The Pollack Wetland Biodiversity Enhancement Project will enhance the floodplain riparian woodland, and in particular the Pollack Swamp Flora Reserve.
This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers Program Small Grants.
WMLIG executive officer Roger Knight said revegetation work is scheduled to commence next autumn.
‘‘This additional funding helps in creating momentum and supporting an existing project which will assist in delivering the community’s vision for their forest,’’ Mr Knight said.
‘‘It’s a great example of how a bottom-up approach can lead to tangible outcomes.
‘‘The group will continue to pursue funding opportunities to ensure that further biodiversity enhancements can take place in the forest.’’
The Pollack is a 700ha flora reserve which forms part of the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest, and falls within the Gunbower Koondrook-Perricoota Forest — an internationally protected Ramsar-listed icon site.
It is located on the country of the Barapa Barapa First Nations people and contains rich archaeological evidence of Aboriginal occupation.
The project will enhance biodiversity via the provision of eight locally native under-story plant species that will support the existing open woodland upper-story species of River Redgum and Black Box.
In doing so, WMLIG says vital connectivity between the terrestrial and riparian areas of the Pollack wetland will be enhanced.
It will be critical for many fauna species, particularly resident bird species, including Gilbert’s Whistler, a notable species recorded at the Pollack.
‘‘Revegetating the woodlands with the use of shrubs not only improves the habitat available for threatened and significant species but increases the complexity of habitat, attracting insect eating birds helping keep the overstory healthy,’’ the group said.
‘‘The project will build upon the work from other projects that WMLIG has conducted at the site in partnership with Murray Local Land Services, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Moama Local Aboriginal
Land Council, the Barapa Barapa people, and Murrakool Land for Wildlife to maintain and improve the condition of the Pollack.
‘‘For example, this project aligns closely with the ongoing Murray LLS Pollack Wetland Enhancement Project which is in its fourth year.
‘‘This project has been a catalyst for wider community engagement and resulted in a community vision for the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest which is ‘A healthy working forest where native species can flourish, and where local communities can connect and co-manage the forest for future generations’.’’
For more information about the current Pollack Swamp Enhancement Project, please visit www.westernmurraylig.org/the-pollack.
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