We’ve had a great year kick-starting the events programme once again after an extended hiatus. Delivering events is one of the highlights of the Environmental Strategies Team as we get to meet landholders, engage with experts in the field and get out on Country. A big thank you to all our partners and landholders we’ve enjoyed working with this year!
Come January, we're gearing up to return to work, continuing our commitment to biodiversity conservation. Join us as we start a fresh year of exploration, restoration and advocacy.
The excitement doesn't stop as the new year begins. Prepare for a calendar of events, workshops and initiatives designed to deepen our connection with nature.
Let's celebrate the close of 2023 and look forward to what's next in the world of biodiversity. Together, we'll continue our journey to protect, preserve and appreciate the wonders of our diverse region.
Searching for the endangered Rosewood Mistletoe
Richmond Landcare Inc. has been searching for the endangered Rosewood Mistletoe (Amyema plicatula). Found growing on the Rosewood tree (Amyema plicatula), Richmond Landcare would like your help discovering where it occurs in the Northern Rivers.
Did you know this beautiful plant is a biodiversity hero? Birds, butterflies and mammals love its rich nectar, nutritious leaves and succulent fruits. Plus, its dense foliage is a favourite spot for nesting birds!
Richmond LC are on a mission with the Rosy Futures project to conserve the Rosewood Mistletoe in Duck Creek, but we need the public’s help to find out more about where it occurs in our region. The NSW Government has assisted the Rosy Futures project through the Environmental Trust. If you have seen one in your backyard, please let Richmond LC know – your discovery could make a big difference!
Send pictures and info to Kath at Richmond Landcare (eo@richmondlandcare.org).
Picture by Landcare
Climate Ready Lismore
Council has committed to preparing a Climate Ready Lismore Strategy – a strategy that enables, empowers and facilitates climate adaptation actions and enhances our communal adaptive capacity across the LGA.
In the lead-up to working on the strategy, staff recently held workshops with key stakeholders in the community, including school students, researchers, community groups and more. The feedback received will be used to scope out what exactly the strategy will and will not cover.
Staff will be working on the strategy next year and will consult widely to seek the community’s feedback too. Watch this space or contact Council’s Strategic Planning Team for more information.
Council’s new Climate Change webpage
New Climate Change webpages have been added to the Lismore City Council website. The pages contain information on all things Climate Change, including the LGA’s emission profile, what the Council commits to doing, how you can help and more.
Water For Wildlife
Apply for a Water for Wildlife drinker now! WIRES, in collaboration with partners Reece, Wildsip, WWF Australia, PaddlePop and the University of Sydney, is offering a national project to support wildlife in drought and fire-affected areas.
Eligible landowners can receive one of 800 free arboreal drinkers to provide supplemental water. Apply ASAP, and if selected, commit to long-term involvement, including installation, maintenance and relocation if needed.
The program prioritises areas impacted by drought and fires, focusing on supporting wild populations of arboreal species. By participating, you join a national community actively monitoring drinkers and contributing to wildlife recovery.
Apply here
Why provide supplemental water?
During the devastating Black Summer of 2019/2020, prolonged drought and severe fires wreaked havoc on native wildlife, resulting in the loss or displacement of nearly three billion animals and widespread habitat destruction. Australia experienced its hottest year on record in 2019.
While recent rain offers relief, longer-term climate forecasts predict more prolonged fire seasons and increased extreme weather events. An Expert Panel identified 119 animal species, including koalas, at high risk of potential extinction post-fires.
In response, WIRES collaborated with Dr Valentina Mella from the University of Sydney to address the long-term support needed for wild populations. Dr Mella's research highlighted the critical role of supplemented water for koalas, especially during hot weather, with arboreal drinkers benefiting various native animals.
Koala Symposium: Save the Dates!
Get ready for an exciting Koalafest in 2024! This two-week event hosted by the Northern Rivers Koala Network will be held from 20 May to 1 June.
The Koalafest will feature workshops, tree plantings, field days, online talks and various activities hosted by organisations across the region. A one-day symposium on 1 June will be held at Southern Cross University.
The focus is on practical actions to support koalas targeting local landholders, practitioners, vets, advocacy groups, indigenous rangers and community members.
Meet the species
Meet one of the Friends of Koalas (FOK) currently in care.
Our adventurous friend, Astro Boy the koala, is back in the FOK Hospital again. Back in February he narrowly escaped danger near a busy road. This time, he faced a different challenge.
A Goonellabah resident noticed Astro Boy coughing and was worried and called the 24-hour Koala Rescue Hotline on 6622 1233. Turns out, he had chlamydial pneumonia and an eye problem called conjunctivitis. He was brought into the Koala Hospital and with quick treatment, his cough got better and he's handling his medicines like a champ.
Right now, Astro Boy is doing well. He'll get one more shot of antibiotics soon to make sure he's all better. We're cheering for him as he fights these health issues.
Astro Boy is a tough little guy, and FOK is supporting him until he's back out in his favourite trees.
It’s important to highlight the incredible work that FOK do in rehabilitating koalas back to health after bouts of infectious diseases such as chlamydia, a bacterial infection impacting their reproductive and urinary system and eyes. Additionally, habitat loss and vehicle collisions pose massive dangers. Conservation efforts aim to address these issues and support koalas in need.
If you want to adopt a koala like Astro Boy, you can head to the Friends of the Koala website Friends of the Koala - Adopt a koala.
