Dragonfly Environmental undertook bush regeneration and landscaping works to restore and maintain 13 hectares of the largest remaining stand of the Endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland Ecological Community in the Blacktown Local Government Area.

Dragonfly Environmental initially conducted a site assessment on:

• The presence and abundance of weeds and the priority for control
• Native plant abundance

On completion of the site assessment Dragonfly Environmental made recommendations in order to control the extensive weed infestation on-site in a short time frame. The most predominant weed species on site were Asparagus Fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) and Lantana (Lantana camara).
The focus of these works was to treat weeds present and to restore the three remnant vegetation communities on site which include:

• Beach Spinifex Grassland
• Coastal Fore Dune Wattle Scrub
• Coastal Tea-tree Banksia Scrub

Ecological restoration of the North Palm Beach Dunes was carried out in two main stages.
The primary stage involved extensive weeding that primarily targeted the most abundant weed species on site. In order to treat the Asparagus fern and Lantana, widespread, careful manual removal around all native vegetation coupled with herbicide spraying was carried out. After several weeks the site had shown a significant level of die-back of the Asparagus Fern and other treated weeds. The non-propagative remains of the treated weeds were mulched using a slasher then spread on the bare soil in preparation for planting.

The secondary stage of the project involved the planting of native tube stock into the mulched areas. The planting was undertaken in stages with consistent irrigation. Regular maintenance was carried out on site throughout this time that primarily consisted of manual weed removal as well as herbicide application in select areas.
The treatment and control of Asparagus aethiopicus and Lantana camara was successful throughout the site with many portions of the site now having little to no weed presence. Weed density was reduced from over 80% to less than 20% and less than 5% in some areas. The three coastal communities will need continued maintenance to control herbaceous weeds and exotic grasses now that mature weeds have been removed. It is vital that these works are undertaken for an extended period time for the overall success of the dunes.

Restored the wetland and surrounds which included the Endangered Ecological Communities – Sydney Fresh Water Wetlands and Sydney Coastal Estuarine Swamp Forest.

We are currently working out at Viva Energy’s Clyde terminal, restoring and rehabilitating habitats for the Green and Golden Bell Frogs.

Our plan is to develop a secure core habitat that is reasonably self sustaining: and to create and maintain a habitat that meets the known ecological requirements of the entire life cycle of the Green and Golden Bell Frog (GGBF).

Dragonfly Environmental planted 70,000 plants in three breeding ponds on site and associated frog corridor grasslands to create habitat for the endangered green and golden bell frogs and were also responsible for the maintenance works.

The Green and Golden Bell frog (Litoria aurea) has gone from being one of the most commonly found frogs on the east coast, to one of the most threatened, with the risk of extinction. Living in large, open-water swamps or ponds that have a variable water level and dense vegetation. Unfortunately with habitat isolation and degradation the population of the GGBFs have been threatened.

A large, plump amphibian ranging from approximately 4.5 to 10 cm in length. The colour of the frog varies, but is commonly a pea-green with brassy brown or golden splotches.

Living in large, open-water swamps or ponds that have a variable water level and dense vegetation and grassy and rocky areas around them, their preferred habitats that they use for breeding, foraging, shelter and hibernation include waterbodies that:

• are unshaded and free of predatory fish
• have grassy areas and shelters nearby.

Dragonfly Environmental team have been carefully clearing and disposing of vegetation to avoid harming any GGBF that may be present, rebuilding the habitats that include the removal of She-Oak Trees that are shading Green and Golden Bell Frog Habitat, the control of large areas of Spiny Rush and the planting of appropriate macrophyte species to enhance the natural habitat qualities for GGBF.

• Weed control works start from the banks of waterbodies, working outward towards dry land, replacing the weeds removed with native plants.
• Control of Gambusia (Mosquito Fish).
• Remove all Swamp Oak individuals that occur within or fringing ponds and pools, including along the raised bund that intersects the central pools.
• All Juncus acutus are to be progressively removed from the Wetlands. The native Typha orientalis is to be culled from the centre of pools and ponds, with some T. orientalis retained around the banks of all waterbodies.
• Target small populations of unwanted emergent and aquatic vegetation for removal first, followed by removal of the larger infestations.

Extensive primary treatment on weeds such as Lantana Camara, Casurina Sp and Acacia Salinga have been cleared around the ponds, opening up the area to allow 40% of the perennial wetland area with direct sunlight. Warming up the temperature of the water, creating more productivity for the aquatic vegetation.

Rebuilding and bringing back the natural habitats for the Green and Golden Bell Frogs, is always a profound project to work on, our project aims to create a breeding haven, free from lingering predators and degraded habitat.  Our efforts into restoring the land and restoring the natural habitats will result in unhindered breeding and promote increased activity.

Provided technical expert on wetland flora and fauna including migratory birds and impact assessment.

Dragonfly Environmental propagated and planted over 30,000 saltmarsh plants from local provenance seed as part of disturbance mitigation following the construction of a desalination plant near Phillip Island, Victoria.