It has been a difficult time for landholders, staff and wider communities impacted by fire across the state. Our thoughts are with all of those affected, including those that have put so much time and care into managing and protecting conservation areas on their land.
It is important during these times to share the stories that help us to remember how resilient the Australian landscape can be.
One of these stories is Quoll Headquarters; a 164-hectare property just north of Tenterfield that was impacted by fire in early 2019. When Steve Haslam purchased the property in 2001 it was the undisturbed back block of a third-generation grazier. It had old growth forest that was home to a large variety of native wildlife, including the nationally endangered spotted-tail quoll. The property is now protected under an in-perpetuity conservation agreement with the BCT.
Steve’s dedication to protecting his land is evident in his positivity and persistence after the permanent damage that was caused by the uncharacteristically hot fire that swept through earlier in the year. For several months after the fire, Steve watched as his beautiful land began to bounce back, and he has finally seen the return of the vitally important spotted-tail quoll.
We recognise that first priorities of landholders are the safety and wellbeing of their families, properties and plants and animals. When the time is right, we encourage those with agreement areas that have been affected by fire to get in touch, through their regional contacts or our main customer inquiry lines. We may be able to assist impacted landholders with grants or help in other ways.
This offer of support also applies to agreement holders who are under continuing stress due to the severe drought across large parts of NSW. Again, please reach out to us if you think we can assist in any way.
If you’ve been affected by the bushfires, you can find further information to support your recovery on the NSW Government Emergency website and the NSW Disaster Recovery Facebook page, which provides information for affected communities.
