A transformative 1,516-hectare conservation project, revitalizing a diverse, fragmented landscape through reforestation and sustainable agricultural management.
Location: Warrumbungle Shire, Central NSW
Area Protected: 1,516 hectares
Management: Cassinia Environmental
Overview
Acquired in 2021, the Moolagundi property spans 1,516 hectares and is strategically located 120km west of Tamworth, nestled in the foothills of Bulga Mountain and proximate to Rocky Glen National Park. This diverse landscape, part of the Cassinia property portfolio, features mixed-use areas including forested zones, grazing land, and cropping areas. It presents a vital opportunity for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation in New South Wales.
Conservation Significance
Moolagundi is recognized for its high biodiversity value and plays a crucial role in linking fragmented natural landscapes in the region. The property’s varied landscape supports a rich array of flora and fauna, marking it as a site of very high conservation significance.
Biodiversity
The property is a sanctuary for several protected species, including:
- Koala
- Spotted Tail Quoll
- Wedge-tailed Eagle
- Grey Crowned Babbler
- Blush Coondoo
- Australian Ring-necked Parrot
- Red-winged Parrot
- Brown Treecreeper
Conservation Efforts
The management focus at Moolagundi includes the reforestation of degraded grazing areas, protection of the biodiversity values of remnant vegetation, and the establishment of an ongoing management plan to sustain these values in perpetuity. Historical harsh grazing practices had significantly degraded the land, resulting in eroded topsoils and deep erosion scars. The potential for landscape restoration through revegetation efforts here is immense, with over 420,000 trees already planted to aid in this recovery.
Community and Ecological Integration
Moolagundi not only serves as a conservation site but also as an example of how agricultural lands can be transformed into biodiverse habitats that support both wildlife and local communities. The property’s proximity to national parks enhances its role as a wildlife corridor, contributing to broader ecological networks and supporting species migration and genetic diversity.
Future Vision
Cassinia Environmental aims for Moolagundi to become a benchmark for large-scale ecological restoration and sustainable land management. The project underscores the importance of integrating conservation with agricultural practices, promoting a balanced approach to land use that benefits both nature and local communities.
