Lethbridge farmers team up with volunteers to plant 5000 manna gums

Farmers located west of Geelong have teamed up with a bunch of volunteers to plant a new koala corridor through their historic sheep grazing property.

Thousands of trees will be planted on Ross and Elizabeth Wilkie’s property near Lethbridgre. Picture: Brad Fleet

Environmentally-conscious sheep farmers west of Geelong have started planting 5000 trees on their property in an inspiring effort to boost the local koala population.

Ross and Liz Wilkie’s Lethbridge farm is located at the northernmost point of a premium koala habitat zone.

While Brisbane Ranges National Park was once home to one of the healthiest koala populations in the state, only a small number now live there.

Numbers are dwindling further downstream at Maude.

Acknowledging the need for more nutritious trees with higher moisture content, the Wilkies have partnered with the International Fund for Animal Welfare and Koala Clancy Foundation for a two-year project to plant a koala corridor through their 459ha property.

IFAW volunteer Dominic Mack helping to plant thousands of trees will be planted to create a new koala corridor on land dedicated by local farmers Ross and Elizabeth Wilkie on their property "Moranghurk" near Lethbridgre. Picture: Brad Fleet

Volunteers will help plant 3500 manna gums along the Moorabool River this year, with a further 2500 to be planted next year.

These trees will restore wildlife habitat not only for koalas – which have lost almost 80 per cent of their habitat along the river – but other wildlife too.

“We know there are koalas in the area but sadly there were many more 10 years ago. There has been a marked decline in the last 20 years,” Mr Wilkie said.

“We’re very hopeful this planting will bring koalas back to the area.”

He was not only pleased the trees would provide habitat but also that it would benefit the entire ecosystem.

It is predicted that koalas will be forced south due to climate change, only highlighting the importance of reforestation.

IFAF Wildlife Campaign Manager Josey Sharrad said every tree planted was “a lifeline”.

“Victorian wildlife is really up against it. The state holds the infamous title of having the worst land clearing rate in Australia and our nation has the world’s worst mammal extinction rate.

“These records combined are disastrous and our wildlife is bearing the brunt.

“It is heartwarming to see so many everyday people digging in to build a future for our iconic species.”