Brigalow – dominant and codominant

(Acacia harpophylla)

Status: Endangered – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Conservation Advice: There an Approved Conservation Advice for this ecological community (2013).

Recovery Plan: There no adopted or made Recovery Plan for this ecological community.

Threat Abatement Plan: There is one Threat Abatement Plan for this ecological community (Cane toads).

Acacia harpophylla is a native Australian species of acacia, with the common name of Brigalow. It grows to around 25m in height and is found on predominantly fertile, clay soils. It is characterised by a dark, hard bark, silvery-grey leaves and yellow flowers, that are similar to other wattle species. It is usually found with other native plant species such as casuarina and eucalypt species.

The Brigalow Belt bioregion is band of acacia woodland and grassland that stretches from the QLD-NSW border to Townsville at the most northern extent. Remnants of Brigalow in Queensland are found in this bioregion. The community is classified as Endangered, as it has declined to about 10 per cent of its former range. There is no adopted or made Recovery Plan for this community.

In the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, Brigalow is found in the Cape River Hills, Belyando Downs, Bogie River Hills, Broken River, Townsville Plains and Upper Belyando Floodout subregions.

The Brigalow Ecological community has become threatened primarily through clearing. As the species occurs primarily on agricultural land clearing has been undertaken predominantly for purposes of increasing pasture area for grazing in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region. Historically, much of this clearing was encouraged and incentivised. While this species does produce seeds, new recruitment is usually through suckers from the roots of existing trees. This can produce dense areas of Brigalow (whipstick Brigalow), which can prevent pasture from growing and access for cattle, leading to repeated clearing of Brigalow dominated vegetation. These areas of regrowth also do not have the ecological value of original, uncleared remnants. Remnant areas of Brigalow are now under threat by high-intensity fires, weeds and pest animals.

Brigalow communities provide habitat for 17 species that are threatened in Queensland, or nationally, many of them rare reptiles. Some species found in Queensland brigalow include: the ornamental snake, brigalow scaly-foot, glossy-black cockatoo, painted honeyeater, spotted bowerbird, and the rare pale imperial hairstreak butterfly.

Current Projects:

Project Name: Conserving Brigalow Corridors
Project Duration: 2018 – 2023
Managed by: NQ Dry Tropics
Funding Program: Regional Land Partnerships
Project website:  Conserving-brigalow-corridors/

Summary: This project is meeting the Five Year Outcome of ‘By 2023, the implementation of priority actions is leading to an improvement in the condition of EPBC Act listed Threatened Ecological Communities’ by working with landholders in the Suttor region to address threats to the condition of Brigalow community remnants on their properties, such as pests and weeds, in accordance with the Queensland Governments Brigalow management guidelines.

Key Collaborators

This list does not cover all groups or organisations, but rather represents the ‘key’ organisations and groups whose assistance, advice, approval or cooperation would be required to work on the Brigalow Threatened Ecological Community in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region.

• Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE).
• Queensland Department of Environment and Science.
• Landholder s and managers (for work on privately held properties).
• Traditional Owners – check.
• NQ Dry Tropics (regional NRM group).

Monitoring:

There are currently no monitoring programs underway for the Brigalow community, outside that undertaken for specific projects.

• Potential indicators for Brigalow communities include:
• Size, condition and functionality of remnants.
• Connectivity of remnants.
• Presence of habitat features for key species
• Presence and abundance of key species.
• Threat level and management.

Links and further information:

• Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT) – https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowcommunity.pl?id=28
• Queensland Department of Environment and Science – Biodiversity Planning Assessment for the Brigalow Belt Bioregion – https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/68186/bb-bpa-summary-report.pdf
• Queensland Government Brigalow Management Guides – https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/habitats/regrowth/regrowth-guides/brigalow
• Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment – Brigalow Belt North Bioregion – https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/a8015c25-4aa2-4833-ad9c-e98d09e2ab52/files/bioregion-brigalow-belt-north.pdf
• Threatened Species Scientific Committee – Conservation Advice – http://www.environment.gov.au/node/14496

Broad leaf tea-tree woodlands in high rainfall coastal north Queensland

(Melaleuca viridiflora)

 Status: Endangered – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Conservation Advice: There an Approved Conservation Advice for this ecological community (2012),

Recovery Plan: There no adopted or made Recovery Plan for this ecological community.

Threat Abatement Plan: There is one Threat Abatement Plan for this ecological community (Phytophthora).

Melaleuca viridiflora is a native Australian species of myrtle, with the common name of Broad-leaf tea-tree or Broad-leaf paperbark. It normally grows to a height of around 10m and is found in areas that receive monsoonal rain and remain wet such as swamps, waterways and woodlands. It is characterised by paper-like bark and flowers that are of the typical size and structure of melaleuca species, however flowers can be cream, yellow, yellow-green or occasionally red.

The key defining attributes for the ecological community are:

• it occurs in the Wet Tropics and Central Mackay Coast bioregions in landscapes characterised by high rainfall and near coastal or floodplain locations;
• sites are seasonally inundated during the wet season but are not permanently waterlogged;
• the tree canopy is clearly dominated (i.e. more than 50% of canopy cover) by Melaleuca viridiflora;
• a shrub layer is typically absent or sparse (juvenile canopy species and/or a conspicuous layer of Xanthorrhoea (grass tree) may sometimes be present); and
• there is a diverse ground-layer of grasses, sedges and forbs which includes species listed under the Description section.

In the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, Broad leaf tea-tree is found in the southern-most area of the region (between Bowen and Mackay) and in the northern most area that encompasses the Wet Tropics.

The community has become threatened initially through clearing for agriculture, however, while there is no longer widespread clearing, habitat fragmentation through clearing of smaller areas remains a threat and weeds, inappropriate fire regimes, feral animals and disease threaten the condition of the remnant areas. The total reduction of the community is estimated at 71%, with 77% of the remaining patches are less than 10ha in size.

