Australia is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking and diverse ecosystems, rich with iconic and charismatic wildlife. Environmental offsets can play a role in safeguarding these landscapes, creating dedicated spaces where threatened species can thrive. Ausecology has been working in close collaboration with Senex to proactively minimise project impacts and, where avoidance is not possible, implement offsets to compensate for any unavoidable habitat loss.
To support this commitment, the Bingleburra Offset has been secured—a 1,524-hectare property situated adjacent to extensive protected areas, including the Barakula and Jarrah State Forests. This strategic location enhances connectivity with known populations of key threatened species, reinforcing conservation efforts for:
- koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
- greater glider (southern and central) (Petauroides volans)
- south-eastern glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami).
The primary objective of the Bingleburra Offset is to augment existing habitat, focusing on landscape rehabilitation, biodiversity enhancement, and the provision of essential nesting and foraging resources to support the long-term survival of these species.
Innovative Habitat Solutions for Hollow-Dependent Species
To address the habitat requirements of hollow-dependent species, Ausecology has partnered with Hollow Log Homes to implement innovative conservation strategies. Many species, such as the greater glider, rely on mature eucalyptus forests with tree hollows that can take over a century to develop. To bridge this gap, specially designed nest boxes have been installed as an interim solution, allowing these nocturnal marsupials to find refuge until the forest matures. These nest boxes, developed by Hollow Log Homes, feature a rear entrance for improved access and safety while utilising the Habisure System™ to ensure long-term stability without damaging the host trees. Ausecology’s fieldwork in 2016 marked a significant milestone in greater glider conservation, capturing the first photographic evidence of a greater gliders utilising an artificial hollow.
Similarly, the glossy black cockatoo, another hollow-dependent species, has been supported through the installation of Cockatubes®—recycled poly-pipe nest hollows designed by Landcare SJ. These artificial hollows are engineered to replicate the optimal dimensions of natural cockatoo nesting sites and require installation at significant heights by trained tree climbers. Using Hollow Log Homes’ specialised tree-mounting technology, the installation process ensures minimal impact on the host trees while providing essential nesting opportunities for this threatened species.
Long-Term Conservation Commitment
Through strategic planning and active ecological management, the Bingleburra Offset is being transformed into a refuge for native wildlife. To date, Ausecology has implemented long-term fire management and habitat restoration, installed artificial hollows and nest boxes, and established ongoing monitoring programs to inform adaptive management strategies and ensure long-term conservation success.
By collaborating with committed companies like Senex, government agencies, and leading conservation experts, this initiative highlights the role that offsets can play in biodiversity conservation of Australia’s unique wildlife.
