Pollarding gidgee for drought buffering

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Case study
EPBC Act
Agriculture
Photograph of trees amidst grassland

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.

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