Broad leaf tea-tree woodlands are known to provide habitat for a range of flora and fauna species, some of which are also endangered, including several species of orchid and when flowering, the Broad leaf tea-tree is an important source of nectar for native species.

Current Projects

There are currently no projects being undertaken in Broad-leaf tea-tree in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region.

Key Collaborators

This list does not cover all groups or organisations, but rather represents the ‘key’ organisations and groups whose assistance, advice, approval or cooperation would be required to work on the Broad leaf tea-tree Threatened Ecological Community in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region:

• Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE)
• Queensland Department of Environment and Science
• Landholder / managers (for work on privately held properties)
• Gia, Juru and Birriah Traditional Owners
• NQ Dry Tropics (regional NRM group)

 Monitoring

There are currently no monitoring programs underway for the Broad leaf tea-tree community, outside that undertaken for specific projects.

Potential indicators for Broad-leaf tea-tree communities include:

• Size, condition and functionality of remnants
• Connectivity of remnants
• Presence of habitat features for key species
• Presence and abundance of key species
• Threat level and management

Links and further information:

• Burdekin Dry Tropics Conservation Action Planning Summary Report
• Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT) – https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowcommunity.pl?id=122&status=Endangered
• Conservation Advice – http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/122-conservation-advice.pdf
• Listing Advice – http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/122-listing-advice.pdf
• Fact sheet – https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/882adf7f-38d1-40d8-a62f-8d33b4fc0a6e/files/broad-leaf-tea-tree-and-landholders.pdf

Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South Bioregions

Status: Endangered – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Conservation Advice: There an Approved Conservation Advice for this ecological community (2011).
Recovery Plan: There no adopted or made Recovery Plan for this ecological community.
Threat Abatement Plan: There are no Threat Abatement Plans identified as relevant for this ecological community.

Coolibah – Black Box woodlands are open, sub-tropical woodland that are dominated by Eucalyptus coolabah and may be co-occuring with Eucalyptus largiflorens (Black Box). The range of potential occurrence of this type of woodland extends from the Brigalow Belt South (with the most northerly extension just north of Rockhampton) and extending down to the NSW border. The canopy ranges from 5 – 15m high and other species of eucalypt, acacia and casuarina may be present. The woodland also includes a shrub layer and grassland and is home to a wide variety of fauna that utilise woodlands, particularly those species that require tree hollows.

The key diagnostic attributes for the Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South Bioregions ecological community are as follows:

• Distribution is limited to the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South bioregions
• It typically occurs on the grey, self-mulching clays of periodically waterlogged floodplains, swamp margins, ephemeral wetlands and stream levees.
• A tree canopy layer is present that shows these features:

• • Eucalyptus coolabah subsp. coolabah (Coolibah) must be present in the tree canopy;
  • Coolibah typically is dominant (≥50% of tree crown cover);
  • Where Coolibah and E. largiflorens (Black Box) co-occur, together they make up the dominant species in the tree canopy layer (≥50% of tree crown cover);
  • Hybrids of Coolibah or Black Box with each other and other Eucalyptus species (typically Bimble Box) are included as dominant tree species.
• The mid or shrub layer may or may not be present. When present it is typically sparse or clumped and is of variable composition.
• The ground layer is of variable composition and cover ranging from sparse to dense. Ground cover lifeforms typically comprise native graminoids, other herbs, chenopods and other low shrubs that are typically under 50 cm tall.

This ecological community has become threatened due to clearing and fragmentation, changes to water flows and patterns, inappropriate grazing regimes, invasion of exotic species and low levels of protection within reserves. Future threats are further clearing and fragmentation, further changes to water flows and patterns from infrastructure and water storage for irrigation and the impacts of climate change.

Although the most northerly section of the Brigalow Belt South is in the lower area of the Burdekin Dry Tropics, there are no records of Coolibah-Black Box woodlands in this area.

Current Projects

There are currently no projects being undertaken in Broad-leaf tea-tree in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region.

Key Collaborators

This list does not cover all groups or organisations, but rather represents the ‘key’ organisations and groups whose assistance, advice, approval or cooperation would be required to work on the Broad leaf tea-tree Threatened Ecological Community in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region:

• Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE)
• Queensland Department of Environment and Science
• Landholder / managers (for work on privately held properties)
• Traditional Owners – check
• NQ Dry Tropics (regional NRM group)

 Monitoring

There are currently no monitoring programs underway for the Broad leaf tea-tree community, outside that undertaken for specific projects.

Potential indicators for Broad-leaf tea-tree communities include:

• Size, condition and functionality of remnants
• Connectivity of remnants
• Presence of habitat features for key species
• Presence and abundance of key species
• Threat level and management

Links and further information:

• Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT) – https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowcommunity.pl?id=122&status=Endangered
• Conservation Advice – http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/122-conservation-advice.pdf
• Listing Advice – http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/122-listing-advice.pdf
• Fact sheet – https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/882adf7f-38d1-40d8-a62f-8d33b4fc0a6e/files/broad-leaf-tea-tree-and-landholders.pdf

Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia

Status: Critically Endangered – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Conservation Advice: There an Approved Conservation Advice for this ecological community (2015).
Recovery Plan: There is a National Recovery Plan for this ecological community.

Threat Abatement Plan: There is one Threat Abatement Plan identified as relevant for this ecological community (Cane toads).

Littoral (meaning on the shore) Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets ecological community is a complex of rainforest and coastal vine thickets on the east coast of Australia. It typically occurs within two kilometres of the coast or adjacent to a large salt water body, such as an estuary and so is strongly influenced by its proximity to the sea and the saline nature of the location. It is distributed as a series of unconnected, localised stands and can be found on a variety of soil types and geographic features. It is spread along the eastern coast of Australia, including off-shore islands, from the south-eastern corner in Victoria, up to the Cape York peninsula, north of Cooktown. As the community is spread over a wide geographical range, the diversity, height and structure of the vegetation is different between northern and southern communities.

