Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L01376:reg:4:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L01376
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 1/4)
Character Range: 122740–125849

4               Evaluation of previous Recovery Plan

Overview
The overall objective of the previous Recovery Plan, the Southern Macadamia Species Recovery Plan (SMSRP), was to protect wild populations of the four nominated species from decline, ensure their long-term viability, and raise awareness of flora conservation issues within the community.
In the five years since the SMSRP was approved, significant progress has been made towards achieving these objectives. Many key actions have been implemented, through a logical sequence of field surveys to improve knowledge of the distribution and abundance of Macadamia in the remnant landscape and building scientific knowledge of the species' conservation status, whilst undertaking planning and on-ground actions and raising community awareness.
Significant improvement of the knowledge base has been made through publication of six papers in the science literature on wild Macadamia species, several of which were undertaken through the endeavours of Recovery Team members (Appendix 1: Recovery Team membership). Additionally, two research studies on the impact of climate change and potential for genetic pollution of wild Macadamia species have been completed and are either currently in preparation for publication or have been submitted for publication.
The threat profile facing Macadamia species has been refined through field survey and research. The impacts of habitat fragmentation may be mixed, at least in the short term; two research studies have shown that fecundity in Macadamia populations is higher in smaller fragments relative to those within intact habitats. However, the benefits may be outweighed by more pervasive medium term influences such as habitat degradation and isolation. Invasion of weeds into habitat remnants is a major threat, particularly vine weeds such as cat's claw creeper and Madeira vine. Modelling of the impacts of climate change, predicts that the geographic extent of suitable climate niche will contract to areas that are currently cooler and generally at higher elevation that the majority of extant populations. A recent Honours level study (O'Connor, 2013) has found that pollen from Macadamia orchard cultivars is being incorporated into nearby wild M. tetraphylla populations; however, more research is required to inform development of management guidelines.
Raising awareness of flora conservation issues within the community has been carried out in tandem with population surveys. This has been achieved through community information sessions at local halls and stalls at various environmental events hosted by local governments or community groups. Planting of specimens of each of the four Macadamia species and installation of interpretation signage has been undertaken in six Council Botanic Gardens with good media coverage. Workshops and presentations have been given to local government environment staff and interpretation material, including a DVD and 'The Macadamia Story' booklet, has been produced and disseminated as opportunities have become available. The Macadamia Conservation Trust