Seedling supply workshop cultivates practical solutions

Photo: Seedling supply workshop/Wet Tropics Images

Representatives from 15 organisations came together in Atherton for a seedling supply workshop to discuss practical solutions to seedling production challenges for the southern Atherton Tablelands, to maintain and support restoration efforts to 2030 and beyond.

The Wet Tropics Restoration Alliance coordinating team estimated a shortfall of up to 20,000 seedlings a year, despite having adequate nursery infrastructure to produce sufficient seedlings. This shortfall is primarily due to supply chain constraints and demand, ranging from seed shortages, funding uncertainty, workforce capacity and production planning, from seed collection through to planting delivery.

A coordinated approach is needed to guide production and ensure sufficient seedlings are available to meet the projected needs of Tablelands restoration projects several seasons ahead. Participants identified several priority actions, including:

• coordination of seedling requirements for current and predicted projects across the various nurseries

• clearer guidance on seed collecting permits required for restoration

• better Traditional Owner involvement in future seed collecting discussions

• establishing a FNQ Native Restoration Collective Facebook group to support ongoing collaboration across the nursery restoration community.

A summary of the workshop discussion sessions is being finalised for distribution.

A big shout out to the nurseries and organisations that participated on the day, and for providing supporting data and information.