The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria (FNCV) has built metal guards to protect endangered Jumping Jack Wattles and other native plant species thanks to Squadron Energy’s Murra Warra Wind farm.
The FNCV, which has been operating since 1880, studies, protects and records details of the natural environment.
Through the Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grant Program, the club received funding to install 200 heavy duty kangaroo guards at their Mali Dunes site, which is approximately 60km northwest of Nhill.
These guards were built to protect 70 endangered Jumping Jack Wattle plants and another 170 palatable species such as Slaty Sheoak, Silver Banksia and Sweet Bursaria from kangaroos and rabbits.
Murra Warra Wind Farm Site Operations Manager Chris Gulvin said the project was proud to support a community initiative that was environmentally focused.
“Murra Warra Wind Farm is committed to supporting initiatives that deliver lasting environmental outcomes in the regions where we operate,” he said.
“Through our Community Grants Program, we’re pleased to support the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria to help protect vulnerable native species and strengthen local biodiversity.
“We’re proud to work alongside community groups who are delivering tangible environmental improvements and share our focus on sustainable land management and conservation.”
FNCV member and fauna survey group volunteer Deb Colville said the organisation was appreciative of the support from Squadron Energy.
“We at Field Naturalists Club Victoria are grateful to Murra Warra Wind Farm since the kangaroo guards that were funded have been a great success,” she said.
“Before the grant, we captured on video many Western Grey kangaroos eating the nationally endangered Jumping Jack Wattles that had been planted on the property in the past.”
Ms Colville said that foraging by the kangaroos caused the plants to be stunted and turn dark in colour.
Volunteers from the FCNV began assembling new circular tree guards to enclose the endangered wattles once funding came through.
The method and materials for the guards were sourced and tested before installation.
“Over 50 hours, a team of nine volunteers – a mixture of Melbourne and local residents – used wire cutters, fence tools and post drivers to fix them into the ground,” Ms Colville said.
Since the installation of the guards, the scores of native plants on the property have been growing.
“The plants are now flourishing – bright green tips are evident, and the plants sizes are visibly enlarged even over the four months since they were guarded,” Ms Colville added.
“The now-thriving 80 Jumping Jack Wattle trees we enclosed with the Murra Warra Wind Farm support contributes to the health of the valuable conservation property’s ecosystem.
“Camera footage since the installation of the tree guards confirms the kangaroos now graze elsewhere.”
The guards are made of metal and consist of rebar post and metal wire. They are expected to last for multiple planting event over the coming years.
Volunteers will move the guards around new plants as older plants outgrow the need for kangaroo and rabbit browsing protection.
The Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grant Program supports projects shaped by local priorities. It is administered by Wimmera Southern Mallee Development.
Over the past five years the program has helped volunteer-run groups deliver practical improvements to their facilities, including the FNCV.
A total of 61 projects have been funded by the Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grant Program.
