Moreton Island National Park

Prepared by: Lisa Ford Date written: 20 / 10 / 2006 i

Contents

List of Figures ...... ii List of Tables...... ii List of Appendices...... ii List of Maps...... iii 1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1. Climate 3 1.2. Regional context...... 3 1.3. Fire History...... 3 1.4. Objectives for fire management ...... 4 2. Flora...... 5 2.1. Vegetation description...... 6 2.2. Native species/communities of significance and/or potential indicator species 15 2.3. Priority weeds in relation to fire management...... 18 2.4. Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines ...... 18 3. Fauna ...... 20 3.1. Species of significance and/or potential indicator species ...... 21 3.2. Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines ...... 23 4. Cultural resources ...... 24 4.1. Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines ...... 25 5. Protected Area infrastructure...... 26 5.1. Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines ...... 26 6. Resources on adjoining land...... 27 6.1. Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines ...... 27 7. Factors affecting fire behaviour and management...... 27 8. Fire Management Zones ...... 30 8.1. Introduction ...... 30 8.2. Fire Management Zones...... 30 8.2.1 Protection Zone...... 31 8.2.2 Wildfire Mitigation Zone...... 33

8.2.3 Conservation Zone ...... 35 8.3. Rehabilitation Zone ...... 40 8.4. Reference Zone...... 40 9. Fire research and monitoring ...... 41 10. Fire Management Areas...... 44 11. Access track system...... 45 11.1. New access tracks...... 47 11.2. Track closures...... 47 12. References...... 48

List of Figures

Figure 1 Location of Moreton Island...... 2

List of Tables

Table 1 Native flora species and communities of particular management significance with information on potential value as indicators in monitoring programmes...... 15 Table 2 Details of priority weeds in relation to fire management...... 18 Table 3 Fauna species of significance with information on potential value as indicators in monitoring programs...... 22 Table 4 Locations of Protection Zones and associated management regimes...... 31 Table 5 Locations of Wildfire Mitigation Zones and associated management regimes...... 33 Table 6 Quick reference guide for fire management requirements in the Conservation Zone...... 35

List of Appendices Appendix 1. Meteorological data for Moreton Island (Bureau of Meteorology site no. 040043) Appendix 2. Flora species recorded from Moreton Island Appendix 3. Fauna species recorded from Moreton Island. Appendix 4. Fire Management Zones and Fire Management Areas

iii

List of Maps Map 1. Map of Moreton Island showing tracks, infrastructure, named sites and neighbouring properties Map 2. Vegetation map of Moreton Island Map 3. Known fire history Map 4. Fire Management Zones

1. Introduction

Moreton Island is a large barrier sand island located in Moreton Bay, south-east Queensland (Fig. 1). The island is 38 km long, and nine km wide at its widest point, with an area of about 17 700 ha (185 km2). Ninety percent (16 800 ha) of the island was declared a National Park in 1986 and extended by 100 ha in 2000 with the addition of the North Point area. The Cape Moreton Conservation Park (3 ha) was also declared in 2000. Most of the island was declared a Recreation Management Area in 1991 under the Recreational Areas Management Act 1988. The QPWS (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) manages the national park, and the Recreation Area is jointly managed by QPWS and the Recreation Areas Management Board. The three townships (Bulwer, Cowan Cowan and Kooringal) are managed by the Brisbane City Council, and Tangalooma Resort consists of a series of leases issued by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines. The townships and resort are surrounded by national park and are at risk from wildfire. Moreton Island has become an important recreation area for the highly populated Brisbane Region and is one of the ten most visited areas managed by the QPWS in Queensland, receiving in excess of 170 000 visitors a year. The island is significant to the Quandamooka People, in particular the Ngugi tribe. The island shows evidence of use for the past 6 000 years, mainly concentrated around the coastline. There are no current native title claims over Moreton Island. European heritage sites include the lighthouse at Cape Moreton and WWII infrastructure on the eastern beach and at Cowan Cowan on the western beach.

Figure 1. Location of Moreton Island & Moreton Island

Cape Moreton Bay Moreton Island Moreton Comboyuro Moreton Island Point

Cowan Moreton Redcliffe Point Bay

Brisbane Tangalooma Point

Cleveland

Mirapool

N 80816km 2024km N

1.1. Climate

Moreton Island has a subtropical climate with moderating maritime influences. The prevailing summer winds are from the south-east, but these regularly swing to north- easterlies. Winter is characterised by south-westerly winds. The rainfall averages at 1500 - 1750 mm per annum. Rainfall distribution is very variable, however July to October is generally very dry. Cyclonic depressions may occur between December and April, bringing high rainfall. Monthly and long-term averages of a range of meteorological data for Moreton Island (Bureau of Meteorology site number 040043) are shown in Appendix 1. The ‘normal’ wildfire season is from August to February and is characterised by north- easterly to south-easterly winds with temperatures between 15ºC and 33ºC. Planned burns are generally undertaken in the cooler months from April to July, depending on rainfall.

1.2. Regional context

Moreton Island is one of five large sand islands on Queensland’s south-east coast. The islands and adjacent low-lying mainland areas with deep sandy soils support a range of endemic fauna and flora species and associations. Cooloola, Fraser Island and Moreton Island are the only sand island communities that have sufficiently large undisturbed areas to offer opportunities to manage their ecosystems primarily for ecological purposes. The mainland areas other than Cooloola National Park are subject to residential and commercial development pressures and North Stradbroke Island is subject to increasing residential and commercial development and extractive industries. Fire management strategies have been developed for Cooloola National Park, Bribie, Fraser and North Stradbroke Islands. Bribie Island has a comprehensive fire management strategy, and a planned burn program implemented by the government stakeholders including DPI, Caboolture Shire Council and the QPWS. The revised North Stradbroke Island draft fire management plan was released for public comment in September 2005. The revised plan is comprehensive and provides for ecological burning of State Land areas.