The rainforest canopy helps to protect plants underneath it and within it from the effects of being so close to the coast, such as salty wind spray, however all areas are affected by the saline nature of the environment.

 Key Diagnostic Characteristics:

• The ecological community occurs in the following IBRA bioregions: Cape York Peninsula (from Princess Charlotte Bay southwards), Wet Tropics, Central Mackay Coast, South Eastern Queensland, NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner.
• Patches of the ecological community occur within two kilometres of the east coast, including offshore islands, or adjacent to a large body of salt water, such as an estuary, where they are subject to maritime influence.
• The structure of the ecological community typically is a closed canopy of trees that can be interspersed with canopy gaps that are common in exposed situations or with storm events. Usually, several vegetation strata are present. However, where there is extreme exposure to salt laden winds, these strata may merge into a height continuum rather than occurring as distinct vegetation layers. The canopy forms a mosaic due to canopy regeneration, typically in the form of basal coppice following canopy decapitation due to prevailing salt laden winds and storm events. Wind sheared canopy can be present on the frontal section leading to closed secondary canopies. Emergents may be present. The ground stratum of the vegetation typically is very sparse.
• The ecological community contains a range of plant life forms including trees, shrubs, vines, herbs, ferns and epiphytes. To the north, most plant species diversity is in the tree and shrub (i.e. canopy) layers rather than in lower strata. Feather palms, fan palms, large leaved vascular epiphytes and species that exhibit buttressing are generally rare. Ground ferns and vascular epiphytes are lower in diversity in littoral rainforests compared to most other rainforest types.
• Plants with xeromorphic and succulent features are generally more common in littoral rainforest than in hinterland rainforest types. Canopy stem sizes also tend to be smaller compared to that in hinterland rainforest. Trunks rarely host mosses though lichens are usually common.
• Whilst species can be regionally predictable, there may be considerable variation in the composition of individual stands of the ecological community within any given bioregion.

This ecological community provides habitat for a range of fauna including the Southern Cassowary and the Grey-headed Flying Fox.

This ecological community has become threatened due to primarily to its coastal location and pressures arising, including sand mining, clearing for agriculture and urban development, human impacts from visitation and recreation, weed incursion, feral animals and inappropriate fire regimes. The community is also vulnerable to the effects of climate change and is also subject to natural disturbance from storms and cyclones. The nature of the ecological community – being naturally fragmented and located in a narrow strip adjacent to shorelines also contributes to the vulnerability of this ecological community.

Current Projects:

Project Name: Protecting Beach Scrub.
Project Duration: 2018 – 2023.
Managed by: NQ Dry Tropics.
Funding Program: Regional Land Partnerships.
Project website: protecting-beach-scrub/

Summary: This project is meeting the Five Year Outcome of ‘By 2023, the implementation of priority actions is leading to an improvement in the condition of EPBC Act listed Threatened Ecological Communities’ by working in Beach Scrub remnants along the coastline of the region and off-shore islands to reduce threats from weeds, feral animals and human disturbance. This project works with local councils, landcare groups and Traditional Owner groups to manage and monitor these threats.

Key Collaborators

This list does not cover all groups or organisations, but rather represents the ‘key’ organisations and groups whose assistance, advice, approval or cooperation would be required to work on this Threatened Ecological Community.

• Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE)
• Queensland Department of Environment and Science
• Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service
• Landholder / managers (for work on privately held properties)
• Townsville City Council
• Whitsunday Regional Council
• Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council
• Manbarra, Wulgurukaba, Bindal and Juru Traditional Owner groups
• NQ Dry Tropics

 Monitoring:

There are currently no monitoring programs underway for this ecological community, outside that undertaken for specific projects.

Potential indicators for this ecological community include:

• Size, condition and functionality of remnants
• Presence of habitat features for key species
• Presence and abundance of key species
• Threat level and management

Links and further information:

• Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT) – https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowcommunity.pl?id=76&status=Critically+Endangered
• Conservation Advice – http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/76-conservation-advice-12112015.pdf
• Listing Advice – http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/76-listing-advice.pdf
• National Recovery Plan – http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/littoral-rainforest-coastal-vine-thickets
• Information sheet – https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/19747170-3fd3-4930-9ca5-6ca89508b571/files/littoral-rainforest.pdf
• Northern Australian Environmental Resources Hub – Mapping to underpin management of tropical littoral rainforest – https://www.nespnorthern.edu.au/projects/nesp/mapping-to-underpin-management-of-tropical-littoral-rainforest/

Natural Grasslands of the Queensland Central Highlands and northern Fitzroy Basin

Status: Endangered – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Conservation Advice: There an Approved Conservation Advice for this ecological community (2008).
Recovery Plan: There is no adopted or made Recovery Plan for this ecological community.
Threat Abatement Plan: There is one Threat Abatement Plan identified as relevant for this ecological community (Cane toads)

Natural grasslands of the Queensland Central Highlands and northern Fitzroy Basin are grasslands that are characterised by native tussock grasses and a low level of tree canopy cover (less than 10%) and are normally found on areas that are flat to generally undulating. The soil is typically basalt or cracking clay and the soil, along with other factors such as fire and frost may also contribute to the overall lack of trees.

Species of native grasses found in this ecological community include Bluegrasses, Three-awned grasses, Panic grasses and Mitchell grass species. The grassland also includes forb species such as Scurvy Grass, Native Jute and Cow Vine. A shrub layer of acacia species, along with others may be present.

Grasslands provide important habitat for foraging and feeding, including for granivorous species such as quail and for birds of prey such as falcons, kites and harriers. Planigales, a small, carnivorous and nocturnal marsupial are also found in these grasslands.

