Welcome back, readers! We hope you are doing well and are excited for what's to come. We have a variety of local events lined up that aim to provide fun and engagement for our community. From workshops to talks and performances, there is something for everyone. We hope you enjoy what we have planned and look forward to your participation.
We’d like to remind readers of the newly launched Council climate change newsletter. This newsletter aims to keep the community up-to-date on our ongoing climate change projects, which include community adaptation planning, monitoring progress on the Renewable Energy Master Plan, and tracking our greenhouse gas emissions. We are excited to share our progress with you and hope this newsletter will serve as a valuable resource for all those interested in climate change adaptation strategies.
If you're interested in staying informed about these crucial initiatives, subscribe to our climate change newsletter and check out the Climate Change webpage for resources.
Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, thank you for your continued support!
If you’d like to improve your knowledge of land management, the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust's e-learning modules on Conservation Land Management are an excellent resource. They allow you to learn and enhance your skills at your convenience. The modules were developed by the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust's Education team in collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries' Tocal College. These modules are designed to supplement current conservation management guidelines, resources, webinar content, and the conservation management plans of agreement holders.
There are no eligibility requirements and the course is free. Learning is self-paced, meaning you can take your time to complete the course.
For more information, visit the BCT webpage here.
Prasangi Desilva and Dr Kathryn Hodgins, both researchers at Monash University, are seeking landholders' collaboration in sourcing two native Australian grass species within the genus Bothriochloa: Bothriochloa macra (Red leg grass) and Bothriochloa decipiens (Pitted bluegrass). Their research involves combining field experiments and genomic data analysis to assess the suitability of these grass species for climate change-resilient ecological restoration of degraded Australian grasslands.
To expand their research, the lab seeks to obtain mature seeds of these grasses from locations across Australia during the upcoming summer. They request assistance from organizations and landholders who have these native grasses on their properties or know of locations where they can be found, as well as assistance with mature seed collections.
Red Leg Grass (Bothriochloa macra) and Pitted bluegrass (Bothriochloa decipiens).
The lab expresses gratitude for any assistance provided in their efforts to explore the genomics of these native grasses and develop more resilient ecological restoration strategies to preserve Australian grasslands.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Prasangi Desilva by replying to prasangi.desilva@monash.edu.au
9 March at The Channon
Richmond Landcare is set to launch the Koala Connect: Habitat Restoration and Connectivity Project in response to the significant decline in koala populations across New South Wales. The initiative aims to revitalise and connect koala habitats in the critical regions of Lismore and Ballina, addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by these iconic marsupials.
The project is scheduled to commence at The Channon Hall, featuring an exciting line-up of speakers who will share insights on koalas, their habitats, threats to their survival, and ways to support local populations. Notable presenters include representatives from Friends of the Koala, Goanna Ecological, Ngulingar Ranges and Biolink.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Gain knowledge about local koala food trees and what constitutes healthy habitat, as well as strategies to bolster them.
- Learn techniques for spotting koalas and reporting sightings.
- Acquire insights into local koala behaviour.
- Understand the cultural significance of koalas to the Bundjalung people and indigenous land management practices that promote their habitat.
- Learn to recognise signs of illness or injury in koalas and how to report them.
- Understand the threats facing koala populations and steps to mitigate these risks.
- A delectable morning tea will be provided, allowing attendees to network and engage further.
Richmond Landcare Org. invites you to join them in supporting the conservation efforts of this beloved Australian mammal! This project has been made possible through grant funding from the Australian Government's Saving Koalas Fund.
Wednesday, 20 March
A message from Bangalow Koalas:
“Bangalow Koalas are ready to go and kick start our 2024 planting season with what will be one of our biggest planting thanks to funding from our wonderful partners at WWF-Australia, Regenerate Australia, with trees funded by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and One Tree Planted.
Join us, Bangalow Koalas are hosting a tree planting day in South Gundurimba.
Bookings are essential so email to book your space today at president@bangalowkoalas.com.au.
Council’s latest workshop is teaming up with Stuart Andrews to deliver a one-day field day focusing on the principles of landscape hydration, managing the flow of water to improve rural productivity and environmental outcomes.
You will learn how you can utilise Landscape Hydration Works to:
- Restore your Landscape’s function
- Increase your farms’ productivity and profitability.
- Build your natural capital
- Play your part in managing climate change.
Discover strategies to manage water flow and enhance productivity on rural properties. Special guest presenter Stuart Andrews of Tarwyn Park Training will introduce the principles of Landscape Hydration Works. Learn how these principles can restore landscape function, increase farm profitability, and contribute to climate change management. The workshop includes presentations and visits to local sites implementing landscape hydration techniques.
Full details here.
Registrations are open now - $25 tickets are available for purchase from 15 March.
- South Lismore Duck Pond
- Saturday, 27 April
South Lismore Duck Pond.
In collaboration with Duck Pond and South Lismore Landcare, Lismore Council is organising a special showcasing event aimed at raising public awareness about urban biodiversity and wildlife. This event will feature informative presentations and a hands-on public planting hour.
Presentations:
- Indian Myna Control: Laura Noble from Clarence Valley Conservation in Action
- Australian native bees in urban habitats: Steve Maginnity from the Australian Native Bee Company
- Urban water health and the importance of wetlands: Brendan Cox
- Informal walk and talk of South Lismore Duck Pond: Local Bush regenerators Patrick Lennon.
- Ngulingah Nursery to join onsite with backyard-appropriate local native species for purchase.
Activities include:
- 1 hr planting community planting session to finish off the day.
Free for all, acknowledgment of Country commences at 9am followed by morning presentations.
Stay tuned for an official event page on Council’s website.
20 May to 1 June
Friends of the Koala to present their week+ long koala festival. This event will focus on on-the-ground efforts to enhance koala habitat in our region, featuring walks and talks to explore core koala habitats and gain insights into the specific needs of these iconic local creatures.
Dates and time to be confirmed - keep an eye out on the Friends of the Koala or Council’s websites.