Ecological Restoration

Logan Bushland Restoration

Logan, QLD15 hectares3 yearsLogan City Council2021–2024

85%

Native Plant Cover

40+

Bird Species Recorded

95%

Weed Reduction

4,200

Native Plants Established

Project Overview

The Logan Bushland Restoration project represents one of Wildscapes' most significant ecological restoration achievements — transforming 15 hectares of severely degraded, weed-dominated bushland into a thriving, self-sustaining native ecosystem within Logan City Council's reserve network. Over three years, the site was systematically rehabilitated from a near-total weed monoculture to a diverse native woodland supporting documented wildlife return, including koalas, wallabies, and over 40 native bird species.

The Challenge

The site had been heavily invaded by Lantana camara, Camphor Laurel, and Cats Claw Creeper — three of South East Queensland's most aggressive environmental weeds — covering over 95% of the understorey. Decades of weed dominance had suppressed native seed banks, degraded soil biology, and eliminated habitat structure. Erosion gullies had formed along drainage lines, and the remnant canopy trees were under severe stress from vine smothering. The challenge was not simply weed removal, but rebuilding an entire ecosystem from the ground up.

Our Approach

Baseline ecological survey documenting existing vegetation, soil condition, weed species mapping, and remnant native species — establishing measurable benchmarks for monitoring progress over the project timeline.

Staged weed control program using a combination of cut-and-paint herbicide treatment for woody weeds, foliar spray for herbaceous species, and manual removal in sensitive areas near remnant native plants and drainage lines.

Soil biology restoration through organic matter incorporation, mycorrhizal inoculation, and strategic mulching to rebuild microbial communities suppressed by decades of weed dominance.

Native revegetation using 4,200 locally-sourced tube stock of 38 species matched to the site's Regional Ecosystem type — planted in strategic succession sequences from pioneer species through to climax woodland species.

Erosion control installation along drainage lines using coir logs, native sedge planting, and rock chute stabilisation to prevent further soil loss and improve water quality entering the downstream creek system.

Ongoing maintenance program including quarterly weed follow-up, supplementary planting of failed tube stock, photo-point monitoring, and annual vegetation surveys to track ecological recovery and adapt management as needed.

Key Native Species Established

Eucalyptus tereticornisAcacia fimbriataLomandra longifoliaThemeda triandraMelaleuca bracteataHardenbergia violaceaDianella caeruleaCallistemon viminalisGrevillea banksii