While fires raged in the east, farms here have remained green and there is still water in the wetlands. Adjoining the BSCW, we’ve seen Lace Monitors, Sugar Gliders, Echidnas, Koalas, snakes and many birds including a family of 3 Wedgetail Eagles over the past few weeks. Our small patches of remnant bush and wildlife corridors might be important havens for plants and animals when other areas are struck by adversity.
Thus it’s heartening to see that Indigenous Designs has begun weed control along the Rail Trail. Ivy, Cape Broom, Blackberry, Willows, and Thistles are dying.
Thanks to Debbie from Major Road Projects Vic for providing the following South Gippsland Highway realignment update:
“Designs and management plans are progressing in the background and over the next few weeks, the following works will commence:
- The survey team will begin marking out the project area.
- Geotechnical investigations will be carried out to help inform the detailed design.
- Environmental surveys will occur in the project area over the coming months, this includes weed mapping to determine the level of management required.
- No-Go-Zone fencing installation to commence in the next month.”
During January, NTV Landcare Group enjoyed a farm walk to see how Corne and Jennifer (with Marijke and Charles) are integrating conservation while developing their productive farm. This is part of the “Making the Tarwin Terrific Again” project and they are using electric fences with great results.
The hazards of barb wire were re-emphasized to Peter and I recently when we rescued a baby koala entangled in an old fence. The koala needed stitches and antibiotics and, because it couldn’t be re-united with its mother, is now being cared for by the wonderful Bass Coast/South Gippsland Wildlife Rescue and Shelter (find them on facebook).
Landcare Group Members are invited to the West Gippsland Close the Gap Week 2020 on Thursday March 19th 10 am - 2 pm at the Powlett River. This Cultural Heritage Induction is organised by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Group and Landcare Victoria with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. More details on Facebook or ring 1300 094 262. RSVP essential.
Next BSCW Bird Monitoring meets at 5 pm Wednesday 19th February at the Koonwarra Recreation Reserve.
