Filling the Biodiversity Gaps Stages Connecting the Tweed Coast to the Border Ranges 3,4,5 and 6
These are a series of projects aimed to improve and protect high conservation value vegetation and connect habitat for a diversity of flora and fauna, including threatened species, within Tweed Shire. Over the past 4 years Tweed Landcare has been successful in securing funding each year from the NSW Environmental Trust to fund 4 consecutive projects, with each running over three years. Each project undertakes bush regeneration a minimum of 5 hectares each on 4 properties. Over the 4 years of this program 16 properties have been worked on with a minimum of 100hectares of weed control undertaken. Landholder agreements are signed between Tweed Landcare and the landholders for 5 years. The first three years are funded by the Environmental Trust and the remaining two years includes maintenance of the sites by the landholders.
Properties are selected for this project based on their location within a fauna/climate change corridor or having linkages to National Parks estate with engaged and supportive landholders. The project builds on the ongoing Northern Corridors Connection program that commenced in 2009 and strengthens partnership between Tweed Shire Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Biodiversity Conservation Trust, private landholders and the community. Training and awareness raising activities undertaken as part of this project will increase landholder skills to manage habitat on their properties and enhance the broader community understanding of the importance of landscape connectivity.