Locals invited to join biodiversity study
Thursday 23 November 2023
Locals living in more rural settings across the region may receive a phone call about the plants, animals and critters living on their land in coming weeks.
Tamworth Regional Council will approach individual land owners to participate in a biodiversity baseline study to capture a snapshot of habitats across the region. These may include communities or individual sightings of native birdlife, bugs, frogs, animals, plants and trees.
Director of Water and Waste with Tamworth Regional Council, Bruce Logan said the study forms an essential part of the Council’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy adopted in December 2022 and will help monitor the local environment into the future.
“After droughts, fires and floods, it’s important to understand what we’re working with, and protect the special plants, animals and habitats we have in the region” he said.
Mr Logan explained the assessment of local properties was a targeted approach with priority field visits to be based on the location of identified important species.
“Council staff will be proactively contacting customers who live on or manage land where online database records have indicated that endangered species or habitat may be present.”
As well as forming a part of the broader Environment Sustainability Strategy, land owners will have the opportunity to understand what flora and fauna exist on their property and to consider grants and financial opportunities available to improve and enhance their property, if eligible.
“Once the field studies are complete, participating land owners will have access to the final project data and the findings from their land.”
Council has engaged Armidale-based consultants, Stringybark Ecological to conduct a visual assessment, looking for native plant species, and signs of animal species such as tree marking or scats. A team of ecologists, led by David Carr, will work with customers to visit at mutually agreeable times, with minimum disruption.
Councils help to protect plant and animal life in their local area through biodiversity strategies and plans, land use planning mechanisms, and working with the community on biodiversity projects and programs.
There is no obligation to participate, and land owners who would like to register their interest can contact Bronwyn and Ashleigh on 0460 038 410.