Tasmanian forests and woodlands dominated by black gum or Brooker’s gum (Eucalyptus ovata / E. brookeriana) were recently listed as critically endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

A significant portion of this threatened vegetation community is located within the Huon Valley municipal area, mostly along waterways and damp, low-lying areas. It is a key habitat and resource for many native plants and animals such as the critically endangered swift parrot, and other birds and bats that help keep pests under control. These gums also support the wellbeing of our environment and community by keeping our water tables and soils healthy, and stabilising our riverbanks and flood plains.

The federal listing means that any activity which is likely to have a significant impact on this vegetation type needs to be referred to the Minister for the Environment for further assessment. This can be done via the Department of Environment and Energy website.

For further advice please contact (03) 6264 0300 or nrm@huonvalley.tas.gov.au.

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