Environmental Restoration:
Wombat
Bush regeneration: Mulgoa
Wombat is a 4.5-hectare conservation site in Mulgoa which connect to the eastern section of Blue Mountains National Park
This vital link between the Blue Mountains and Mulgoa Nature Reserve supports the winter migration of various avian species and including the endangered Swift Parrots that migrate from southern Australia.
The site is an endangered Shale Sandstone Transition Forest, with largest known population of regionally rare Gosford Wattle (Acacia prominens) and also home to the endangered Dural Land Snail (Pommerhelix duralensis).
Project Overview
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Client: Cumberland Land Conservancy
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Aim:
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Reduce weed infestation of Lantana (Lantana camara) infestations throughout the property to protect the Shale Sandstone Transition Forest.
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Fire management: Preparation of rafts and piles for future ecological burns.
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Location: Mulgoa, Penrith LGA a priority area for ecological restoration.
Methodology
Arauca's ecological restoration approach includes:
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Primary work: Removal of mature Lantana infestations using cutting and painting methods. Equipment used: chainsaws and hand tools, manually building rafts and piles for future burning.
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Secondary/Maintenance: Follow up hand weeding and spraying of herbaceous weeds and grasses in the open areas. Moderate resilience in most areas should result in a positive overall result in the medium to long term.
Challenges and Solutions
Old large infestations: Time-intensive Lantana removal.
Solution: Efficient chainsaw use, strong teamwork, and systemised work practices.
Access and slopes: Challenging terrain and access.
Solution: Negotiated neighbour access and adhered to WHS protocols for safety
Achievments
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​Native ecosystem Protection: Preserved biodiversity, including regeneration of Acacia prominens, habitat for wombats, antechinus and the endangered Dural Land Snail (Pommerhelix duralensis) as well as species found in Shale Sandstone Transition Forest
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Invasive Species Control: Successful reduction in volume of Lantana camara (in progress)
Key Takeaways
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Sustained Efforts: Large-scale Lantana removal requires ongoing secondary weeding and maintenance for optimal results.
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Ecological Burns: Pile and ecological burns are critical to reduce green waste and promote native seed bank germination.