Protecting TECs of Coolibah - Black Box and Poplar Box Grassy Woodlands in southern Queensland areas of the Brigalow Belt.
About the Project
Property owners in southern Queensland, your grazing lands may support two unique ecosystems: Coolibah-Black Box Woodlands and the Poplar Box Grassy Woodlands. Both are valuable to maintaining the health and productivity of your agricultural systems.
Protecting these woodlands ensures they continue to provide the shade, shelter, and soil health that your livestock rely on, creating benefits for both your farm and the environment. You can participate in this project to not only conserve these critical ecosystems but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and productivity of your grazing systems. Collectively, we can make a difference beyond your property boundary and throughout the regional vegetation corridors.
Strategies involve a combination of:
Targeted weed management
Coordinated pest management
Habitat restoration
Livestock management
Buffer zone establishment
Restoring hydrological regimes
Appropriate use of fire
This project is being delivered in southwest Queensland areas of the Brigalow Belt throughout 2024-2028. It is a $2 million dollar investment from the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust – Panel of Regional Delivery Partners program. It aims to safeguard the Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) of Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands and Poplar Box Grassy Woodland on Alluvial Plains.
The Coolibah, Black Box ecosystems are found in the floodplains and drainage areas of the Brigalow Belt Southwest. Dominated by Coolibah and Black Box trees with a grassy understorey, this vegetation thrives in the grey, self-mulching clay soils, supporting a diverse range of native plants and wildlife. However, threats like land clearing, invasive species, and water flow changes are threatening this system further.
Similarly, the Poplar Box systems are a grassy woodland dominated by Eucalyptus populnea (Poplar Box) with an understorey of grasses and herbs. This ecological community is found on gently undulating and flat landscapes, often near watercourses, and benefits soil stability and nutrient cycling. The Poplar Box trees are significant hollow-forming species, providing essential habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and invertebrates. However, this community is also under threat from land clearing, weed invasion, inappropriate fire and grazing practices, and hydrological changes.
Learn about what has happened in similar projects
Hear from Goondiwindi land manager about how they manage timbered areas
An ecologist discusses the uniqueness of grassland and woodland areas.
Transform landscapes through restoring the hydrology of Coolibah floodplain areas.
Learn about the importance of Brigalow to the Mandandanji People and benefits to the environment.
Preventing weed spread through vehicle wash down
Opportunities to get involved
A series of information days and workshops will be rolled out in the focus areas, you’re encouraged to attend, learn about strategies to combat land management challenges, and ask questions of the specialist speakers. Follow us on social media including Eventbrite and become a member to ensure you’re one of the first to know about upcoming workshops. They’re generally free to attend!
If you’ve got woodland areas dominated by Coolibah, Black Box or Poplar Box trees, it’s worth getting in touch! We can support you to implement sustainable practices on-farm that directly benefit the target vegetation systems. This includes activities like:
- Reducing invasive weeds in and around woodlands
- Controlling pest animals in the landscape
- Enabling regeneration of woodland corridors and buffer areas
- Changing livestock grazing regimes in woodland areas
- Installing fences and alternative waters for livestock management
- Restoring hydrology of alluvial areas through runoff and erosion management
- Introducing the right fire in woodlands and buffer areas
Here’s how to get involved
Please complete the form on the Get Involved page to let us know what type of support will help you get involved. Give our friendly team a call on the main line 0746 200 111 or via
projects@sqlandscapes.org.au if you need assistance to share this information with us.
This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Southern Queensland Landscapes, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