1.3. Fire History

The fire history of Moreton Island is poorly documented. The fire history map (Map 3) has been digitised from fires hand-drawn onto an A4 map of the island, with no reference to topography or other distinguishing features. Old photographs have been found which are undated and untitled, however they show that past fires on the island have been intense and widespread.

Aboriginal fire history There is very little evidence of pre-European settlement fire history. It is possible that Aboriginal camp fires may have escaped and caused wild fires from time to time. There are few terrestrial vertebrate species on Moreton Island, and there is little evidence of them in archaeological surveys of camps and middens. It is thought that the indigenous people of Moreton Island relied on marine resources. Therefore, one can assume that the practice of using fire to flush out animals was not often used on Moreton Island (Devine 1984). European Fire History There is no record of the burning practices of the first European settlers before 1956, when there is a reference to fire being used to clear areas (Devine, 1984). Devine (1984) recorded the following fire history: Year Evidence Description 1968 Report of a fire in the CSIRO An area of northern heath around and within the experimental area CSIRO plots. 1972 Local residents Bulwer Swamp – extent unknown, though burnt from the north. (approx) 1974 Local residents Fire in southern section of the island. Burnt from the north. (approx) 1976 1978 aerial photography High intensity fire in the northern part of the (Nov) Q3601 runs 15, 16 & 17 island 1980 1981 aerial photography Northern end, areas not burnt in 1976 Q3840 runs 14, 15 & 16 (April) 1981 1981 aerial photography Mt Tempest and south to the Big Sandhills (Aug) 1981 Ground survey Bulwer swamp and dunes (Oct) Devine (1984) also notes that there were three other fires between 1976 and 1979 in the Cloherty’s Peninsula area, but they were never mapped. The fire history map referred to by Devine (1984) for the then current fire management strategy is missing.

Plate 1. Part of the northern tall heathland after a severe wildfire c. 1986

1.4. Objectives for fire management

National Parks are to be managed according to the principles in Section 17 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 which are to: (a) provide, to the greatest possible extent, for the permanent preservation of the area’s natural condition and the protection of the area’s cultural resources and values; and (b) present the area’s cultural and natural resources and their values; and (c) ensure that the only use of the area is nature-based and ecologically sustainable.

The Vision Statement for Moreton Island in the draft Management Plan also provides guidelines for the development of natural resource objectives: “The protected areas on Moreton Island will be managed in the future to remain undeveloped coastal landscapes where people will continue to enjoy nature based recreational activities as well as educational and inspirational opportunities. Conservation of the islands natural communities and species and cultural heritage will be the key focus of management on the national park and conservation park.”

The specific objectives for the Moreton Island Fire Management Strategy are: 1. Prevent fire threatening life and property on the island; 2. Maintain fire as a natural part of ecosystem function in fire-adapted communities; 3. Create a mosaic pattern of planned burning so there is a range of ages since fire in each vegetation community/habitat, within the acceptable age class range for each community;

4. Suppress unplanned fires occurring on natural areas of Moreton Island, unless they can be used to fulfil the objectives of the Planned Burn Program, and it is safe to use them for that purpose; 5. Protect cultural heritage values; 6. Protect sensitive dune communities from erosion through vegetation protection; 7. to develop a planned burn program which is integrated with the pest plant and animal management strategies; and 8. to protect and manage rare and threatened species and their habitat. This Strategy will identify fire management related issues for the protection of life and property, as well as cultural and natural resources. This information will then be used to develop a planned burn program and guide other fire management decision and operations. It is further emphasised that protection of life and property will always be the priority for QPWS in the development and implementation of this Strategy.

2. Flora

The flora of Moreton Island was studied extensively in the 1970s for the development of the Moreton Island Environmental Impact Study and Strategic Plan (Heath and Partners 1976). In 1977, Lorraine Durrington of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries produced a technical bulletin on the Vegetation of Moreton Island, which included a map (1:100 000). The 1977 vegetation map was ground-truthed and updated to the Regional Ecosystem method of description by Paul Grimshaw of the QPWS in 2001. The vegetation of Moreton Island is generally adapted to fire, and consists of sclerophyllous vegetation such as eucalypts, acacias and heath species. Fire adaptive traits in Moreton Island vegetation include: • resprouting from epicormic shoots (Eucalyptus and Corymbia) and lignotubers (Leptospermum spp.); • hard-seededness (Acacia spp. and member of the Fabaceae family); • mass seed release following fire (Hakea, Petrophile, and Banksia); and • flowering in response to fire (Xanthorrhoea and member of the Orchidaceae and Liliaceae families). The island has been subject to several high intensity wildfires in recent decades where half to one third of the island has been burnt at one time. There have been no changes recorded scientifically or anecdotally in either floristic composition or structure for any vegetation communities on the island which can be attributed to fire. The most significant impacts on vegetation are the result of increased human visitation, feral pig and goats, and pest plant infestations. A flora list for the island is provided in Appendix 2.

2.1. Vegetation description

The vegetation of Moreton Island has been described by Durrington (1977) and updated by QPWS into Regional Ecosystem format 2001 (refer Map 2). The vegetation of Moreton Island is similar to that of North Stradbroke, Cooloola, and Fraser Islands. The island is predominantly sand, with one small rocky outcrop at Cape Moreton. The island is formed of sands which have built up over the past 400 000 years. The vegetation communities on the island include swamps, heathlands, woodlands and forests. The changes in the vegetation communities are attributable to the depth of the water table, nutrient levels, exposure to sun and wind and the age of the community. The greatest change is created by a boundary between old Pleistocene sand in the north and new Holocene sands in the south. The regional ecosystems have been grouped into six fire associations (Table 1) - foredunes, mangroves and saltmarsh, dry heath and shrublands, wet heath and sedgelands, mixed open forests and woodlands and melaleuca swamps.

Table 1a. Moreton Island vegetation grouped into fire associations

Foredune communities Regional Ecosystem 12.2.14 Planned burns Strand and foredune complex comprising Spinifex sericeus grassland, Allocasuarina equisetifolia There will be no planned burning in foredune communities woodland/open-forest and with Acacia leiocalyx, A. aulacocarpa, Banksia integrifolia var. to protect sensitive dune flora, maintain amenity in integrifolia, Pandanus tectorius, Corymbia tessellaris, Cupaniopsis anacardioides and camping areas and reduce the exposure of Aboriginal Acronychia imperforata. Similar vegetation can occur on exposed parts of dunes further inland. midden sites. Biodiversity Status: No concern at present. Wildfire Regional Ecosystem 12.2.16 If a wildfire starts in or travels into these communities Sand blows on large sand islands. Largely devoid of vegetation. Biodiversity Status: Of QPWS will attempt to contain and extinguish the fire, concern. provided the safety of staff and assets is assured and the extinguishment techniques do not cause further damage Comments: (ie. no heavy machinery will be used on foredunes). This ecosystem does not include areas of foredune complex (12.2.14) that have being more recently denuded of vegetation due to anthropological disturbance. Foredune vegetation is generally ‘fire sensitive’, and burning can lead to erosion and weed infestation. Camping is concentrated in the foredune areas on the island.

Mangroves and Saltmarsh Regional Ecosystem 12.1.2 Planned burns Saltpan vegetation comprising Sporobolus virginicus grassland and samphire herbland on There will be no planned burning in mangrove or Quaternary estuarine deposits. Grasses including Zoysia micrantha sometimes present in upper saltmarsh communities to protect mangrove flora. portions of tidal flats. Marine plains/tidal flats. Includes saline or brackish sedgelands. Wildfire Biodiversity Status: No concern at present. If a wildfire starts in or travels into these communities Regional Ecosystem 12.1.3 QPWS will attempt to contain and extinguish the fire, Mangrove shrubland to low closed forest on Quaternary estuarine deposits. provided the safety of staff and assets is assured and the extinguishment techniques do not cause further damage Mangroves are found on the western side of the island from the Little Sandhills to Reeders Point. (ie. no heavy machinery will be used in mangroves). Saltmarsh is found on the northern end of the island, near Heath island. Biodiversity Status: No concern at present Comments: Mangrove and saltmarsh communities do not generally burn. Dry heath and shrublands Regional Ecosystem 12.2.9 Planned burns Banksia aemula low shrubby woodland on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches. Dunes and Where these communities are located in the Conservation beach ridges with deeply leached soils. Mallee eucalypts sometimes present. Biodiversity Zone, a program of planned burning will be implemented. Status: No concern at present. The minimum fire free interval will be 8 years and a maximum of 25 years. Planned burns will be conducted to Comments: create a mosaic effect to avoid homogenous burning of One of the communities included under the common name 'wallum'. Floristically rich. Mostly on large patches. sand mass islands with a naturally restricted extent on mainland south of Noosa where it has been extensively cleared for urban development. This community has a history of high intensity wild fire about every 10 years.

Regional Ecosystem 12.2.10 Wildfire Mallee forms of Corymbia gummifera, Eucalyptus racemosa and E. planchoniana ± Banksia If a wildfire starts in or travels into these communities aemula low shrubby woodland on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches. Deeply leached dunes within the fire-free interval of 8 years, the QPWS will and sand plains. attempt to contain and extinguish the fire, provided the safety of staff and assets is assured and the extinguishment Restricted to the southern sand mass islands. Areas on North Stradbroke Island have been techniques do not cause significant further damage to the affected by sand mining. Biodiversity Status: No concern at present ecosystem.

Wet heath and sedgelands Regional Ecosystem 12.2.12 Planned burns Closed or wet heath ± stunted emergent shrubs/low trees on Quaternary coastal dunes and Where these communities are located in the Conservation beaches. Poorly drained sand plains. Characteristic shrubs include Banksia spp. (especially B. Zone, a program of planned burning will be implemented. robur) Boronia falcifolia, Epacris spp., Baeckea frutescens, Schoenus brevifolius, Leptospermum The minimum fire free interval will be 8 years and a spp., Hakea actites, Melaleuca thymifolia, Xanthorrhoea fulva with Baloskion spp. and maximum of 40 years. Planned burns will be conducted to Sporadanthus spp. in ground layer. Biodiversity Status: No concern at present. create a mosaic effect to avoid homogenous burning of large patches. 12.2.12a: Empodisma minus, Baumea rubiginosa, Epacris microphylla closed-heathland with emergent low shrubs of Leptospermum liversidgei. Wildfire 12.2.12b: Xanthorrhoea fulva wet heathland. If a wildfire starts in or travels into these communities within the fire-free interval of 8 years, the QPWS will Values: Provides potential habitat for rare and threatened flora including Durringtonia attempt to contain and extinguish the fire, provided the paludosa, Schoenus scabripes and Acacia baueri. safety of staff and assets is assured and the extinguishment Comments: Subject to high rate of clearing for urbanisation south of Noosa; the Regional techniques do not cause significant further damage to the Ecosystem is considered to be endangered in this area. ecosystem. Regional Ecosystem 12.2.15 Coastal sedgeland with Baumea spp., Juncus spp. Lepironia articulata, Gahnia spp. and Eleocharis spp. and associated water bodies that occur on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches. Biodiversity Status: No concern at present 12.2.15a: Associated permanent water bodies.

12.2.15b: Lepironia articulata closed-sedgeland. 12.2.15c: Cladium procerum closed-sedgeland. 12.2.15d: Baumea rubiginosa closed-sedgeland, with Cyclosorus interruptus and Blechnum indicum. 12.2.15e: Leersia hexandra closed-grassland. Values: Habitat for rare and threatened flora species including Schoenus scabripes. Comments: This ecosystem has been subject to disturbance and extensively infilled or modified by urban development in the south of bioregion and the Regional Ecosystem is considered to be endangered in this area. Generally too small to map at 1:100 000 scale. Regional Ecosystem 12.3.8 Freshwater swamps associated with floodplains. Characteristic species include Cyperus spp., Schoenoplectus spp., Philydrum lanuginosum, Eleocharis spp., Leersia hexandra, Triglochin procerum, Nymphaea spp., Nymphoides indica, Persicaria spp., Typha spp., and Pennisetum alopecuroides. Biodiversity Status: Of concern. Protected Areas: Represented in protected areas <1000 ha. Comments: Generally too small to map at 1:100 000 scale. Important for waterbirds and freshwater vertebrates and invertebrates such as tortoises. Many shallower seasonal waterbodies in the region have been drained or have become silted. Wetlands of the coastal lowlands are also included under Regional Ecosystem 12.2.15.

Mixed open forests and woodlands Regional Ecosystem 12.2.5 Planned burns Corymbia spp., Banksia integrifolia, Callitris columellaris, Acacia spp. open forest to low closed Where these communities are located in the Conservation forest on beach ridges in southern half of bioregion. Zone, a program of planned burning will be implemented. The minimum fire free interval will be 8 years and a Open-forest to low closed forest of Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches and sandy banks of maximum of 25 years. Planned burns will be conducted to coastal streams. Beach ridges and swales in southern parts of bioregion. Species can include create a mosaic effect to avoid homogenous burning of Corymbia intermedia, C. tessellaris, Banksia integrifolia var. integrifolia, Acacia spp., large patches. Lophostemon confertus, Callitris columellaris and Endiandra sieberi. Melaleuca quinquenervia in swales. Understorey generally shrubby and can include vine forest species. Wildfire 12.2.5a: Swales dominated by Livistona spp. and Melaleuca quinquenervia. Biodiversity If a wildfire starts in or travels into these communities Status: Of concern. within the fire-free interval of 8 years, the QPWS will attempt to contain and extinguish the fire, provided the Comments: safety of staff and assets is assured and the extinguishment Tends to grade into Regional Ecosystem 12.2.14 on seaward side and into 12.2.9 on inland side. techniques do not cause significant further damage to the This Regional Ecosystem is vulnerable south of Noosa due to weed invasion, recreational use and ecosystem. threat of over-frequent fire. Regional Ecosystem 12.2.6 Eucalyptus racemosa, Corymbia intermedia, C. gummifera, Angophora leiocarpa and E. pilularis shrubby or grassy woodland to open-forest on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches. Dunes with deeply leached soils. Biodiversity Status: No concern at present. Regional Ecosystem 12.2.7 Melaleuca quinquenervia open-forest to woodland on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches. Seasonally waterlogged sand plains. Other species include E. robusta, E. tereticornis, Corymbia intermedia and Lophostemon suaveolens. Understorey of ferns and sedges. Banksia robur sometimes forms dense shrub layer. 12.2.7a: Melaleuca quinquenervia low woodland with Gahnia sieberiana shrub layer fringing swamps. 12.2.7b: whipstick Melaleuca quinquenervia at the base of frontal dunes. 12.2.7c: Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus robusta and Melicope elleryana. Biodiversity Status: Of concern

Values: Habitat for rare and threatened flora species including Durringtonia paludosa. Comments: Largely restricted to southern sand mass islands.

Melaleuca Swamps Regional Ecosystem 12.3.5 Planned burns Melaleuca quinquenervia tall open-forest to woodland on Quaternary alluvial plains in coastal Where these communities are located in the Conservation areas. Understorey depends upon duration of waterlogging; sedges and ferns, especially Zone, a program of planned burning will be implemented. Blechnum indicum, in wetter microhabitats and grasses and shrubs in drier microhabitats. Other The minimum fire free interval will be 6 years and a tree species that may be present as scattered individuals or clumps include Lophostemon maximum of 40 years. Planned burns will be conducted to suaveolens, Eucalyptus robusta, E. tereticornis, Corymbia intermedia, Casuarina glauca, create a mosaic effect to avoid homogenous burning of Endiandra sieberi, Melastoma malabathricum subsp. malabathricum, Glochidion sumatranum large patches. and Melicope elleryana are often in understorey. Wildfire 12.3.5a: Melaleuca quinquenervia, Casuarina glauca +/- Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest on If a wildfire starts in or travels into these communities lowest river terraces. Biodiversity Status: Of concern. within the fire-free interval of 6 years, the QPWS will Values: attempt to contain and extinguish the fire, provided the Habitat for rare and threatened flora species including Schoenus scabripes. safety of staff and assets is assured and the extinguishment techniques do not cause significant further damage to the Comments: ecosystem. Extensively cleared for sugar cane and urban development in south of bioregion. Tallest stands associated with estuarine sediments. Subject to weed invasion, especially groundsel Baccharis halimifolia. Data on clearing rate between 1995 and 1997 indicate that the Regional Ecosystem continues to experience an annual loss in excess of 1% of current extent per year. The area remaining is likely to fall below 30% within 5-10 years. Regional Ecosystem 12.3.6 Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Lophostemon suaveolens woodland on Quaternary alluvial plains and drainage lines in coastal areas. Biodiversity Status: No concern at present.

2.2. Native species/communities of significance and/or potential indicator species

Of the 500 (Everist 1975), 482 (Durrington 1976), 239 (WildNet, Sept 2005) flora species that have been recorded in the protected area, six are of particular conservation significance. These species and communities, together with a brief explanation of their significance, are listed in Table 1. All native vegetation communities found on Moreton island are significant as they represent species and communities which now have restricted distributions in south-east Queensland due to habitat loss. Of particular value are the heathlands, swamps and Melaleuca quinquenervia communities. Indicator species for fire management include the obligate seed regenerators such as many of the ‘pea’ flowers (eg. Dillwynia spp., Bossiaea spp. and Pultenaea spp.) and wedding bush (Ricinocarpos pinifolius). Table 1 Native flora species and communities of particular management significance with information on potential value as indicators in monitoring programmes. Status codes: E = Endangered (Schedule 2) under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife)Regulation 1994 (NCWR); V = Vulnerable (Schedule 3) under the NCWR; R = Rare (Schedule 4) under the NCWR; OC = Regional Ecosystem described as “Of Concern” in Sattler and Williams (1999); EN = Regional Ecosystem described as “Endangered” in Sattler and Williams (1999).

Species/Community Details Status code potential indicator? The Trench The Trench is a very small simple notophyll vine forest community found in a dune swale east of the Telegraph Track. The Trench is dominated by Syncarpia hillii and other fire sensitive species. It has been burnt by wildfires on its margins, but has survived successive wildfires in the past. Obligate seed regenerators Yes Obligate seed regenerators are those species that cannot regenerate vegetatively after fire. Where these

species occur, the minimum fire free interval should allow sufficient time for these plants to reach maturity and set seed. It is preferable that there is sufficient time between fires for them to set seed more than once to ensure an adequate store of seed in the seed bank. Short-lived species Yes The heath and eucalypt communities on Moreton Island contain a range of short-lived species. Most of these are within the Family Fabaceae. These plants set seed and die within a few years of germination. The seed remains in the seed bank until the next major disturbance, which is usually a fire, before they germinate. Most of the short-lived species are also hard-seeded which means they require some form of scarification or scorching before they germinate. Examples of short-lived species include Dillwynia spp., Pultenaea spp. and Gompholobium spp.

Species/Community Details Status code potential indicator? Callitris columellaris C Callitris columellaris (Cypress pine; Bribie pine) is fire sensitive when immature, however both adults and juveniles will be killed by high intensity fires. Callitris is an obligate seed regenerator, and may take up to ten years to mature. Communities dominated by this species may indicate long-term absence of fire. Callitris is a significant species in Quandamooka culture, and planned burns should be conducted at a medium to low intensity to protect and maintain communities of mature trees. A fire free interval of at least 15 years is required for ecosystems where Callitris is a dominant species to allow seedlings to reach sufficient maturity to survive the next fire. If a crown fire of high intensity burns an area where Callitris is a dominant species, there should be a fire free interval of at least 25 years to allow the community to recover. Callitris communities can be difficult to burn, and if not subject to any fire, the community may develop into a monoculture of Callitris. A balance needs to be developed where planned burning preserves the diversity of the community with Callitris as co- dominant with eucalypt species. For this reason it is a useful indicator of inappropriate fire frequency. Imperata cylindrica / C Yes Imperata cylindrica (blady grass) and Pteridium Pteridium esculentum esculentum (bracken fern). This association of ground covers usually occurs on holocene dunes where the fire frequency is too high. Allocasuarina littoralis C Yes Allocasuarina littoralis is a common canopy species in the heath and shrubland communities on the northern end of the island. When the interval between fires is too great, Allocasuarina can become a dominant species in the canopy, and in some cases change the nature of the community from fire-promoting to fire- retardant resulting in the permanent loss of many heathland species. Ricinocarpos pinifolius C Yes Often an obligate seeder, but may resprout from base in heath. Requires at least five years to reach reproductive maturity. Casuarina equisetifolia C Yes Very sensitive to fire. Should be protected as much as subsp. incana possible especially where it occurs on foredunes to decrease the risk of erosion.

Species/Community Details Status code potential indicator? RE 12.3.5 Melaleuca Yes Fire intervals of between 15 and 30 years are quinquenervia – Eucalyptus recommended. Planned burns should be conducted tereticornis – Lophostemon when the substrate is wet to decrease the risk of peat suaveolens open forest fire (Watson 2001). Durringtonia paludosa V Durringtonia paludosa occurs in the wet heath and sedgelands on the northern end of Moreton Island. Specimens of this plant should be located, and their response to the fire regimes implemented be monitored. Acacia baueri subsp. baueri V A small acacia species found mainly in wet and dry heath. High intensity fires will kill it, but low intensity fires stimulate flowering. Flowers and seeds within 2 years. Schoenus scabripes R A sedge species found in wet heaths and sedgelands. Pterostylis nigricans R A ground orchid found in eucalypt woodlands. Lumnitzera racemosa C One of the southern-most occurrences of this species. Smithia sensitiva C Southern limit of distribution Eucalyptus planchoniana C Northern limit of distribution Eleocharis ochrostachys C Southern limit of distribution. Lepturus repens C One of the southern-most occurrences. Schoenus ericetorum C Northern limit of distribution. Hibbertia fasciculata C Endemic to sand islands in SEQ and one small patch near the Gold Coast. Petrophile canescens C Disjunct occurrence on Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island – normally occurs on the sub-coastal ranges. Syncarpia hillii C There are 2 small populations on Moreton and North Stradbroke Islands, the only other populations occur at Cooloola and on Fraser Is.

2.3. Priority weeds in relation to fire management

Of the 500 (Everist, 1975) species that have been recorded in the protected area, 117 are weeds (see Appendix 2). Those which are considered significant with respect to fire management, either because they are promoted by a particular fire regime or because fire will be used as part of their management, are listed in Table 2 together with relevant details. Refer to the Weed Management Program for further details.

Table 2 Details of priority weeds in relation to fire management.

Scientific name Common name Details Baccharis Groundsel Groundsel control on the island mainly involves spraying and halimifolia assisting in the spread of groundsel rust. Where an accessible patch of groundsel has been affected by herbicide or rust, and is resprouting, fire may be used to try to kill the plants. This will only be possible in situations where the spread of fire can be contained. Lantana camara lantana The most significant lantana infestations are in the swales behind the foredunes. This area is not planned to be burnt. Fire may be trialled for lantana control on the southern end of the island along the Kooringal track, but this is likely to be part of a larger planned burn. Passiflora spp. Corky passion Herbicidal control passion vines is difficult and largely vine and white unsuccessful. These species are fire-sensitive and infestations passionfruit of these weeds may be adversely impacted by fire. If fire is to be used to control these weeds, care should be taken to ensure that it is not at an intensity and/or frequency which negatively impacts the native vegetation community.

2.4. Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines

Fire management objectives and desirable fire regimes for each recognised vegetation community are detailed in Table 3. Fire-sensitive communities in the protected area include the foredune and mangrove communities. Fire should be excluded from these communities because they do not require fire for regeneration and fire may irreversibly alter the species composition and structure of the community. Too frequent fire in fire-adapted communities leads to simplification of the community by reducing the floristic and structural diversity of the ground and mid-strata. It also leads to an increase in the risk of invasion by exotic plants. Conversely fire that is too infrequent can lead to the loss of fire-dependent species from the community as mature individuals senesce while the next generation of individuals are either not produced or are unable to establish. Many fire-adapted species will tolerate a wide range of fire intensities whereas others have quite specific fire intensity requirements.

A fire regime that fails to take these requirements into account can dramatically alter the relative abundance of different species in a community, and possibly lead to extinctions. In general, planned burns should be carried out under conditions required to achieve the desired fire intensity, rather than at ‘traditional’ or ‘calendar’ times. It is anticipated most planned burns will require high soil moisture to facilitate rapid post-fire recovery, minimise the risk of erosion and promote ‘patchiness’ within the burn area. The mosaic approach to planned burning in fire-adapted communities is an effective means of providing the complex range of fire-intervals, intensities, seasons of burn and patch-sizes required to maintain floristic and structural diversity throughout communities and landscapes. As Moreton Island is largely national park, there is greater opportunity for using fire for ecological outcomes than on Bribie and North Stradbroke Islands.

3. Fauna

Over 138 species of birds have been recorded on the island (WildNet Sept 03) including seabirds, waders, forest/heath-dependent birds and raptors. Twenty-seven of these species are migratory birds protected under international agreements (JAMBA & CAMBA). Moreton Island is declared under the Ramsar Convention for the protection of important waterfowl habitat. The island has a range of habitats for waders and wetland birds including mudflats, saltmarsh, mangroves, wet heath, melaleuca swamp and freshwater wetlands. Migratory waders utilise the extensive sand flats along the south-western side of the island for low tide feeding. Mirapool is a regionally significant high tide roost sites. The beaches of the island are used by a wide range of shorebirds and seabirds. Six native terrestrial mammals, including four bat species have been recorded on the island. The extensive wetlands and swamps provide habitat for eight species of amphibians, including a range of the acid frogs. The cane toad has not become established on the island. Thirty-eight species of reptiles and nine sea snakes have been found on the island, including green and loggerhead turtles which use the ocean beach for nesting. Eight exotic animal species have been recorded on Moreton Island:

Scientific name Common name Columba livia feral pigeon Streptopelia chinensis spotted turtle-dove Passer domesticus house sparrow Carduelis carduelis European goldfinch Mus musculus house mouse Felis catus cat Sus scrofa pig Capra hircus goat

An inventory of the fauna of Moreton Island was conducted by Barry & Lear n 1976 for the Heath Report (1976). Other more targeted surveys have also been conducted (see list below). These surveys have recorded a total of 137 vertebrate species, including six amphibians, 40 reptiles, 80 birds and 17 mammals. 8 species are exotic. A full list of vertebrate fauna recorded during these surveys is provided in Appendix 3. The fauna and flora of Moreton Island were described in detail in the Heath Report published in 1976. Since then, little work has been done on the fauna of the island. In addition to the fauna records from Shultz and Gynther (1992) and the Queensland Naturalist Club (1990), there are some NatureSearch data available on the Agency WildNet database. The impacts of feral pig and cat populations on the island are unquantified. The removal of horses, and control of goats may have had a favourable impact on ground-dwelling fauna in areas where the vegetation has recovered from overgrazing.

There is some evidence that ground-dwelling reptiles and small mammals show a habitat preference for areas which have fire-free intervals of 10 years or more. The QPWS will work with Universities to try to set up long term monitoring to test this theory. A full list of vertebrate fauna recorded during these surveys is provided in Appendix 3.

3.1. Species of significance and/or potential indicator species

Of the fauna recorded on the Protected Area, one species is listed as Endangered, four as Vulnerable and five as Rare under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife)Regulation 1994. These species, together with a brief explanation of their significance, are listed in Table 4. Those species which have the potential to be used as indicators in monitoring programmes are also identified (see also Section 9). Over 83 species of birds have been recorded on the island including seabirds, waders, forest/heath- dependent birds and raptors. Twenty-seven of these species are migratory birds protected under international agreements (JAMBA & CAMBA). Moreton Island is declared under the Ramsar Convention for the protection of important waterfowl habitat. The island has a range of habitats for waders and wetland birds including mudflats, saltmarsh, mangroves, wet heath, melaleuca swamp and freshwater wetlands. Migratory waders utilise the extensive sand flats along the south-western side of the island for low tide feeding. Mirapool is a regionally significant high tide roost site. The beaches of the island are used by a wide range of shorebirds and seabirds. Six native terrestrial mammals, including four bat species have been recorded on the island. The extensive wetlands and swamps provide habitat for 8 species of amphibians, including a range of the acid frogs. Active management, community education and eradication efforts have contributed to an ongoing exclusion program for the cane toad (Bufo marinus). Thirty-eight species of reptiles and nine sea snakes have been found on the island, including green and loggerhead turtles which use the ocean beach for nesting. The island provides habitat for 10 species listed under schedules of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994. The waters surrounding Moreton Island support the vulnerable green turtle (Chelonia mydas), endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the vulnerable dugong (Dugong dugon).

Table 3 Fauna species of significance with information on potential value as indicators in monitoring programs. Status codes: E = Endangered (Schedule 2) under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife)Regulation 1994 (NCWR);V = Vulnerable (Schedule 3) under the NCWR; R = Rare (Schedule 4) under the NCWR; * = feral. Indicator codes: Y = good potential indicator; N = not a potential indicator; D = possible, but difficult to use as an indicator.

Scientific name Common name Details Status code Potential indicator Rare & threatened species Crinnia tinnula wallum froglet V These frog species are dependent on the wet heaths, Litoria freycineti wallum rocketfrog V sedgelands and Melaleuca Litoria olongburensis wallum sedgefrog V quinquenervia communities on the island. Inappropriate fire regimes could affect their habitat by changing the floristics of the community, making it unsuitable for frogs. High intensity fires that burn peat layers in perched swamps and wetlands can destroy the peat layer and the water-holding capacity of the swamp. Ophioscincus truncatus R This legless lizard species lives in the leaf litter layer of eucalypt woodlands. Inappropriate fire regimes could affect its habitat by changing the floristics of the community. Too frequent fires would destroy the leaf litter layer and probably exclude this species. Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus black-necked stork R These bird species are generally found in the strand Rallus pectoralis Lewin’s rail R zone and should not be Numenius madagascariensis eastern curlew R affected by the planned burn regimes on Moreton Island. Esacus neglectus beach stone-curlew V Haematopus fuliginosus sooty oystercatcher R Sterna albifrons little tern E

Indicator Species Rattus tunneyi Pale field rat C Y Found in greatest numbers in diverse heath and eucalypt forest with neither too frequent (<5 years) or too infrequent (>10 years) fire regime.

3.2. Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines

Fire will be managed to facilitate the maintenance of a diversity of habitats throughout the protected area. It will also be used to maximise habitat condition to suit the significant fauna species and reduce, where possible, suitable habitat for exotic fauna. In the fire-tolerant forest types (refer Section 2.4), it is critical to ensure litter and fallen logs are allowed to accumulate over substantial areas. The litter and fallen log habitats are essential for many ground dwelling fauna (e.g. northern brown bandicoot Isoodon macrourus) and provide prey species for many others (e.g. the southern boobook owl Ninox novaeseelandiae). It is also necessary to ensure there is variation in the structural complexity of the mid-strata between forested patches and within each vegetation community. This is the only way to provide for the diverse habitat requirements of many forest/woodland dwelling bird species as well as sugar and squirrel gliders. Mature trees, particularly those with hollows, are also critical habitat for the gliders. In the order of 20% of land birds and 40% of mammals use tree hollows in Australia (Disney & Stokes 1976; Ambrose 1982). The role of fire in creating and maintaining tree hollows is complex and varies with vegetation community and climatic zone. In general, however, fire which is too frequent, intense and widespread causes the destruction of old trees which contain hollows. It takes many years (100 years or more for many eucalypts) for these to be replaced (Ambrose 1982; Mackowski 1984). Maintenance of habitat trees is an objective of fire management. Too frequent and/or extensive burning in the fire adapted communities, particularly when there is little soil moisture, removes litter (such as fallen leaves, branches and logs) from the ground faster than it can be replaced, inhibits the development of a complex midstratum, increases the risk of losing habitat trees and leads to an over-representation of habitat in an early successional phase. These risks will be minimised by the use of fire regimes appropriate to the fire-adapted vegetation communities/habitats, and the establishment of mosaic burning practices in these communities. This in itself will provide habitat diversity and it will also minimise the risk of wildfire burning extensive areas of the protected area and reducing habitat to an even age. If possible, some areas will be left long enough unburnt to provide some patches of maximum structural diversity within a habitat type. In some cases it may also be necessary to identify and protect individual habitat trees. Avoiding planned burns in fire-sensitive vegetation communities will directly benefit many species including the ground-nesting beach stone-curlew (Esacus neglectus). In addition, predatory animals such as white bellied sea eagles (Halieetus leucogaster) will benefit from the prey species that inhabit these communities. Mosaic burning in adjacent fire-prone habitat will minimise the risk of wildfire damaging this fauna habitat.

4. Cultural resources

Cultural resources may be directly or indirectly affected by fire. Cultural resources directly affected by fire include graves with paling fences. Cultural resources indirectly affected by fire include non- flammable historical and pre-historical structures and objects such as stone graves, middens and stone scatters which are usually protected from view by surrounding vegetation. If this vegetation is burnt by fire, the objects can become more visible and hence lead to increased disturbance by curious visitors. Aboriginal heritage Moreton Island has a history of Aboriginal occupation dating back several thousand years (Robins, 1983). Detailed surveys of midden sites, stone scatters and other evidence of Aboriginal occupation have been conducted for the Heath Report (1976) and other cultural heritage surveys. These data, which consist of about 300 sites, are held by the Cultural Heritage section of EPA. A report has also been produced by Anne Ross on the stone quarry at Harpers. Robins (1983) found reference to one bora ring only, located somewhere on the north of the island. Robins did not record any bora rings, stone arrangements, art sites, carved or scarred trees, stone fish traps, occupation deposits in rock shelters or burials but does refer to a bora ring near Yellow Patch recorded by Byrne in 1912 and Ponosov, and a burial at the eastern end of the Tangalooma Track near Eagers Swamp. The largest midden identified by Robins (1983) was on the top of Cape Cliff, above Harpers. This area is within the Cape Moreton protection zone and will not be subject to planned burning. The Heath Report (1976) recorded two inland sites, and scattered artefacts have been found such as a stone axe near Mt Tempest, and wooden implements in the swamp behind Cowan Cowan. The swamp mahogany (Lophostemon suaveolens) has been recorded as being used to construct canoes. Most of the stone material has been found on the northern end of the island, with the greatest concentration around Harpers. The report proposed that the paucity of sites on the northern end of the island may be a result of erosive processes. The majority of west coast sites were found in the Toulkerrie-Kooringal area. A dugong butchery area was found in the Kooringal area (Heath Report 1976). The Heath Report (1976) concluded that most sites on Moreton Island are not very old (measured using deterioration rates and orientation to current topographical features). The report identified the stone quarry at Cape Moreton as having regional significance. Most indigenous cultural heritage sites on Moreton Island are not directly threatened by fire. These include the middens, stone scatters and stone quarry. If a fire burns around or through these sites, it may clear the screen of vegetation and expose the sites to increased visitation resulting in erosion or damage to the site. Non Indigenous Heritage Moreton Island was first occupied in the mid-1800s with the first light station being installed at Bulwer. This was then transferred to the Cape Moreton lighthouse in 1857. Most historical infrastructure was installed by the army during World War II and took the form of gun emplacements and the Rous Battery.

