Scenario
A beef producer in western Queensland uses pollarding on gidgee trees to create a reliable feed source during drought.
Site details
- Gidgee woodlands (not threatened)
- Most of the property is Category X vegetation
- Small areas of regrowth occur on floodplains
Activity
The producer plans to:
- pollard trees at set heights
- keep enough crown for the trees to recover
- rotate harvest areas to protect soil.
EPBC considerations
- Gidgee trees may provide habitat for listed species.
- Repeated pollarding can reduce habitat if not managed well.
- Care is needed to avoid impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES).
Outcome
A referral under the EPBC Act is unlikely to be required if the activity:
- avoids large-scale clearing
- keeps hollow-bearing trees
- avoids impacts on MNES.