Linking habitat in the south-east coastal ranges

Key information

This project will protect and expand the critically endangered River-Flat Eucalyptus Forest on Coastal Floodplains and Lowland Grassy Woodland to improve habitat for threatened species like the greater glider (Petauroides volans) and yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis australis).

Project background

The South East Coastal Ranges have been identified as a priority place in the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan. It contains more than 140 at-risk native animal and plant species.  

Threatened ecological communities (TECs) and habitats for native wildlife will benefit from this project. TECs are deemed ‘threatened’ because they occur in fertile areas and have historically been targeted for clearing.  

Key threats include:

• habitat loss from logging and agricultural activities
• pest animals and weeds
• overgrazing by herbivores and livestock
• unsuitable fire management practices
• climate change.   

Project objectives

The Linking Habitat in the South-East Coastal Ranges project will:  

• improve condition of the target TECs
• restore habitats for threatened plant and animal species including the endangered southern greater glider and the vulnerable yellow-bellied glider
• improve connectivity between protected areas for threatened animals moving through the landscape
• increase native species population and diversity in the target TECs, over time
• better support priority species during seasons of inland drought.  

Project delivery

Work includes:

• protecting and improving remaining patches of TECs through fencing and weed management
• increasing connection and linking TEC patches via tree planting
• reducing key threats to priority areas by reducing the impact of feral herbivores and livestock grazing  
• supporting Aboriginal communities to be actively involved in the project and share traditional ecological knowledge they feel is appropriate  
• helping land managers and the broader community understand the importance of preserving these TECs through knowledge building activities.  

Project timeline

2023–24:

• stakeholder engagement activities for works planning
• contracting of delivery partners.  

2024–25:

• set up baseline monitoring for work sites
• upper catchment weed management
• pest animal management
• community education workshops
• cultural practice workshops
• Aboriginal community day.

2025–27:

• upper catchment weed management
• pest animal management
• community education workshops
• revegetation activities
• stock exclusion works (fencing)
• erosion control (riverbanks).

2027–28:

• post-work monitoring
• project close (30 June 2028) and outcomes reporting.

Work underway

• Delivery partner engagement.
• Work site visits completed.
• Cultural heritage workshop about protecting cultural sites was held on 9 December 2024.  

How to get involved

Opportunities to get involved in education workshops and Aboriginal cultural awareness activities during this project will be promoted through our social media sites, e-newsletters and local media as they become available. 

Funding and partnerships

Local Land Services' key delivery partners are:

• NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service  
• Forestry Corporation NSW
• Aboriginal communities
• ecologists
• community groups
• private and public land managers.

This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government under Saving Native Species and the Natural Heritage Trust, and delivered by South East Local Land Services, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.