A series of videos focusing on the recovery of the local environment following the 2019 bushfires across the region, has been created by MidCoast Council.
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The three-part series was developed to inform the community of the work being undertaken in the region to protect and recover natural areas and native species.
Filmed at a range of locations each video focuses on a different aspect of biodiversity.
The series highlights the work council and other organisations - including community groups - are undertaking to gain an understanding of the impacts of the bushfires and how they will implement actions to protect and recover natural areas and native species.
We hope the videos can be tools for education but also to share ideas with other areas that are in a similar situation to us.
- Gerard Tuckerman
"Our team is working to meet community expectations to look after our natural assets on the Mid Coast by partnering with organisations such as Koalas in Care and FAWNA, to have programs in place that will support the natural environment in its recovery from this devastating event," natural systems manager, Gerard Tuckerman said.
"We are working closely with landholders and partners to assist the community as they deal with the impact of the fires and to ensure everyone is aware of the work that has been done and the support that is available, to renourish and regenerate our environment in the aftermath," Mr Tuckerman said.
"We hope the videos can be tools for education but also to share ideas with other areas that are in a similar situation to us."
The first of the videos looks at the recovery of native wildlife, including the threatened long-nosed potoroo and squirrel glider and actions being taken to support the surviving species in the area through nest box installation, weed controls, pest animal controls and habitat enhancement work.
The third video of the series is focused on the recovery of koalas across the region, looking at the importance of the koala population in the Kiwarrak area, particularly the Taree south, Purfleet, Tinonee, Mondrook, The Bight, Bootawa, Burrell Creek and Hillville localities.
From koala detection dogs, to Koalas in Care and encouraging the community to report any sick or injured koalas they see, the work in this space is a collaborative effort.
Video number two focuses on reserves and habitat management, particularly Minimbah Reserve and Cattai Wetlands.
It also details the impacts on wetland peat layers, tree death, loss of waterbirds and the explosion of annual weeds, which have exploited gaps and openings caused by the fires.
Particular reference is given to morning glory, which is an ecosystem transformer weed and is dominating large areas of the fire-affected landscapes.
Commentary is provided on the effects of the fire on visitor facilities and visitation to the Cattai Wetlands; which is an important bird-watching and nature recreation site.
"Much of this work began while the fires were still raging and it will continue for years after," Mr Tuckerman said.
"This series provides information on the work that is being undertaken, but ultimately it is about hope - that the negative effects of the 2019 bushfires can be reversed and that native animals and the environment can be assisted and recover over time."
To watch the series, visit the Flora and Fauna Bushfire Recovery page on the MidCoast Council website.
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