River

Swift action funded to help save parrot

The plight of the critically endangered Swift Parrot has received a boost with funding to increase its food source in the Goulburn Broken region.

The plight of the critically endangered Swift Parrot has received a boost with funding to increase its food source in the Goulburn Broken region.

The Goulburn Broken CMA has received almost $250,000 from the Australian Government to expand the abundance of nectar resources for the Swift Parrot by revegetating sites with locally indigenous trees and shrubs.

GBCMA Project Officer Janice Mentiplay-Smith described the species as “on the edge.”

“This beautiful bird hails from Tasmania and, swift in both name and nature, crosses Bass Strait to visit the mainland each winter to feed from eucalypt forests including those at Costerfield, Rushworth and the Warby Ranges, near Wangaratta,” Ms Mentiplay-Smith said.

She said the GB CMA was thrilled to be able to contribute to the Swift Parrot’s survival through this funding with the Swift Parrot Pantry Project receiving $248,972. This project is funded by the Australian Government.

“On-ground outcomes of the Swift Parrot Pantry Project will include 65 hectares of revegetation at sites near Nagambie and in northern Victoria. Seven hectares of the revegetation will be dedicated to a seed production area.

“A seed production area, or seed orchard as they are sometimes called, is part of a long-term vision for this and other species, as it means future revegetation projects are easier to plan and implement when we know there is a dedicated seed source available.

“This helps us protect and enhance Swift Parrot habitat and essentially stock their pantry with nectar.”

The project includes engaging Traditional Owners, Taungurung and Yorta Yorta, to work on Country, which contributes to the breadth of the work and brings together elements of the region’s cultural and natural heritage.

Training interested people in citizen science skills to assist BirdLife Australia add to the Swift Parrot identification and location database is another component of the work.

To find out more about the Swift Parrot, including hearing its call, visit www.birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/swift-parrot

Nectar sources for the Swift Parrot will be increased. Photo: Chris Tzaros

The Goulburn Broken CMA acknowledges and respects First Nations people and the deep connection they have with their land and waters.


We acknowledge the Yorta Yorta and Taungurung people and their ancestors/forbears as Traditional Owners of the land and waters in the Goulburn Broken Catchment (and beyond). We value our ongoing partnerships with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation and Taungurung Land and Waters Council for the health of Country and its people.


We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge and recognise the primacy of Traditional Owners obligations, rights and responsibilities to use and care for their traditional lands and waters.

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