About this project

GeoLINK Ecologists help Bellingen Shire Council with Bridge Replacement Program

GeoLINK ecologists have been engaged by Bellingen Shire Council to support its Bridge Replacement Program by providing innovative environmental monitoring and management services. This includes Microbat Management Plans for six bridges in the Bellingen area and a Giant Barred Frog Management Plan for four bridges in Darkwood. Extensive surveys were conducted for the threatened Southern Myotis and Giant Barred Frog during the preparation and implementation of the plans.

The Bridge Replacement Program undertaken by Bellingen Shire Council will modernise and replace aging infrastructure to meet current standards and improve safety and connectivity. The six bridges are included in this initiative, with a focus on balancing development with environmental responsibility.

By actively monitoring microbat populations and Giant Barred Frog habitats, effective measures can be taken to ensure disturbance is limited.

Microbat Management Plans
Microbats are small mammals that play a vital role in the local ecosystem. However, their presence on or near construction sites poses challenges that require careful management. One aspect included GeoLINK ecologists undertaking daily microbat surveys and reviews of work methodologies to ensure minimal disruption to the microbats during high-noise works. The surveys identified 144 microbats across 16 bridges within a single day.

Another important aspect was the design and installation of microbat habitat boxes in the new bridges to replace the habitat in the old bridges. Post-construction monitoring has shown good uptake, including meeting the target of greater than 67% of the original number of microbats taking up the new habitat and breeding occurring within the new habitat boxes.

The construction team adapted their approach to accommodate the microbat breeding season, with bridge demolition works limited until periods when breeding activities had concluded. This strategic decision highlights the commitment to preserving the existing natural area while addressing infrastructure needs.

Giant Barred Frog Management Plan
GeoLINK ecologists also undertook management of the Giant Barred Frog, a species listed as threatened. To safeguard the frogs during construction activities, the ecologists and project team installed frog fencing to exclude them from the work site. Over two nights, surveys were undertaken within the perimeter of the frog fence to capture and relocate Giant Barred Frogs outside of the work site and prevent their re-entry for the duration of the project.

Interestingly, during supervised vegetation clearing, we also captured and relocated various animals, including the threatened Stephens’ Banded Snake (Hoplocephalus stephensii).

Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions including three major floods affected the project and meant the temporary removal of the frog fencing, which was reinstated as the project progressed.

The collaboration between Bellingen Shire Council and GeoLINK ecologists has been positive. It’s been necessary to integrate ecological considerations with the construction planning for the bridges that required replacement. Our commitment to addressing environmental challenges with expertise and care, means the microbats and Giant Barred Frog populations were protected while the infrastructure works were completed.

Get in touch with our Ecology team to find out more about our ecological services to support your next project.

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