Key Diagnostic Characteristics:

• Distribution: It occurs within the Brigalow Belt North and South, which are largely within the Central Highlands and northern Fitzroy River Basin regions of Queensland;
• Tree canopy absent or sparse (less than 10% projective crown cover). If it can be demonstrated, beyond reasonable doubt, that the grassland was derived from cleared woodland then it is not part of the national ecological community; and,
• The ground layer is typically dominated by perennial native grasses and contains at least 3 of the indicator native species listed below:

This ecological community has become threatened due to grazing, cropping and pasture improvement, weeds, pest animals, mining, construction of roads and other infrastructure. Potential threats are identified as climate change and lack of knowledge.The ecological community is found only in Queensland, in the Brigalow Belt North and South. In the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, this grassland ecological community occurs within the Brigalow Belt North bioregion, in the southern area of the region, from Collinsville and extending south to the border with Fitzroy Basin NRM.

Current Projects:

There are currently no projects funded by the NLP2 program taking place in this ecological community in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region.

 Key Collaborators

This list does not cover all groups or organisations, but rather represents the ‘key’ organisations and groups whose assistance, advice, approval or cooperation would be required to work on this Threatened Ecological Community:

• Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE).
• Queensland Department of Environment and Science.
• Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service.
• Landholder / managers (for work on privately held properties).
• Birriah, Jangga, Wangan/Jagalingou and Bidjara Traditional Owner groups.
• NQ Dry Tropics.
• Fitzroy Basin NRM.

Monitoring:

There are currently no monitoring programs underway for this ecological community, outside that undertaken for specific projects. Some monitoring may occur where mining has an impact on the ecological community.

Potential indicators for this ecological community include:

• Size, condition and functionality of remnants.
• Presence of habitat features for key species.
• Presence and abundance of key species.
• Threat level and management.

Links and further information:

• Burdekin Dry Tropics Conservation Action Planning Summary Report
• Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT) – https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowcommunity.pl?id=99&status=Endangered
• Conservation Advice – http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/99-conservation-advice.pdf
• Listing Advice – http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/99-listing-advice.pdf
• Department of Environment, Water and Environment – Guide – http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/347c5d4e-cef8-411c-b53c-bed3ed1d3e1c/files/bio237-0512-natural-grasslands-guide.pdf

Poplar Box Grassy Woodland on Alluvial Plains

Status:  Endangered – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Conservation Advice: There an Approved Conservation Advice for this ecological community (2019).
Recovery Plan: There is no adopted or made Recovery Plan for this ecological community (Plan not required – sufficient information in the Approved Conservation Advice).
Threat Abatement Plan: No Threat Abatement Plan has been identified as being relevant for this ecological community.

Poplar Box grassy woodland on alluvial plains is typically an open, grassy woodland found west of the Great Dividing Range. The canopy is dominated by Poplar Box (Eucalyptus populnea) with a canopy height of 10-20m. As the name of the ecological community suggests, it is found on alluvial plains, both active and historic and therefore is found in flat to gently undulating areas. This type of woodland blends into other woodland and grassland types. Other species of eucalypt may be present, along with cedar and casuarina species.

Shrubs and a light understory may be present and the grass layer is dominated by native grass species, with the composition dependent on location and soil type.

This ecological community supports a wide range of native animals that utilise grasslands e.g. kangaroos and woodlands e.g. koalas. Additionally, the provision of tree hollows is particularly important for species that use hollows for protection and rearing young. Native grasses and the flowering of the eucalypt species provide an important food source for herbivorous, granivorous and nectivorous species, as well as the species that prey on them.

Key Diagnostic Characteristics

Location and physical environment:

• Occurs in the Brigalow Belt North, Brigalow Belt South, Southeast Queensland, Cobar Peneplains, Darling Riverine Plains, NSW South Western Slopes, Riverina and Murray Darling Depression IBRA bioregions.
• Associated with ancient and recent depositional alluvial plains with clay, clay-loam, loam and sandy loam, typically duplex soils or sodosols. This includes areas that may not be part of currently defined floodplains.

Structure:

• A grassy woodland to grassy open woodland with a tree crown cover11 of 10% or more at patch scale.
• A tree canopy must be present that shows these features: o Canopy tree species are capable of reaching 10 m or more in height;
  • Eucalyptus populnea (Poplar Box) must be present in the canopy and is the dominant12 tree species;
  • Where hybrids of Poplar Box with other Eucalyptus spp are present, they should be counted as part of the Eucalyptus populnea component of the tree canopy when assessing the previous criterion.
• Mid layer (1-10 m) crown cover of shrubs to small trees13 is low, about 30% or less.

There has been a 70% decline in this woodland across its range. As it is typically found in areas used for agriculture, many of the causes for its decline and threats to its current distribution and condition are related to the impacts of agriculture. Threats include; clearing and fragmentation, inappropriate fire and grazing regimes, dieback, chemical impact and spray drift, disturbance of soils and hydrological changes (changed ground water levels, increased salinity, nutrient enrichment), weeds and pest species and climate change.

The ecological community is found in NSW and Queensland, west of the Great Dividing Range. In the Burdekin Dry Tropics it is found in the Brigalow Belt North, in the southern areas of the region, roughly between Collinsville and Alpha.

Current Projects:

There are currently no projects funded by the NLP2 program taking place in this ecological community in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region.

Key Collaborators

This list does not cover all groups or organisations, but rather represents the ‘key’ organisations and groups whose assistance, advice, approval or cooperation would be required to work on this Threatened Ecological Community:

• Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE).
• Queensland Department of Environment and Science.
• Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service.
• Landholder / managers (for work on privately held properties).
• Traditional Owner groups – Bindal, check.
• NQ Dry Tropics.
• Fitzroy Basin NRM.

 Monitoring:

There are currently no monitoring programs underway for this ecological community, outside that undertaken for specific projects. Some monitoring may occur where mining has an impact on the ecological community.

