description Brigalow Belt Overview
The Brigalow Belt is a biogeographic region of eastern Australia extending through Queensland and into northern New South Wales. Its characteristic vegetation includes brigalow, Acacia harpophylla, woodlands and open forests, with belah, Casuarina cristata, also occurring on some clay plains. Much of the region has been cleared for agriculture, while remaining habitats support distinctive plant and animal communities important to conservation and land management.
help Brigalow Belt FAQ
Where is the Brigalow Belt located?
The Brigalow Belt stretches through eastern Queensland and into northern New South Wales. Queensland's description places brigalow country from south of Narrabri to Charters Towers. ([Queensland Government](https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/habitats/regrowth/regrowth-guides/brigalow/brigalow-description))
Which plants define the Brigalow Belt?
Its name comes from brigalow, Acacia harpophylla, which forms woodlands and open forests. Belah, Casuarina cristata, is another characteristic tree found with brigalow on some heavy clay soils. ([Queensland Government ecology guide](https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/habitats/regrowth/regrowth-guides/brigalow/brigalow-ecology))
Why has Brigalow Belt habitat declined?
Large areas of brigalow woodland were cleared for agriculture in Queensland and New South Wales. Australia's threatened ecological community assessment describes the decline as severe because of that land clearing. ([Australian Government](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/threatened/assessments/acacia-harpophylla))
What role do brigalow and belah play in the soil?
Both Acacia harpophylla and Casuarina cristata can help convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms available to other plants. They can therefore contribute to soil nutrient cycling as well as forming the region's characteristic woodland. ([Queensland Government ecology guide](https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/habitats/regrowth/regrowth-guides/brigalow/brigalow-ecology))
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
