Updates on Major Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) Achievements: July to September 2008

Field days and Big Scrub Day – events facilitated by Biodiversity Extension Officer

Conducted 5 extension service visits to properties with HCV and/or Wildlife Corridors located in Mullumbimby, Myocum, Goonengerry, Federal, and Clunes
20 other landholders provided assistance through participation in the Converting Weeds to Rainforest workshop held at Goonengerry on 31st August
Formed partnership with BVL to offer Extension Service to participants in BVL Mentorship project which is to run over 3 years
Promotional activities
- Extension officer attended Sustainable Farming field day organised by BVL and spoke with 30 people about extension service
- Foyer display for Local Government Week
- Display stall at Big Scrub Rainforest Day generated a lot of positive public interest in initiatives
- Media -Bay FM interview, Weeds to Rainforest workshop press release, ABC Bush Telegraph feature article.

Before and after photographs of threatened species habitat restored at Brunswick Heads.

A number of works sites have progressed from primary control to maintenance phase. This has facilitated being able to take on additional sites including Ocean Shores STP and Brunswick Heads Foreshore Reserve.
Cat’s Claw Vine is under effective control at two Brunswick Heads sites and is being targeted at other sites of infestation in the Shire prior to setting seed.
800 wetland species planted at Cane Toad demonstration exclusion site (see notes below)
Promotional and educational activities undertaken include:
- Updated information to website including summary and map of work sites, media releases, weed control profiles and weed of the month articles; and
- Media release regarding threatened species discovery and habitat restoration works at Brunswick Heads.

Joint project underway with Tweed Shire Council;
3 year control and research program funded by the NSW State Government Environmental Trust;
Project Officer employed by Tweed Shire Council coordinating implementation of the project in both Shires;
Community engagement to include trapping training, loan of specialised myna traps, facilitation of euthanasia at registered vets and involvement in monitoring and research;
Also includes provision of web based information resources.

Planting underway at demonstration toad exclusion site

Planting completed at demonstration toad exclusion site at Mullumbimby golf course;
800 wetland plants and temporary fence installed to restrict access to pond by toads whilst providing significant native frog habitat
Promotion of the works and site will be undertaken by new project officer (recruitment currently underway). This will include on site sign installation.
An important element of toad control in the Shire is encouraging landowners to reduce breeding sites;
Four musters will be undertaken with community groups in the Shire through the summer breeding season

Environment