Regional ecosystem details for 9.3.6
| Regional ecosystem | 9.3.6 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Contains Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 4, 6, 5, (10.3), (3), (10.2) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 20000 ha; Remnant 2021 19000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus platyphylla +/- Eucalyptus spp. +/- Corymbia spp. woodland on alluvial plains |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Woodland to open woodland of Eucalyptus platyphylla (poplar gum) +/- Corymbia spp. The mid layer is generally absent and the ground layer is sparse. Occurs on alluvial plains and run-on areas, often on Tertiary remnant surfaces. Often on areas with clay sub-soil and impeded drainage. Contains Palustrine. (BVG1M: 16c). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 9.3.6a: Woodland to open woodland of Eucalyptus platyphylla (poplar gum) +/- Corymbia clarksoniana (Clarkson's bloodwood) +/- C. tessellaris (Moreton Bay ash) +/- E. tereticornis (bluegum). The sub-canopy layer varies from none to scattered individuals of canopy species, Petalostigma pubescens (quinine), Bursaria incana (prickly pine) and Grevillea spp. The shrub layer varies from absent to very scattered individuals of Denhamia cunninghamii (yellowberry bush). The sparse to grassy ground layer is dominated by Heteropogon contortus (black speargrass) and Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass). Occurs on alluvial plains and run-on areas. Often on areas with clay sub-soil and impeded drainage. Contains Palustrine. (BVG1M: 16c). 9.3.6b: Open woodland to woodland of Eucalyptus platyphylla (poplar gum) and Eucalyptus tereticornis (bluegum). The mid-layer is absent though scattered juvenile canopy species and Melaleuca viridiflora (broad-leaved paperbark) do occur. The dense ground cover is dominated by Eleocharis spp., Leersia hexandra and sedges, with Nymphoides spp. and Myriophyllum spp. common when the ground layer is inundated. Occurs on depressions on Tertiary remnant surfaces. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 16c). |
| Protected areas | Girringun NP, Girringun CP, Great Basalt Wall NP, Girringun RR |
| Special values | 9.3.6: Includes seasonal wetlands important for water bird feeding. 9.3.6a: Includes seasonal wetlands important for water bird feeding. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Early dry season and storm time. Timing of early dry season burns will vary depending on seasonal conditions; it may sometimes commence as early as March. INTENSITY: Low, with occasional moderate. INTERVAL: 2-5 year intervals with longer unburnt patches. Fuel loads tend to reach a maximum after 2-3 years. Ensure burn programs occur after big wet season as fuel loads will be higher than average. INTERVAL_MIN: 2. INTERVAL_MAX: 5. STRATEGY: Burn less than 40% across the landscape in any year. Burning through the early dry season will produce a network of burns that will contain later fires. Fires will only gain in intensity as the dry season progresses. Grass composition can be affected by timing and intensity of fire. Occasional moderate fire will help to reduce overabundant trees that could potentially suppress ground layer vegetation. ISSUES: Leave areas of long unburnt vegetation to maintain a diversity of habitat for wildlife. b: Typically non-flammable. |
| Comments | 9.3.6: Corymbia clarksoniana is more common as a subdominant species in the north. Occurs through-out the bioregion. Vulnerable to invasion by weeds Melinis repens (Red Natal grass), Lantana camara, Themeda quadrivalvis (grader grass), Malvastrum americanum (spiked Malvastrum) and Xanthium occidentale (thornapple). 9.3.6a: Occurs through-out the bioregion. Vulnerable to invasion by weeds Melinis repens (Red Natal grass), Lantana camara, Themeda quadrivalvis (grader grass), Malvastrum americanum (spiked Malvastrum) and Xanthium occidentale (thornapple). 9.3.6b: Restricted to depressions within Tertiary surfaces near the upper Burdekin 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.
