Released 19/08/2016
Work will take place today to remove a 160 year old yellow box tree in Amaroo which has been deemed unsafe, and relocate it to Barrer Hill in the Molonglo River Corridor near Coombs as part of an innovative restoration project, Minister for Planning and Lane Management Mick Gentleman announced today.
“The tree will be removed intact before being lifted into location at Barrer Hill where it will provide valuable habitat for local wildlife.” Minister Gentleman said.
The delicate operation will involve a crane truck and skilled Arborists. The tree will have any dangerous branches pruned back before being placed into a steel-lined sleeve with concrete footing to keep it in position at the restoration site. Extra hollows of varying dimensions will be carved into logs and attached to the tree, providing homes for animals like marsupials and bats.
The work is part of a restoration project that has been taking place over the last two years at Barrer Hill within the soon to be declared Molonglo River Reserve. Significant weed removal and revegetation work are helping to restore the site, which was degraded by pine plantations and livestock grazing.
“The area’s rocky grasslands are home to threatened species like the pink-tailed worm-lizard.
“Rock relocation and salvage log placement is also seeing the return of other valuable habitat structures to the site.
“Over the coming weeks the ACT Government intends to resurrect more intact trees into the area. These will also receive carved hollows to help attract animals. Specialised wildlife cameras will be placed in the trees to see what sort of wildlife returns to the area.” Minister Gentleman said.
“This exciting project being undertaken by the ACT Government, and with research being conducted through the Australian National University, will provide valuable data on the ability to restore habitats.” Minister Gentleman concluded.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases