Colliers Forest Reserve

Green Rosella - Dave Watts

Photography - Dave Watts

We are very pleased to have this wonderful 143 ha property on King Island as part of our Revolving Fund.

King Island is midway between Victoria and Tasmania in western Bass Strait. The island is 65 km long and 25 km from east to west with an area of approximately 110,160 ha. About 12,000 years ago, King Island was part of a land bridge between Tasmania and the Australian mainland. Although there is no evidence of permanent Aboriginal settlement at the time of European discovery, there are scattered middens, especially on the west coast. Native vegetation covers about 33.5% of the islands' area, but at least 8% of this occurs in narrow bands and as small remnants in the islands centre, south-east and north1.

The new TLC property, Colliers Forest Reserve, is in the south-east corner of King Island and adjoins the Colliers Swamp Reserve. It is predominantly comprised of forest and scrub and incorporates the lower catchment of Mount Stanley Creek. The aspect os south-westerly with spectacular views of the coastline and ocean. The landscape context and the vegetation of the block make it very important from a conservation perspective.

Beach landscape The 143 ha site includes 122 ha of King Island blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) forest and 17 ha of tall paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia) swamp forest (both listed as rare and endangered), and a further 3 ha of King island scrub complex and 1 ha of short paperbark (Melaleuca squarrosa) scrub (listed as vulnerable).

This provides potentially good habitat for a number of vulnerable and endangered bird species including the King Island Green Rosella, (Platycercus caledonicus brownii), and the King Island Scrubtit, (Acanthornis magnus greenianus). A number of other vulnerable bird species are also known to use the area.

There are several possible sites on the property suitable for the construction of a dwelling. We are currently drafting a covenant to protect the sensitive areas and identify the domestic zone and welcome the opportunity to work with the new owners on finalising the domestic zone.

The photograph above shows the local beach that is 2 kms away and accessible by track. On clear days it is said you can see as far as Hunter Island from the TLC block.

Also the excellent web site of the King Island NRM Group provides further details of the habitat and threatened flora and fauna.

1 The Fauna of King Island, King Island Natural Resource Management Group Inc, Edited by Richard Donaghey 2003. (back)