Potential indicators for this ecological community include:

• Size, condition and functionality of remnants
• Presence of habitat features for key species
• Presence and abundance of key species
• Threat level and management

Links and further information:

• • Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT) – https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowcommunity.pl?id=141
  • Conservation Advice – http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/141pb-conservation-advice.pdf
  • Proposal to list as a nationally threatened community – https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/consultations/953749e8-2d05-4772-8220-152859f440d7/files/poplar-box-grassy-woodland-alluvial-plains-consultation-guide.pdf

Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Brigalow Belt (North and South) and Nandewar Bioregions

Status: Endangered – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Conservation Advice: There is no Approved Conservation Advice for this ecological community.
Recovery Plan: There is an approved Recovery Plan for this ecological community (2001).
Threat Abatement Plan: There are two Threat Abatement Plans identified as being relevant for this ecological community (Cane toads and feral pigs).

Semi-evergreen thickets of the Brigalow Belt are a type of low, dense, sub-tropical (or ‘dry’) rainforest, that features vines, twining or scrambling plants. Trees and shrubs are also present and can vary in height, distribution and composition depending on location. This ecological community is sometimes referred to in Queensland as softwood scrub or bottle tree scrub. While eucalypt species may be present, the community is dominated by non-eucalypt vegetation, some of which is deciduous. It occurs in areas that are relatively protected from fire, with high nutrient soils (usually derived from basalt or other volcanic rocks).

This ecological community is home to a wide variety of native species including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

There are no listed Key Diagnostic Characteristics of this community, however broadly the following characteristics can be used for the northern distribution:

• Occurs in the Brigalow Belt North.
• The vegetation is low, dry ‘scrub’ with vines / twining / scrambling plants present.

The following species are present:

• • Broad-leaved bottle tree.
  • Yellow tulip.
  • Small-leaved ebony.
  • Helicopter tree.
  • Brush wilga.
  • Yellow lemon.
  • Strychnine.
  • Vine species – Cissus reniformis and Jasminum didymum.

Some species present are deciduous

The current distribution in the Brigalow Belt is estimated to be only 17% of what was present prior to European clearing. Clearing has occurred primarily for agriculture (grazing and cropping). Current threats include; clearing and fragmentation (for agriculture and development), inappropriate fire and grazing regimes, weeds and pest species.

This ecological community is found in the Brigalow Belt (North and South) and in northern areas of New South Wales. In the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, this ecological community is found in Townsville coastal areas and southern inland areas.

Current Projects:

There is currently a project funded by the NLP2 program taking place in this ecological community in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, which is a combined project in with Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia ecological community (see Protecting Beach Scrub project above).

Key Collaborators:

This list does not cover all groups or organisations, but rather represents the ‘key’ organisations and groups whose assistance, advice, approval or cooperation would be required to work on this Threatened Ecological Community.

• Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE).
• Queensland Department of Environment and Science.
• Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service.
• Landholder / managers (for work on privately held properties)
• Gudjal, Birriah, Jangga, Wangan/ Jagalingou Wulgurukaba, Bindal, Juru Traditional Owner groups
• Relevant local council
• NQ Dry Tropics.
• Fitzroy Basin NRM.

Monitoring:

There are currently no monitoring programs underway for this ecological community, outside that undertaken for specific projects. Some monitoring may occur where mining has an impact on the ecological community.

Potential indicators for this ecological community include:

• Size, condition and functionality of remnants
• Presence of habitat features for key species
• Presence and abundance of key species
• Threat level and management

Links and further information:

• Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT) – https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowcommunity.pl?id=24
• National Recovery Plan http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/7994b254-82ed-40cf-9985-29fa09138ff4/files/semi-evergreen-vine-thickets.pdf

The community of native species dependent on natural discharge of groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin

Status: Endangered – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Conservation Advice: There is no Approved Conservation Advice for this ecological community.
Recovery Plan: There an approved Recovery Plan for this ecological community (2010).
Threat Abatement Plan: There are two Threat Abatement Plans identified as being relevant for this ecological community (Cane toads and feral pigs).

The Great Artesian Basin is the largest underground aquifer in the world, underlying 22% of the continent, including large areas of NSW, South Australia and Queensland. In places, water from the GAB naturally discharges to the surface (springs), creating a wetland in an otherwise arid or semi-arid environment. These wetlands are distinguished by a lack of seasonality, due to the continual influx of water. Size and structure are highly variable, and water chemistry and substrate create differences in the floral composition.

There are no listed Key Diagnostic Characteristics of this community, however the following criteria apply:

• Natural surface discharge from the Great Artesian Basin, not including spring arising from Tertiary sediments and basalts.
• Discharge may be mound springs, mid springs, boggomoss springs, spring pools or groundwater seeps.
• Occurs mainly within the twelve ‘spring groups’ for the Basin
• Community is comprised of native species which depend on this natural discharge to exist.
• Community comprises combinations of native species, as well as endemic species.

These communities include a number of unique and endemic species, both flora and fauna, particularly those species that require a wetland environment and have low mobility over drier landscapes, such as snails, fish and crustaceans. Some of these species are also endangered. As these communities are geographically distinct and cover a small area, they are particularly vulnerable.

In the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, the eastern edge of the GAB runs along the western side of the region. Along the south-western border of the region there is the potential for these communities to be present.

The main threats to this ecological community are: Aquifer draw-down (through bores and extraction), excavation of springs, exotic plants and aquatic animals, stock and feral animal disturbance, tourist access, and water impoundment e.g. dams causing inundation of sites.

PHOTO: Tom Jefferson, Greenpeace

Current Projects:

There are currently no projects funded by the NLP2 program taking place in this ecological community in the Burdekin Dry Tropics.

Key Collaborators:

This list does not cover all groups or organisations, but rather represents the ‘key’ organisations and groups whose assistance, advice, approval or cooperation would be required to work on this Threatened Ecological Community.

• Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE).
• Queensland Department of Environment and Science.
• Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service.
• Landholder/managers (for work on privately held properties).
• Wangan/Jagalingou and Yirendali Traditional Owner groups.
• NQ Dry Tropics.
• Desert Channels NRM.

 Monitoring:

There are currently no monitoring programs underway for this ecological community, outside that undertaken for specific projects. Some monitoring may occur where mining has an impact on the ecological community.

Potential indicators for this ecological community include:

• Size, condition and functionality of remnants.
• Water levels and chemistry.
• Presence of habitat features for key species.
• Presence and abundance of key species.
• Threat level and management.

Links and further information:

• Burdekin Dry Tropics Conservation Action Planning Summary Report.
• Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT) – https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowcommunity.pl?id=26
• National Recovery Plan – http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/0cefc83a-3854-4cff-9128-abc719d9f9b3/files/great-artesian-basin-ec.pdf
• Ecological and hydrogeological surveys of the Great Artesian Basin, Vols 1 & 2 – http://www.environment.gov.au/water/publications/great-artesian-basin-springs-survey-vol-1 http://www.environment.gov.au/node/37379
• Queensland Government Wetland Info – https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/facts-maps/water-resource-planning-area-great-artesian-basin-and-other-regional-aquifers/

Weeping Myall Woodlands

Status: Endangered – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Conservation Advice: There is an Approved Conservation Advice for this ecological community (2009).
Recovery Plan: There is no adopted or made Recovery Plan for this ecological community.
Threat Abatement Plan: There is one Threat Abatement Plans identified as being relevant for this ecological community (Cane toads).

Weeping Myall Woodlands are a woodland to open woodland that is dominated by Weeping Myall (Acacia pendula). Weeping Myall (also referred to as Myall, Boree, Balaar, Nilyah, Bastard Gidgee and Silver Leaf Boree) is a species of acacia that grows from 4-12m in height. It has distinctive silver-grey leaves and yellow flowers typical of wattle species. Weeping Myall woodlands typically have a native shrub and/or grass layer, in the northern region this includes Mitchell grass and Queensland Blue Grass. This community is found on alluvial plains, west of the Great Dividing Range.

There are no listed Key Diagnostic Characteristics of this community, however the following criteria apply for a remnant patch to be included in the listed ecological community:

• the tree canopy is dominated (at least 50% of trees present) by living, dead or defoliated Weeping Myall trees;
• the overstorey must have at least 5% tree canopy cover or at least 25 dead or defoliated mature Weeping Myall trees/ha;
• the area is at least 0.5ha in size; and
• the patch has either more than two layers of regeneration of Weeping Myall present; or the tallest layer of living, dead or defoliated Weeping Myall trees is at least 4 m tall and of the vegetative cover present, 50% is comprised of native species.

This community is thought to have occurred in a mosaic with other woodland and grassland communities, however due to agricultural activities it now remains as small patches, or in stretches that have not been cleared or heavily grazed e.g. travelling stock routes.

The range of this community stretches from a small area in Victoria, through NSW and into Queensland, in the Brigalow Belt North and South. There are no confirmed patches of this community in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region.

This community has been reduced by an estimated 75% in Queensland and many of the fragments that remain may not have sufficient condition to be recovered. The primary threat to this community is agricultural activities, as it lies in arable areas that are used for cropping and grazing. While some areas have been cleared by cropping (and remaining patches are under threat from cropping treatments such as fertiliser application and spray drift), many areas have been affected by grazing. Weeping Myall is a highly palatable species, preferred by cattle and therefore is cut to be fed, especially during times of drought. This palatability also means that young plants are grazed before reaching maturity. Therefore, conserving remaining patches will rely on appropriate grazing regimes that allow sufficient recruitment and lopping methods that do not compromise the condition of the trees.

Current Projects:

There are currently no projects funded by the NLP2 program taking place in this ecological community in the Burdekin Dry Tropics.

Key Collaborators:

This list does not cover all groups or organisations, but rather represents the ‘key’ organisations and groups whose assistance, advice, approval or cooperation would be required to work on this Threatened Ecological Community.

• Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE).
• Queensland Department of Environment and Science.
• Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service.
• Landholder / managers (for work on privately held properties).
• Wangan/Jagalingou and Bidjara Traditional Owner groups .
• NQ Dry Tropics.
• Fitzroy Basin Association NRM.

Monitoring:

There are currently no monitoring programs underway for this ecological community, outside that undertaken for specific projects. Some monitoring may occur where mining has an impact on the ecological community.

Potential indicators for this ecological community include:

• Size, condition and functionality of remnants.
• Presence of habitat features for key species.
• Presence and abundance of key species.
• Threat level and management.

Links and further information:

• Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT) – https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowcommunity.pl?id=98 
• Approved Conservation Advice – http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/98-conservation-advice.pdf 
• Listing Advice http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/98-listing-advice.pdf 

Hillslope Erosion

 Hillslope erosion is the process by which soil is lost from sloping landscape surfaces (i.e. a hill). On hillslopes, the combined forces of water and gravity combine to erode the surface soil and carry it to lower areas in the landscape, often a waterway such as a creek or stream.

If the rate of soil loss from the hillslope is greater than that of the formation rate, there will be an overall loss of soil from the hillslope that cannot be replaced, reducing soil depth, condition and productivity. The soil eroded by water is usually carried by that water until it is deposited, either in a flat area of the landscape, or into a local water stream, affecting water quality.

The slope of the hill, the amount of water movement and the amount of vegetation on the hillslope all play a role in determining the rate and severity of hillslope erosion.

In the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, there is a substantial area considered to be at medium to high risk of hillslope erosion and it is considered to be one of the highest erosion areas in Australia. The majority of this area is used for grazing, therefore focussing on grazing management practices that retain hillslope vegetation and reduce erosion are critical strategies for managing and minimising hillslope erosion.

