Vegetation management
Introduction
Native vegetation has immense variation in composition across the 13 bioregions in the state. Queensland's vegetation changes as you move from the coastal zone to the arid west, from the tropical north to the sub-tropical south. There are 1085 distinct vegetation communities known as regional ecosystems in Queensland.
Many of these regional ecosystems, particularly on fertile soils have been extensively cleared to open up areas for production. Other areas of native vegetation are subject to degradation from weeds and changed fire regimes.
Many landholders are managing native vegetation on their properties to aid sustainable production now and in the future, and maintain native vegetation in good condition to provide habitat for native wildlife.
The stories in this section show the benefits for production and conservation of retaining, managing, selectively clearing and regenerating native vegetation to improve productivity and allow habitat for wildlife.
Coorangy
Sixty years ago, Geoff Woods father established a sheep property 'Coorangy' in brigalow-belah open forest country near Goondiwindi. He left a network of native vegetation around paddock perimeters for stock shelter and fire protection. Now the property has switched from sheep to wheat, but the 'shadelines' have been retained.
Research by CSIRO has shown that this vegetation acts as a windbreak, improving overall paddock yields by up to 8%. A shadeline of 12m height provides wind protection 240m out into the paddock.
The vegetation in the shadelines on Coorangy is very healthy, with a mix of mature and young trees, an understorey of shrubs and grasses and abundant litter on the ground. The shadelines also act as wildlife corridors, connecting patches of bush on the farm and on neighbouring properties, and with the nearby creek and roadside vegetation. Over 100 native animal species were found in a survey conducted by QPWS Officers, including a colony of the rare little pied bat Chalinolobus picatus that roosts in tree hollows by day and feeds on mosquitos and small insects by night.
Inverstanley
Ross and Nadia McConnel run a 1600ha beef cattle property, 'Inverstanley' fronting Wivenhoe Dam. All but the steeper slopes of the property were cleared in the 1850's and 60's, leaving only isolated trees for shade. Many of these trees have since fallen victim to dieback.
Ross has been re-establishing trees in open paddocks for shade and wildlife, by fencing off areas, replanting and allowing natural regeneration. The McConnel's actively retain remnant patches of vegetation which support a variety of wildlife, including 8 species of frogs, numerous birds and reptiles, and squirrel gliders.
Native grasses are preferred to introduced grasses as they survive the stress of frost, drought and fire better. The judicious use of fire and stocking rates ensure there is ample fodder for stock as well as native grazers such as Whiptail wallabies and Eastern grey kangaroos.
Duke's Plain
Shane and Shan Joyce manage the 7900ha Duke's Plain near Theodore. The primary enterprise is beef production, with a few crops grown for sale or stock feed.
Shane manages brigalow regrowth on the property by blade ploughing, but has retained strips of vegetation in ploughed country by missing a run every two or three runs. This vegetation now provides a range of benefits, such as shelter for stock, improved soil organic matter and nutrient recycling. These strips of vegetation also provide habitat for birds and large numbers of orb-weaving spiders who feed on insect pests.
Large unproductive areas of sandstone have been left in their natural state as bushland, while considerable areas of brigalow and softwood scrub on highly productive soils, no longer common in the local area, have also been retained intact.
The Joyces view the whole farm system in their property planning, integrating all elements as part of the whole and maintaining flexibility for future change.
Riverview
'Riverview' is a cattle property, owned by Brian and Kathleen Panitz, of approximately 1030ha (2500acres). It is situated near Rathdowney overlooking the Logan River.
The majority of Riverview is still covered by native vegetation. The major vegetation types present are Hoop Pine scrub, dry rainforest, and tall open forests of mixed Eucalyptus species including Grey Gum, Spotted Gum, Stringybarks, Ironbarks, Gum-topped Box, Brush Box, Yellowbox, Forest Red Gum and Tallowwood.
Approximately 250 species of native plants, 77 species of birds, 14 species of mammals, 11 species of frogs and 11 species of reptiles have been recorded on 'Riverview'. Including an escarpment that is home to Brush-tailed rock wallabies, areas of casuarinas that support Glossy black cockatoos and enough habitat to support a Powerful owl.
Powerful owls Ninox strenua prey on possums and gliders and require large tracts of good quality bushland to provide them with an adequate food supply. 'Riverview' provides such quality bushland.
Last updated: 28 November 2003