With support from Terrain NRM and the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program, revegetation work is back underway at the Gurrbum Nature Refuge this month. This next stage of revegetation will see a new section of the refuge prepared and planted to help restore critical cassowary habitat.
The newly targeted site lies just over the cane rail line, bordered by the creek. Its irregular shape makes it one of the more challenging sections to tackle, but it plays an important role in connecting habitat corridors across the refuge. Once restored, it will provide safe passage and vital food sources for cassowaries and other native wildlife.
What’s planned
Preparation of the site will begin this month with:
- Spraying to control invasive weeds
- Ripping and rotary-hoeing the soil to improve conditions for young plants
- Mulching to help retain moisture and suppress weed regrowth
Once prepared, C4 will host a community planting day to put around 1,000 native trees in the ground. The timing of the planting is still being finalised, with work dependent on weather conditions and spraying logistics. The goal is to have the site ready as soon as possible, with the possibility of aligning the first planting with World Cassowary Day celebrations in September.
Why this matters
Revegetation projects like this strengthen and expand the network of wildlife corridors in the Mission Beach region. At Gurrbum, each new planting reduces habitat fragmentation, improves food availability, and helps protect cassowaries from threats like vehicle strikes and dog attacks by keeping them within safe, forested areas.
We look forward to welcoming community members to the planting day once dates are confirmed. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for updates.