Monitoring:

There are currently no specific monitoring programs underway for hillslope erosion in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, however the Paddock to Reef monitoring and modelling program does model rates of sediment loss, based on changed practices that affect groundcover and erosion levels. There is also information available through government sites with mapping and soil information.

Monitoring of late dry season ground cover and sediment and nutrients in waterways is part of the monitoring coordinated by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority under the Reef 2050 Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program (RIMReP). Results can be accessed through the knowledge system and Reef Report Cards.

• Paddock to Reef – https://www.reefplan.qld.gov.au/tracking-progress/paddock-to-reef
• Reef Knowledge System – https://reefiq.gbrmpa.gov.au/ReefKnowledgeSystem/About-the-program
• RIMReP – https://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/our-work/reef-strategies/reef-integrated-monitoring-and-reporting-program
• Reef Report Cards – https://www.reefplan.qld.gov.au/tracking-progress/reef-report-card

Potential indicators for hillslope erosion include:

• Percentage of ground cover (particularly during the dry season)
• Soil testing
• Water quality
• Land condition

Links and further information:

• Regional Land Partnerships app – https://erin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=c2606f315ee74d899c4f7ae478c29ccc
• Queensland Government Publications Portal (reports on erosion and soils in the Burdekin region) – https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset?q=burdekin
• Queensland Government soil data – https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/soil/soil-data
• CSIRO Report – Priorities for improving soil condition across Australia’s agricultural landscapes https://publications.csiro.au/rpr/download?pid=csiro:EP177962&dsid=DS3
• Queensland Government – Preventing and managing erosion – https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/soil/erosion/management
• CSIRO – Australian Soil Resource Information System – https://www.asris.csiro.au/index_ie.html

Soil acidification

 Soil pH is a fundamental quality of soils, affecting a wide range of attributes from microbial activity, ability to store carbon and vegetation composition and growth. Soil acidification occurs where the pH of the soil drops, making it acidic. It is a significant problem in Australia, affecting an estimated 50% of agriculturally productive soils.

Soil acidification can be caused by natural factors, such as high precipitation rates and substrate materials, and be accelerated by human activities, such as fertiliser application. Soils with a pH of 6.5 or below are considered to be acidic, with soils with a pH of 5.5 or below are considered strongly acidic.

The acidity of the soil can have a major impact on the condition of the soil and its ability to support vegetation. Soil acidity can cause major nutrients to either become toxic to plants, or make them unavailable to plants, both affecting plant growth and productivity. Increased soil acidity also negatively affects the ability of the soil to retain carbon.

In the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, there is a substantial area considered to be at medium risk of soil acidification (predominantly in the southern half of the region). Areas with high intensity agriculture are particularly at risk, as activities such as fertiliser application can accelerate acidification.

While the application of lime can reduce acidity, this is only cost effective on a relatively small scale and can only address soil acidity at the surface level, therefore prevention of acidification of the soil is preferred.

Monitoring:

There are currently no ongoing monitoring programs underway for soil acidity in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, however soil testing and monitoring is undertaken routinely by landholders, agronomy and NRM service providers.

The indicator for soil acidity is the pH level of the soil. Historical measurements from the same site will show the rate at which acidification is occurring.

Links and further information:

• Regional Land Partnerships app – https://erin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=c2606f315ee74d899c4f7ae478c29ccc
• Queensland Government Publications Portal (reports on soils in the Burdekin region) – https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset?q=burdekin
• Queensland Government soil data – https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/soil/soil-data
• CSIRO Report – Priorities for improving soil condition across Australia’s agricultural landscapes https://publications.csiro.au/rpr/download?pid=csiro:EP177962&dsid=DS3
• CSIRO – Australian Soil Resource Information System – https://www.asris.csiro.au/index_ie.html
• Queensland Government – Soil acidification fact sheet – https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/science-notes-soils/resource/2a2b6fc7-671d-4031-96ad-377eaabba6fa
• Soil Quality – fact sheet – http://soilquality.org.au/factsheets/soil-acidity
• Geoscience Australia – Preliminary soil pH map of Australia http://www.ga.gov.au/webtemp/image_cache/GA16735.pdf

Soil carbon

Soil has the ability to store, cycle and release carbon as part of the natural carbon cycle.

Carbon in soils occurs in two forms: inorganic and organic.

Inorganic carbon is mineral based e.g. calcium carbonate, whereas organic carbon comes from organic sources, such as decaying vegetation.

Managing soil carbon usually refers to managing the organic component of soil carbon, which can be influenced through activities such as clearing of vegetation, tilling of soil, crop rotation and residue handling, erosion and fertiliser use.

Increasing and maintaining soil carbon content has a number of benefits, including improving the condition and resilience of the soil, increased productivity and carbon sequestration.

The amount of soil carbon that can be captured and held by a soil depends on the capacity of the soil to hold carbon, the amount of carbon available to be added to the soil and the rate of loss of carbon to the atmosphere.

In the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, the loss of soil carbon and/or the ability to store more carbon is considered to be low for the majority of the region, compared to more southerly areas of the state. This is due to a range of factors, including soil type, history of vegetation clearing and type of agriculture practiced.

While the risk of carbon loss and capacity to increase soil carbon in the soils of the region is considered low, managing soils to maximise soil carbon is still beneficial for soil condition and productivity and plays a role in preventing erosion and acidification. Managing and increasing soil carbon is also a potential source of income through carbon credit trading schemes.

Monitoring:

Monitoring for soil carbon typically occurs at the property level by the landholder, however with the emergence of soil carbon as a potential income source, there is likely to be a rise in soil carbon monitoring using standardised techniques.

The National Soil Carbon Program outcomes for Queensland can be accessed at publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/soil-carbon-program

Measuring soil carbon normally requires laboratory testing, however work is being undertaken to improve the simplicity and affordability of soil carbon testing.

