'Epping Forest' is an extensive area of dry forest and grassland in a recognised Biodiversity Hotspot (the Tasmanian Northern Midlands Bioregion). The property offers a rare combination of seclusion and convenience - it is only 40km south of Launceston via the Midlands Highway and Powranna Rd but has a private access on an all weather gravel road, through an adjoining property.
Contact: Leigh Walters
Ph: 03 6331 9295
Mob: 0407 891 025
lwalters@tasland.org.au
Conservation Values
The property is located within the Northern Midlands Bioregion, 1 of only 15 areas in Australia identified as a National Biodiverslty Hotspot, and is part of a large network of reserves on public and private land (including Tom Gibson Nature Reserve on the southern boundary). It supports over 400ha of endangered black peppermint (E. amygdalina) forest on gravels and sands. Within this threatened forest community are a suite of threatened plants including the Dwarf sunray, Blue pincushion and short leaf beard heath. The forest is also home to endangered Tasmanian Devils and is a known stronghold of the Tasmanian Bettong.
The outstanding conservation values of the property mean that the purchaser will be making a major contribution towards conserving biodiversity in a region of national significance.
Protecting the Conservation Values
A conservation covenant will be registered on the title of the land to provide permanent protection for the majority of the property. A 100ha area of regenerating woodland and shrubland is already protected by a forestry rights agreement for carbon sequestration.
The areas subject to the covenant and forestry rights agreement will be available for recreation. A management plan will be prepared in consultation with the purchasers setting out how the area is to be managed into the future.
Infrastructure and Services
Legal access to the property is via a Right of Way running over 2.8km from Powranna Rd to the north western corner of the property. The property contains or is serviced by the following infrastructure.
- Power is available along Powranna Rd within 2.8km of the property boundary.
- The property has boundary and internal fences (it is fenced into 4 runs).
- There is a network of internal gravel tracks.
- There is a large shearing and storage shed roughly in the middle of the property.
- There are two large dams and several small dams.
Acknowledgements
This property was purchased under the TLC Revolving Fund. Funding for the purchase was provided by the Australian Government through the Forest Conservation Fund (a programme arising out of the Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement). Proceeds from the sale of this property will be returned to the Revolving Fund.