1044 Beaudesert-Beenleigh Rd Luscombe
The riparian rainforest that occurs within Albert River remnant vegetation consists of habitat classified as an endangered ecological community. Rainforest remnants and mature habitat trees have been cleared from the area historically, for land development and agriculture. The significant site values include mature remnant trees Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) which provide habitat to a range of birds and a breeding pair of White Bellied Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus leucogaster).
Site rehabilitation started with initial land acquisition and subsequent consultation with Victoria Bakker from Forest Rehabilitation Ecology, to restore the natural areas. The rehabilitation plan included vision to create wildlife corridor and conservation network along the Albert River in Luscombe. Assisted regeneration techniques were engaged to use best practice and minimal herbicide on the riparian treatment zone.
The aim of rehabilitation works is to treat major weeds and infestations in a comprehensive way to transition intense weed infestations back to functional natural areas. Initial works involved treatment of intense infestations of Balloon Vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum) and Castor Oil (Ricinus communis). Other significant weeds included Annual Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), Lantana (lantana camara), White Glycine (Neonotonia wightii), Wandering Dew (Tradescantia fluminensis), Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia) & Creeping Lantana (Lantana montevidensis).
Complementary works have included planting the front of the property with pollinator species and groundcovers for birds and other wildlife. The site was successful with NCAP (Nature Conservation Assistance Program) Land for Wildlife funding in 2019 & 2021, 2022, which has further contributed to the success of site riparian rehabilitation works. A total of 10,840 plants have been installed to enhance the wildlife corridor and habitat structure.
This has been achieved through privately funded initiatives and supplemental plantings supported by the NCAP funding from City of Gold Coast council. The effective treatment and weed management have enabled the natural areas to recover through assisted regeneration, direct seeding, and reconstruction revegetation. Weed densities have been reduced to small isolated pockets under maintenance and a total of 4.5 hectares of site restoration has been completed, through landowner initiative. Another 2.7 hectares has been enhanced with council funding assistance.
Site resilience has improved which will help ensure the riparian withstands climate change impacts and severe storm damage and floods. A diverse range of birds, small mammals, macropods, reptiles, and frogs are thriving from the wetland enhancement, improved riparian stability, and habitat preservation. The resident and visiting birdlife include Rainbow Bee Eaters (Merops ornatus), Double Barred Finches (Taeniopygia bichenovii), Royal Spoonbills (Platalea regia), Sulfur Crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita), Superb Fairy Wren (Malurus cyaneus), Lewin’s Honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii), Scarlet Honeyeater (Myzomela sanguinolenta), and many other migratory species. Further supplemental plantings are planned, and ongoing maintenance will ensure the site continues to become a model for the region which is predominantly degraded from intense land clearing and agriculture.