Realising the Dream: Property Project Planning Workshop
Lismore City Council recently conducted an informative workshop at Jiggi Hall, building on the positive outcomes of our earlier field day at Goolmangar in late October. Attendees had the opportunity to learn valuable insights from a panel of industry experts and agency staff.
Noteworthy contributions came from local landowners, boasting over 35 years of experience in organising diverse environmental projects. Through their own restoration journey, they were able to share their experience with the attendees and showcase their work at their property.
One key takeaway for landholders was the importance of managing ambitions in manageable increments. By aligning their dreams with available resources and capabilities, attendees learned to sidestep the potential burnout that often plagues new landholders.
The workshop was timed to coincide with the application period for The Rural Landholder Initiative. Council staff were on hand to provide information on the program and guide applicants in the application process. Council staff briefed attendees on using its Intra-maps system and how to access layers on the GIS system that could highlight the environmental values associated with their properties.
Armed with knowledge, many landholders left the workshop with a clearer understanding of the path forward in realising their property-related aspirations. Expressions of Interest for the Rural Landholder Initiative conclude on 18 December. For further information, interested parties can contact the Rural Landholder Initiative officer at 6625 0500. Application guidelines and an online application link are available here.
Big Scrub Rainforest Day 2023
Big Scrub Rainforest Day Celebrates 30 Years of Conservation with Multi-Site Extravaganza
Last month’s Big Scrub Rainforest Day delivered an 'alternate year' format, featuring multi-site and multi-day events. The festivities kicked off on Thursday, 23 November with a Science in the Pub event at Eltham Hotel. The evening, supported by Richmond Landcare, included the launch of a new video highlighting appropriate restoration efforts in the Big Scrub, focusing on whether Koala habitat planted within the Big Scrub is appropriate, followed by a panel discussion.
On Friday, 24 November, the focus shifted to the younger generation with a multi-school planting and activities event for primary-aged students at Rocky Creek Dam. This initiative was part of the Big Scrub Schools Program, aiming to instil a sense of environmental stewardship in the next generation.
Saturday hosted various events, including LCC and Bodhi Tree Forest Monastery’s meditative walk-in nature, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or forest bathing.
Guests at the Bodhi Tree Monastery Meditative walk-in nature event.
2024 Field Day Events
The workshop programme will continue in 2024 with some exciting partnerships and collaborations. Council’s workshop programme resumes in 2024 with the following events planned:
- Early April, Landscape Hydration training. The day will feature Stuart Andrews from Tarwyn Park Training and provide a background and valuable skills in the field of Natural Sequence Farming.
- May, in partnership with Boatharbour Landcare, a day focussed on sharing the positive benefits of working in a community of like-minded landholders.
- Late May, in collaboration with the Friends of the Koala week-long “Koala festival”. Council will co-host a field event focussing on on-ground works to increase Koala habitat in our region. More details below.
Other events to be added so keep your eye on the website for further information and bookings.
Rural Landholder Initiative
Expressions of interest for the Council’s RLI projects are open to 18 December, 2023.
Applicants should read the RLI Policies and Guidelines(PDF, 1MB) before applying online.
For further enquiries email environmentalstrategies@lismore.nsw.gov.au or contact Rural Landholder Initiative officer, David Dreher, on 02 6625 0500.
To preview the application form, you can download a download a PDF(PDF, 901KB).
Apply here
Read about the changes to the RLI programme here.
Supporting Grey-Headed Flying Foxes in Critical Times
During a recent field excursion, Environmental Strategies (ES) team members encountered a solitary Grey-Headed Flying Fox displaying concerning behaviours, including resting low in a tree away from its camp. Recognising these signs of potential illness, the team promptly contacted WIRES for guidance.
Such behaviours, including remaining in food trees instead of returning to camp areas during the day, could indicate malnourishment. With the onset of warmer months, the risk of starvation events in Flying Fox camps becomes more pronounced. These events may be triggered by factors such as a warmer climate, habitat destruction, drought, or bushfires, leading to a scarcity of native nectar sources. Starvation affects the health of all flying foxes but poses a particular threat to the pups and nursing mothers.
Flying fox caught in fruit netting.
Grey-Headed Flying Foxes, which are listed as vulnerable, play a crucial role as major pollinators of rainforests. Their movements from tree to tree aid in pollination while feeding on the fruits of native species enables seed dispersal.
How You Can Help
Friendly Fencing and Fruit Netting
- Install bat-friendly fencing options
-
- If you have fruit trees, use netting with small mesh gaps to prevent trapping (less than 5mm.), or cover only specific branches to share the fruits with the bats. This will also help to prevent other species, like snakes and birds, from getting caught as well.
Water Source Access
- Flying foxes obtain water by skimming the surface of water bodies. Leaving water out will provide them with a crucial water source.
- Regularly change the water source to prevent the spread of diseases.
In Case of Sighting
- If you encounter a bat close to the ground or observe any concerning behaviour, please call the WIRES hotline on 1300 094 737
Emergencies and Safety Measures
- Handling Flying-Foxes
-
- Only licensed wildlife carers trained and vaccinated for Australian bat lyssavirus should handle flying foxes.
- Protective gear is essential when handling these animals to prevent the potential transmission of the virus.
- Approaching Injured Flying-Foxes
-
- Only if it’s necessary, approach injured Flying Foxes slowly and cover them with a large towel or box.
- Maintain a safe distance, minimise noise, and keep pets and children away to avoid additional stress or harm to the animal.
With the community's collective efforts, including implementing conservation practices and taking precautions in emergencies, we can contribute to the well-being and preservation of Grey-Headed Flying Foxes, ensuring their vital role in our ecosystems endures.