The Pacific Complete Koala Habitat Revegetation Strategy is associated with the Pacific Complete (Woolgoolga to Ballina - W2B) section of the Pacific Highway upgrade near Ballina, New South Wales. The initial Koala Revegetation Strategy was prepared in June 2015 noting that the Roads and Maritime was committed to plant 130ha of new Koala habitat as a biodiversity offset for the project as a whole. 

Pacific Complete managed the revegetation strategy on behalf of Roads and Maritime with Corkery Consulting designing with the specialist revegetation team landscape design documents. The level of implementation and establishment risk was reduced through a pre-qualification process to identify companies and landscape organizations with demonstrated capacity together with project management skills and financial resources to undertake the work.

The contract had clearly defined performance criteria as well as monitoring and rectification procedures to further reduce the level of risk from failure of landscape. Given the scale of the revegetation habitat there was a significant risk the number and species of plants required for this project would not available when required by the contractor. This risk was reduced by early ordering and purchasing for the supply of the required plants. The procurement was through a Principal Supplied Item in the contract specification. A contractor was engaged to carry out the planting works and maintain the plantings until establishment. The works were carried out in two stages each covering about 65 ha.

Timing of the planting works was subject to seasonal influences and was carried out either in autumn or spring to provide suitable growing conditions. Additionally, there was significant risk posed by an extended dry period and potential bushfire. An implementation plan and fire management plan was prepared and implemented. Other risks included pest animals and stock both inflict substantial damage to the planted habitat trees. Control measures were incorporated in design, implementation and maintenance of the project. This included a review of the fencing pattern, condition and ongoing maintenance. Protection of newly planted trees from rabbits and kangaroos included tree guards and a rabbit control program and fencing.  The maintenance program incorporated a provision for regular monitoring of the planted trees to identify insect attack and disease, as well as appropriate control measures. 

Pacific Complete established a landscape manager to oversee the entire project; this was possibly the most significant act in developing a sound landscape outcome. The landscape manager remained committed to establishing the landscape.

The Koala Revegetation program will, once the trees are mature, join two Koala communities previously severed by agricultural practices, the genetic reestablishment of the community and extending their habitat with trees specifically suited to their foraging needs will benefit the endangered species once the trees are established. Studio Colin Polwarth and Corkery Consulting were pleased to be part of this significant Transport for New South Wales initiative.