Environmental management

In 2020, Hunter Water began large-scale works to remove around 50 ha of pine infestations at the southwestern end of Grahamstown Dam. The pines posed a significant threat to biodiversity in the area by disrupting wildlife corridors, hindering native species regeneration, reducing habitat diversity, and limiting native species diversity. This was particularly concerning for the threatened plant Callistemon linearifolius and habitat for endangered Koalas. The dense infestations, which also contained Lantana and Blackberry thickets, made it difficult for Koalas to move through the landscape and suppressed the regeneration of native plant species, including Koala feed trees. Pine infestations around the dam also presented a bushfire risk, which in turn, posed a risk to water quality within the dam.

Since the removal of the pines, the regeneration of native vegetation has been remarkable, though some areas would benefit from tubestock planting. To support this, Hunter Water will hold annual community planting days over the next four years, with the first planting day scheduled for October 2024.

In February 2024, dogs trained to detect Koala scat (poo) were deployed in areas of potential Koala habitat to search for evidence of the species. The results of the scat detection survey confirmed that Koalas are still present in Grahamstown. This information will guide the planting of Koala feed trees during the upcoming community planting days to best benefit the population.

Both the Koala scat detection survey and planting works are facilitated by a grant from the NSW Environmental Trust.