The helicopter winch operations for this summer concluded on 6 December 2025. During this operation, members of LHIB Environment Services and external contractors were winched into remote areas of the southern mountains to undertake essential weed control activities as part of the Weed Eradication Program.

Despite periods of challenging weather and several unavoidable delays, this year’s helicopter winch operations concluded with strong results due to the hard work, flexibility, and commitment of all involved. The team maximised every suitable weather window and completed a substantial amount of on-ground conservation work in the southern mountains.

Operational Highlights:

• 9 successful fly days, supporting key conservation and monitoring activities
• 6.5 days of weeding, including the first rope access operations in several years, an important milestone
• 2 days of slinging to transport essential equipment and supplies
• 3 days installing repeaters, enhancing communications capability
• 2 days of Woodhen surveys to support ongoing population monitoring
• 404 invasive weeds removed
• 33.05 hectares searched
• 1,058 person hours contributed by field teams hours

These efforts make a significant contribution to protecting the Island’s biodiversity and maintaining the integrity of its unique ecosystems. Helicopter access to these remote areas is critical for ensuring timely search and control efforts in terrain that would otherwise be extremely difficult to reach.

Helicopter winch operations are scheduled to occur again in November 2026.

The Board extends its sincere thanks to the field teams, pilots, support team, neighbouring properties, and all those who contributed to making this year’s operations safe, efficient, and successful.

This operation is jointly funded by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program and the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species program and Natural Heritage Trust. It is delivered in partnership with Local Land Services, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.