Saving wombats: the steel burrow flap prototype

We are always impressed by our customers and their commitment to the community, and Ken is one such customer. A Wollombi Valley Landcare volunteer, Ken has been developing an environmentally friendly plywood burrow flap that is suspended from a steel frame, to save wombats infested with mange in the Wollombi area and its surroundings.

We spoke to Ken about his prototype, why it is necessary, and how Edcon Steel is helping make it a reality.

Wollombi Valley Landcare

Wollombi Valley Landcare Inc. is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the natural flora and fauna of the Wollombi and Laguna Valleys in the lower Hunter Valley, NSW. The passionate volunteers are working on a number of incredible projects, including the “Wombats of Wollombi” initiative, which treats cases of mange in the local wombat population.

Mange in wombats is a severe skin disease caused by mites. The mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, hair loss, and thick, crusty skin. If left untreated, this infestation can lead to secondary infections, loss of sight and hearing, weight loss, and death. Mange has long been a problem for wombats in the region, but thankfully, it is treatable!

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Improving Wombat Burrow Flaps

While mange is treatable, treatment can be difficult. Wombats are nocturnal and live underground, and free-living wombats stress when in captivity, so infected wombats with a suppressed immune system often die within days if brought into care.

However, innovative thinking by environmentalists led to the development of wombat burrow flaps. The burrow flaps are placed across the entrance to the wombat’s burrow, pouring the necessary medicine on the wombat when it leaves or returns to its burrow.

This ensures minimal stress for the wombat and allows monitoring during daylight hours.

While burrow flaps are a great way to treat mange, Ken had some issues with the materials currently used.

“One of the problems is that the materials often used are plastic. I knew we needed to make something biodegradable because these flaps are out in the bush,” Ken explains.

So, we started putting our heads together and decided that plywood would be a great option for the flaps and steel would be a good option for the frames.

Relying solely on donations, Ken reached out to Edcon Steel for assistance, and we were more than happy to help!

Ken’s Prototype

One issue with the current burrow flap design is that it can be quite flimsy, particularly when a 25kg wombat is barging through.

“The frames are similar to an inverted U, with two little links at the top holding a flap in the middle,” Ken explains.

“With conventional frames, the flaps often slip out off the top bar on the frame when the wombats come and go, because they don’t just walk through passively like children.

The conventional frames’ legs are also too short, as they need to be driven into the ground fairly deep to keep them secure. But if you make them longer to go into the ground, then you need to have thicker material.

I thought steel would be a good option, so I went to Edcon, got a length of steel, and welded together some prototypes.

Ken’s current prototype uses three sections of 6mm mild steel welded together to create the frame. Two versions are made—one for hanging the flap panel in portrait orientation and the other for landscape orientation. The design used makes the steel strong enough to withstand being hammered into the ground when necessary.

Sometimes, the frames are positioned horizontally and driven into the vertical bank above the burrow. The steel can be bent if needed to accommodate the variety of sizes and shapes of the burrow entrances.

This gives it a bit more versatility.

To prevent the flap links from moving, Ken welded two washers onto the top section of the frame, so the cable ties can be linked through to hold the flap panel.

“The flap that I’ve designed has a roof that you can fit on and off. You can take it off to fill the container and put the roof back on, but it still allows the liquid (medication) to pour out.

“So, the frame will be made of steel, the flap from plywood, and the medication delivery containers will be made from cat food tins. So, for all intents and purposes, this whole thing should eventually disappear off the planet.”

Edcon Steel’s Support

Ken has been a long-time customer of Edcon Steel, frequenting our Brookvale and Blacktown stores for some time.

“I’ve been buying steel from Edcon for years and years,” Ken explains.

“So when I needed this steel, and because we rely solely on donations, I thought I would reach out to them to see if they were interested in helping out.

And we were!

“Edcon has provided the steel and even cut it to length for me, which is a huge help. They’re doing more than I expected them to do. I was happy to just get the steel!

For readers who want to learn more about Wollombi Valley Landcare and how they can contribute to the Wombats of Wollombi project, please click here.

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FAQs

Why is steel the best choice for outdoor projects in New South Wales?

Steel offers unmatched strength and durability, making it ideal for harsh outdoor environments like those in regional NSW. In the wombat burrow flap project, steel frames withstood constant use and varying ground conditions, proving why steel is the go-to material for long-lasting solutions.

Where can I buy steel in Sydney or regional NSW for custom projects?

Edcon Steel operates stores in Brookvale, Blacktown, Revesby and the Central West of NSW (Orange and Bathurst), supplying a wide range of steel products. Whether you’re building, fabricating, or prototyping, you can buy steel locally or order online, with custom cutting and delivery options available.

What makes Edcon Steel different from other steel suppliers in NSW?

Edcon Steel doesn’t just sell steel — we support customers with fabrication services, cutting to size, and tailored advice. From large-scale construction in Sydney to community projects in the Hunter Valley, Edcon is trusted by customers across New South Wales.

Can I get help with both large steel orders and smaller, one-off jobs?

Yes. Edcon Steel caters to all projects, from structural steel beams for Sydney construction sites to custom prototypes like the Wollombi Valley wombat flap frames. No job is too big or too small.

How does Edcon Steel support sustainable projects in NSW?

Edcon Steel partners with customers to create environmentally friendly solutions. In the wombat project, steel frames paired with biodegradable plywood reduced plastic use while maintaining strength — showing how steel can be both durable and eco-conscious.