within Mulgoa Nature Reserve lacking habitat features.

This approach optimised habitat creation for the Cumberland Plain Land Snail and supported other native species, including small mammals and reptiles.

Challenges and Solutions

Logistics: Sourcing and transporting logs was time-intensive, with only 3–4 logs safely moved per trip due to their size, reducing time for placement in designated zones.

Solution: Source logs locally and collaborate with arborists to streamline delivery.

Grassland Impact: Moving logs caused minor damage to native grasslands and risked spreading exotic weed seeds.

Solution: Logs were initially placed in areas dominated by exotic grasses, then relocated to resilient, high-diversity native grass zones to minimise impact.

Achievements

Habitat Creation: Locally sourced logs provide shelter and nesting sites for the Cumberland Plain Land Snail, small mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates.

Soil Health: The slow decomposition of native logs enhances nutrient cycling through the release of phosphorus and nitrogen as well as other macronutrients. The logs also retain water and moisture which is vital for the survival of biota of the area

Ecosystem Resilience: Strengthened ecological functioning in Mulgoa’s endangered landscapes, supporting long-term biodiversity.

Key Takeaways

Logs are underutilised in environmental restoration projects. To overcome barriers such as transportation costs:

Source logs from local arborists or council-managed donor sites.

Deliver logs as close as possible to placement zones to save time.

Build partnerships with stakeholders for efficient log supply chains.