Links and further information:

• Regional Land Partnerships app – https://erin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=c2606f315ee74d899c4f7ae478c29ccc
• Queensland Government Publications Portal (reports on soils in the Burdekin region) – https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset?q=burdekin
• Queensland Government soil data – https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/soil/soil-data
• CSIRO Report – Priorities for improving soil condition across Australia’s agricultural landscapes https://publications.csiro.au/rpr/download?pid=csiro:EP177962&dsid=DS3
• CSIRO – Australian Soil Resource Information System – https://www.asris.csiro.au/index_ie.html
• Queensland Government – Carbon farming methods – https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change/land-restoration-fund/about/carbon-farming-methods
• Department of Agriculture, Water & Environment – Soil carbon – https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/climatechange/australias-farming-future/soil-carbon

Vegetation and biodiversity on farms

Given that agriculture is the dominant land use in the region (nearly 90%), the majority of land and its associated vegetation and biodiversity is managed by agricultural land holders and managers.

Since European arrival, significant amounts of native vegetation have been cleared for development and agriculture. This has resulted in many species and ecological communities being reduced to a small fraction of their former range, making them vulnerable to extinction. Species of plants were often introduced, either as crops or as preferred grass species for grazing. Many of these species outcompete native species, further degrading native ecological communities. Additionally, unintentionally introduced species have become invasive and place additional stress on these natural communities (see Threatened Ecological Communities section of this Addendum).

Alongside this process is an associated loss of biodiversity. Biodiversity can be broadly described as the diversity of living organisms in an ecosystem. In this context, biodiversity typically refers to the diversity of native organisms. In a complete and functioning ecosystem, each organism has evolved in response to the environment and to the other organisms in that environment. Different organisms perform different ‘roles’ within the ecosystem, such as pollinating plants, breaking down and recycling organic materials, eating vegetation and predating on other animals. Through these interactions the ecosystem reaches a state of balance. When this ecosystem experiences a disturbance, either natural, such as a severe weather event or human-induced such as clearing vegetation, the network of organisms is disrupted and if the disturbance is sufficiently severe and/or continues the network is permanently altered, leading to impaired function of the ecosystem as a whole and loss of organisms, their roles and relationships. This can also lead to outbreaks of particular species in large numbers that would otherwise have been prevented.

Biodiversity is an important resource, not only for agriculture, but for the health of all people and other species on earth. Greater biodiversity, including diversity of genetics, enables species and ecosystems to absorb the impact of a disturbance and return to a state of equilibrium and provides the ability to change and adapt over time. Diversity of species enables the full range of roles to be played. In the agricultural context this is particularly important for species that provide services to agriculture, such as pollinators and animals that eat, or compete with, pest species.

As land holders and managers are responsible for managing a large proportion of land, both Australia wide and in the Burdekin Dry Tropics, there is a need for this land to be managed both as an agricultural resource and as an ecological resource for the benefit of the community.

While there can be tension between agricultural activities and preservation of ecological communities and species, increasingly the mutual benefits of farming for production and ecological health are being recognised.

In the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, work is being undertaken to preserve remnants of native vegetation, particularly those listed as threatened and improving the condition of these remnants. This includes vegetation that grows on the banks of watercourses and wetlands (riparian vegetation) which also plays an important role in water quality. This may include fencing areas of remnant vegetation to exclude feral animals and manage stock access, culling feral animals, treating invasive weed species, replanting native plant species, education and training and incentive schemes for the retention and improvement of native ecological communities.

Supporting native vegetation, species and ecological communities contributes to biodiversity by providing the environment in which biodiversity is supported and maintained.

Monitoring:

In Queensland regional ecosystems are classified according to the Regional Ecosystem Framework which assigns a number based on the bioregion, land type and vegetation. qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/ecosystems/descriptions/framework

There are 13 bioregions in Queensland and the Burdekin Dry Tropics includes: Wet Tropics, Einasleigh Uplands and Brigalow Belt.

Monitoring occurs at a range of scales, from continent and state wide monitoring, such as the State of the Environment report https://www.stateoftheenvironment.des.qld.gov.au/home and the National Vegetation Information System – http://www.environment.gov.au/land/native-vegetation/national-vegetation-information-system down to the local scale by individual groups or land holders. Monitoring is also done for compliance checking and planning e.g. planned burns.

Monitoring for vegetation can be conducted from aerial (satellite, plane and drone imagery), through to on-ground surveys using a range of methods. For remnant vegetation important characteristics for monitoring include the size and shape of the remnant (small or narrow areas are most susceptible to impacts), the species present, the structure of the vegetation (the layers e.g. canopy, shrubs, grasses and how these are spread out) and the nature and magnitude of the threats (e.g. presence and abundance of weed species).

Monitoring for biodiversity can include a wide variety of techniques. Given the number of organisms that can be present in an ecosystem and the complex relationships between them, monitoring is often limited to a subset of the measurements that could be undertaken, for example the presence and abundance of key species (indicator species), presence and abundance of pest species, area of disturbed and undisturbed habitat, monitoring of particular guilds, e.g. nectivorous species or the total number of different species in a defined area.

Links and further information:

• Burdekin Dry Tropics Conservation Action Planning Summary Report.
• Regional Land Partnerships app – https://erin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=c2606f315ee74d899c4f7ae478c29ccc
• Queensland Government Publications Portal (reports on soils in the Burdekin region) – https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset?q=burdekin
• Queensland Government soil data – https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/soil/soil-data
• CSIRO Report – Priorities for improving soil condition across Australia’s agricultural landscapes https://publications.csiro.au/rpr/download?pid=csiro:EP177962&dsid=DS3
• CSIRO – Australian Soil Resource Information System – https://www.asris.csiro.au/index_ie.html
• Queensland Government – Carbon farming methods – https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change/land-restoration-fund/about/carbon-farming-methods
• Department of Agriculture, Water & Environment – Soil carbon – https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/climatechange/australias-farming-future/soil-carbon