Outcomes

Outcome 1 = 272 hours of weed control.
Herbicide and manual weed control
192 hrs - Inkind weed control (adjoining land holders)
Blackberry was the most invasive weed, followed by Hemlock and Caper Spurge. The bushfires bared the ground in many parts of the riparian zone and the numerous floods that followed also led to the growth of some of these annual weeds. The contractor treated areas that had been done in previous years. He reported that the frequency of blackberries was significantly less than in previous years, however some annual weeds including Hemlock and Caper Spurge were becoming much more invasive. EGCMA and DELWP are also managing Cape Ivy along the Tambo River downstream of our work, where this invasive weed has become well established and is becoming more of a threat to biodiversity than anything we've ever seen.

Outcome 2 = 1 flora & 1 fauna survey.
We engaged Wildlife Unlimited from Bairnsdale to conduct a desktop survey, which involved a component of researching and seeking as much information from the VicFlora Database, from the Ecological Vegetation Classes Database and other sources. They compiled all this information into a lengthy report that has supported the development of the brochure and distributed to local Landcare members.

Outcome 3 = 2 flora & fauna community field days.
10 people attended the first field day on 17/11/21.
9 people attended the Battle Point event on 24/11/21.
Our committee managed many challenges to hold these events, including changes to dates due to road closures and wet weather. People attended and provided very positive feedback. These events were an opportunity for locals to gather, learn more about the environment, biodiversity, affects of the bushfire on this environment and feel they were contributing to a positive program.

Outcome 4 = 1 weed control field day.
11 people attended the weed control field day held on 31/3/22. This event had to be relocated on the day to a local shearing shed to seek shelter from the rain. The weed contractor involved in this program attended as a guest speaker who provided relevant, specific information on weed species and their treatment. Local East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA) staff attended and shared with us, their weed control and revegetation plans and programs and partnership programs. A second weed control event was planned, however we sought a project variation and now, further weed control information is being incorporated into the brochure.

Outcome 5 = 1,000 native plants.
Almost 1,000 sedges, shrubs and trees were planted at Battle Point on the banks of the Tambo River. GLAWAC, the Gippsland Lakes and Water Aboriginal Corporation were engaged to support this activity. Their crews attended the site to cut back the brush and then plant the trees. EGCMA are also involved in remediation of this site through the installation of platypus habitat and some revegetation works.

Outcome 6 = 1 flora publication & 1 fauna publication.
This component has merged into 1 brochure. This brochure is still in development by Colourfield however it has been paid. The draft has been received by the committee and we are working to make some small changes and finalise and print asap.