The newly formed committee drafting the working plan for the Murrah Flora Reserves met this week to discuss the ongoing management of the Far South Coast’s newest protected area.
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Located between Tathra and Bermagui, the 11,811-hectare reserves provides critical habitat for the local koala population and has cultural significance for Yuin people who co-manage the neighbouring National Parks estate.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) ranger Simon Conaty said the committee, including representatives from the Gulaga and Biamanga Boards of Management, Rural Fire Service, South East Timber Association and the local community discussed fire management, pest control and got a first-hand look at reserves’ biodiversity.
“Eight new signs have been installed at the main entrances advising the community that the reserves are now managed for long-term conservation of native flora and fauna,” Mr Conaty said.
“The steering committee realise the influential role they have in shaping the future of these reserves that are home to more than 20 threatened fauna species and three threatened flora species.
“We have a real opportunity to implement a range of actions that will promote a forest structure and regenerate koala browse species to improve floristic diversity and habitat values.
“During the site visit the committee also discussed the introduction of cultural burning under the guidance of the Gulaga and Biamanga National Parks Boards of Management.
“Cultural burning initiatives are strongly supported by the boards because they enhance fire management and provide opportunities to the Aboriginal community to connect to country and be involved in management across the landscape.”
Plans to recruit a NPWS Aboriginal field officer are also well underway so the reserves can be more holistically cared for and better connected to the neighbouring Biamanga, Gulaga and Mimosa Rocks National Parks.
The first working plan for the reserves is expected to be finalised and implemented from mid-2017.
Under the interim working plan NPWS have commenced wild dog control operations and undertaken roadworks to improve access.
For more information about Murrah Flora Reserves, contact the NPWS Narooma office on 4476 0800.