Regional ecosystem details for 4.3.5
| Regional ecosystem | 4.3.5 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Riverine |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 7, 1, (1.1), (5.3) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 20000 ha; Remnant 2021 20000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus coolabah and E. camaldulensis +/- Acacia georginae woodland fringing braided channels of major watercourses in the west |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Eucalyptus coolabah and E. camaldulensis fringing woodland. A lower tree or tall shrub layer dominated by Acacia georginae commonly occurs. Low shrubs commonly occur, and in places, form a distinct layer. The ground layer is variable being composed of grasses and forbs with either predominating depending on seasonal conditions. Asteraceae spp. particularly prevalent following favourable seasons. Occurs on fringes of major watercourse channels on braided alluvial plains in the west of the bioregion. Soils very deep, brown or grey clays with sand and silt bands common in profile. Riverine. (BVG1M: 16a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 4.3.5a: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. coolabah woodland, commonly with Lysiphyllum gilvum and Acacia georginae. Melaleuca fluviatilis may occur in areas with greater sand influence. The ground layer is tussock grasses. Occurs on banks/fringes of the Georgina River. Cracking clay soils. Riverine. (BVG1M: 16a). 4.3.5b: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 4.3.5x1. Eucalyptus coolabah and/or E. microtheca low open woodland, occasionally with E. camaldulensis and Acacia cambagei. A sparse shrub layer may occur. The ground layer is tussock grasses. Occurs on banks/fringes of northern parts of the Georgina River. Cracking clay soils. Riverine. (BVG1M: 16a). 4.3.5x1: Eucalyptus microtheca or E. coolabah low woodland, occasionally with Acacia stenophylla. A sparse shrub layer may occur. The ground layer is tussock grasses and sedges. Occurs on banks/fringes of northern parts of the Georgina River. Cracking clay soils. Riverine. (BVG1M: 16a). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner (1991), 2c (63); Wilson and Purdie (1990a), W2 (73) |
| Protected areas | Wiliyan-ngurru NP |
| Special values | 4.3.5: Regional ecosystem of high fauna diversity. 4.3.5x1: Area of high fauna diversity. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Wet to early dry season when soil is moist. INTENSITY: Low. INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Burning in areas surrounding riparian vegetation can be used to reduce fuel loads and reduce impact of wildfire (e.g., on habitat trees for fauna). These fires can be allowed to trickle into fringing riparian vegetation. Burn surrounding vegetation at intervals compatible with fuel availability, seasonal conditions and grazing pressure. ISSUES: Riparian vegetation is critical refuge for fauna. Fire can be used to manage seedlings and saplings of woody weeds (e.g., parkinsonia, mimosa bush and noogoora burr), but mature plants may be fire resistant and top kill will result in resprouting. |
| Comments | 4.3.5: Georgina River. 4.3.5x1: Was previously mapped as 4.3.5b. Georgina River. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13 pre-clearing and 2021 remnant regional ecosystem mapping. Figures are rounded for simplicity. For more precise estimates, including breakdowns by tenure and other themes see remnant vegetation in Queensland.
2 Superseded: Revision of the regional ecosystem classification removed this regional ecosystem code from use. It is included in the regional ecosystem description database because the RE code may appear in older versions of RE mapping and the Vegetation Management regulation.
