Brigalow Project
About the Project
Regional Land Partnerships - Environment is funded from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program with the goal to help land managers better manage their Brigalow scrub while at the same time improving and promoting these Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC).
Many land managers battle with weed infestations in their Brigalow country and this project aims to provide funding and knowledge resources to help minimise damage and eradicate weeds like harrisia cactus, mother of millions, tree pear and boxthorn to name but a few.
Mustering livestock in Brigalow can also be problematic for land managers and this project aims to provide funding and resources so livestock access to these scrub areas can be better managed.
Common threats to Brigalow scrub include:
- Clearing and overgrazing
- Fire
- Weeds and feral pests
Main threat reduction strategies include:
- Control/eradication measures for weeds and feral pests
- Fencing to manage livestock access & promote regrowth of Brigalow to link patches of native scrub
- Measures to reduce excess fuel loads and uncontrolled fire outbreaks.
- Installation of watering points to reduce dwell time of livestock in your Brigalow
Latest Project News
Learn how Brigalow has enhanced and supported Toni Rissman's farming operations at "Weimea", north of Goondiwindi.
Joined by Southern Queensland Landscapes Project Delivery Officer Bradley Oleksyn, Toni discusses the environmental and economic benefits of maintaining healthy Brigalow on regional properties.
What is a Brigalow Threatened Ecological Community?
Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) is an endemic tree of Australia; known by the Gamilaraay Peoples as Barranbaa or Burril. Found in central and coastal Queensland and northern New South Wales, Brigalow can grow as tall as 25m and is usually identifiable by its distinct silver-foliage and dark brown/black hard, furrowed bark.
What are the Threats to Brigalow?
Click on the icons below to learn more about how exotic pest species, grazing practises and bushfires affect Brigalow.
Land clearing and bushfire.
The Brigalow community was listed as endangered on the basis of extensive clearing with many remaining remnants occurring as fragments across the landscape.
This type of clearing significantly alters how these ecosystems function and the role it plays for the many species relying on these areas for survival. Fragmentation and disturbance can also interact with the changed land uses in surrounding areas including increased risk of wildfire.
Brigalow is thought to be relatively intolerant of fire however the occurrence of high fuel load grasses such as buffel, Rhodes or green panic grass pushing into Brigalow remnants significantly increases these risks.
Overgrazing.
IMPACT BY GRAZING PRACTISES
If introduced stock, such as sheep and cattle, are not excluded or continuously moved through areas of native bushland, they preferentially graze out all the beneficial native species.
Livestock can also reduce ground cover, contributing to erosion issues, and generally degrading native ecosystems. By improving grazing practices, we can ensure stock are not destroying the fragile ecosystem they are imposing upon.
SQ Landscapes works with landholders to improve their grazing management practices and enhance their natural ecosystems.
Weeds and feral pests.
Invasive weeds and feral animals can significantly alter the structure and function of Brigalow affecting its suitability to support our native species.
Some of these issues establish quickly following disturbances to our native areas – whether that is through clearing for fences or other infrastructure or natural events.
These issues can be widespread and problematic if not addressed in a timely manner. Early detection and rapid response to these weed and pest influences will provide the most cost effective method for successful control.
What if my property isn't in the focus area?
Southern Queensland Landscapes is passionate about connecting land managers throughout Southern Queensland with information, resources and support to improve their land.
Although you may not be in the focus area for this project, we encourage you to check out the resources below. You can also become a member and be notified as further opportunities become available.
This project is supported by Southern Queensland Landscapes through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
