Enhancing the biodiversity conservation and cultural heritage values of Busbys Flat, south west of Casino, by restoring native vegetation and riparian areas through pest plant control is being achieved through the partnership of the Casino-Boolangle Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) and the Northern Rivers Fire and Biodiversity Consortium.
The Working on Country project involves restoring LALC land as well as two adjoining travelling stock reserves managed by North Coast local land services and is supported through funding from the National Landcare Programme and Catchment Action NSW.
John Nagle, Senior Land Services Officer said, ‘It is delivering tremendous outcomes as Busbys Flat is not only a hotspot for threatened plant communities and the many threatened fauna species dependent on floodplain eucalypt forest, but it is also of significant cultural heritage importance to the Casino Aboriginal community.’
The project is working to restore the native forest and riparian areas as well as maintaining community connections with the spirit of this special place.
‘The team is also embracing the opportunity to undertake a cultural assessment, prescribed firestick burning and fauna survey as part of the project, and will be shortly installing nest boxes to enhance habitat for wildlife with the assistance of local experts,’ said Paula Coghill, Chief Executive Officer of Casino-Boolangle LALC.
‘Our Working on Country team is also working with other land councils and Aboriginal organisations, such as Gugin Gudduba LALC at Kyogle and supporting these groups with their own cultural land management initiatives.
‘We will be showcasing the forest restoration and cultural management efforts at Busbys Flat to local groups, neighbours and project partners in the near future,’ Ms Coghill said.
Brendan Torrens, team leader of the Casino-Boolangle team said, ‘It is very fulfilling for the team to be involved in the Working on Country project and strengthen their ability to look after our land and cultural heritage.
‘It provides an opportunity to share with others our cultural knowledge and connection to the land at Busbys Flat and helps to bring people together.
‘The on-ground work, assessments and cultural fire planning under partnership with North Coast Local Land Services, Northern Rivers Fire and Biodiversity Consortium and other partner organisations has greatly enhanced our skills to manage this land and highlight the cultural importance of Busbys Flat,’ Brendan concluded.
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