Koala population (Component A)

The 2024 baseline Econd® score for the Native Fauna koala population (Component A) is zero. No koala activity was identified at the sampling sites for the baseline survey year 2024, in accordance with the SAT survey protocol.

Due to observed koala activity in some parts of the property, it was considered plausible that some activity may be observed in the assessment sites. In particular, it was initially hypothesised that some activity may be observed in the assessment units with more favourable habitat conditions; namely the eucalypt-dominant ex-plantation areas and, to a lesser extent, the remnant/regrowth areas. It was not anticipated that evidence of activity would be found in the hoop pine dominant ex-plantation or the cleared areas which have not yet been restored, due to unfavourable habitat conditions.

Despite the score of zero, at two sample sites, scratch marks were found on trees, which were consistent with koala behaviour. However, without the indicator of scat present, this evidence does not confirm koala activity according to the indicators as specified under this Method.

It is noted that management practices over the property have only more recently pivoted towards wildlife habitat restoration and conservation outcomes, with the strategic focus on koala habitat management. As such, this finding supports a conclusion that it takes time to restore habitat and encourage populations back to an area previously degraded, and for strategic management decisions to translate into re-emerging koala populations.

Koala habitat (Component B)

The 2024 baseline Econd® score for the Native Fauna koala habitat (Component B) is 43. Econd® scores were highest in the eucalypt-dominant ex-plantation areas (Assessment Unit: AUc-Euc), as to be expected given the dominant presence of locally important and ancillary tree species (Youngentob et al., 2021). These areas scored particularly high with respect to habitat quality relative to the other Assessment Units (pre-weighted raw Econd® of 62), captured through key features and indicators including number of usable trees and average tree height.

Remnant and regrowth (AUa) and hoop pine-dominant areas (AUc-HP) delivered a raw Econd® (pre-weighted) at 42 and 37 respectively, predominantly reflecting lower scores in the habit quality indicators. The raw (pre-weighted) Econd® for the cleared areas (AUc), is 17 and the lowest of all Assessment Units, with the lowest scores across all indicator classes from landscape context, habitat quality and presence of threats.  

As a baseline assessment, the outcomes from this Asset Account describes a generally degraded and/or highly modified landscape from a koala population and habitat perspective. This is considered a fair reflection of the current state from the landholders’ perspective. The quality, condition and general habitat potential varies considerably across the property, reflected in the delineation of Assessment Units and the nature and characteristics of the ex-plantation areas. Historical land use practices across the property, including continuous cattle grazing and largely degraded monoculture plantations, has led to fragmentation of potential koala populations and habitat.

Overall, the property offers immense potential to provide core koala habitat. Recent, strategic management practice changes by the current landholders are focused on restoration, conservation and the transition of ex-plantation areas towards a permanent and functional forest. Whilst these changes may be clearly evident on the ground, it is noted that such changes take time to be reflected in key impact metrics, including koala population activity and improvements in koala habitat condition.