4.1. Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines

Objective: To protect cultural heritage values of Moreton Island Risk assessment and guidelines for Indigenous Heritage: Aboriginal sites remaining on Moreton Island comprise middens, shell and stone artefact scatters and a stone quarry . Most of these sites have been subject to high intensity wildfires in the past, which may have affected the structural integrity of the objects. The planned burn program on Moreton Island will aim to create a mosaic of different-aged patches of vegetation within each community to prevent large scale high intensity wildfires in the future. Planned burning for ecological purposes will not be undertaken in sensitive foredune communities or at Cape Cliff which will also protect the middens located in these areas. Where the locations of indigenous cultural heritage artefacts are known, they will be protected to the greatest possible extent from fire during planned burning operations The southern end of the island from the Big Sandhills to Toulkerrie will be managed as a wildfire mitigation zone to reduce fuel loads to reduce the risk of wildfire damaging sensitive Callitris columellaris communities. Risk assessment and guidelines for European Heritage The grave south of Bulwer which is surrounded by a timber paling fence should be regularly cleared to maintain a vegetation free zone of 3 metres. If threatened by a wildfire, this site should be protected provided that there is no threat to life and property elsewhere on the island.

Plate 2. Grave south of Bulwer, Moreton Island

Photo: Lisa Ford

The lighthouse and associated historical buildings at Cape Moreton are potentially at risk from fire, however they are unlikely to be burnt in a wildfire as they are located in a large cleared area on the Cape with vegetation which is unlikely to carry a fire, and prevailing winds are north- and southeasterly.

Cultural heritage indirectly affected by fire: There is the remains of a telegraph line running from Bulwer to Cape Moreton. The poles are metal and will not be affected by fire, but if this area is burnt the poles will be exposed to view, and the remaining ceramic insulators may be removed. Remains of old fence posts that indicated past boundary lines (e.g. near the Cowan airstrip) need to be cleared on a regular basis to protect them from fire.

5. Protected Area infrastructure

The infrastructure on the Park, including the current access track system (and regularly used temporary control lines) is shown on Map 1. The infrastructure on the park can be affected by fire either directly or indirectly. Infrastructure directly affected by fire includes flammable structures such as timber toilet blocks, timber houses and sheds. There is no infrastructure indirectly affected by fire but if the bush camping areas are burnt, they should be closed off to visitor use to allow for regeneration of the vegetation.

5.1. Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines

All camp grounds and ranger bases are within protection zones which are managed to minimise fuel loads. Infrastructure directly affected by fire The QPWS infrastructure within the campgrounds and ranger bases is located within Protection Zones which are managed to minimise the risk of damage by fire. The Camp grounds are all within protection zones and have permanent access to water. All amenity blocks have a mown grassed area around them, and efforts will be made to protect these assets in the case of wildfire, provided that there is no danger to life and property elsewhere within and adjacent to the park. The Cape Moreton lighthouse, houses, information centre and associated infrastructure are at risk from fire, particularly the wooden sheds. However, the risk is low due to their location and surrounding very low vegetation. All attempts should be made to control fires which pose a threat to the Cape Moreton infrastructure, provided it is safe to do so, and there is no threat to human life being posed by the fire elsewhere on the island. The Ranger Base at Ben-Ewa is located in a valley between two steep dunes, and surrounded by bush. The houses, sheds and associated infrastructure are at a high risk from wildfire and are located within a protection zone which is maintained to minimise fuel loads. Signage, bollards and fences should be cleared of vegetation at the start of every fire season and prior to planned burns to minimise the risk of losing them during a fire.

6. Resources on adjoining land

Non-QPWS property on Moreton Island includes the townships of Bulwer, Cowan Cowan and Kooringal, and Tangalooma Island Resort. The areas around the townships and behind the Resort are regularly burnt by QPWS for fuel reduction purposes. Each township has a rural bushfire brigade which can be utilised to protect human life and property in the event of a wildfire.

6.1. Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines

The objective is to minimise the risk of fire leaving the protected area, risking human life, and damaging or destroying neighbouring infrastructure and other resources. Similarly, the risk of fire entering the protected area should be minimised. No amount of hazard reduction or construction of ‘control lines’ can eliminate the risk of wildfire in natural areas. Native vegetation on Moreton Island is fire-prone, and in many cases fire-promoting. Fuel in some vegetation communities will build up to a level capable of sustaining fire within months of being burnt although the intensity of a subsequent fire is likely to be lower. Under extreme fire weather conditions many fire adapted communities, even if recently subjected to a low intensity ‘hazard reduction burn,’ may carry a fire. It is reasonable, however, to manage natural areas to minimise the risk of fires leaving or entering under ‘normal’ fire season conditions. The protected area is divided into Fire Management Zones to provide for adequate hazard reduction measures. Guidelines for hazard reduction are provided in Section 8. Maintenance of the access track/control line systems defined in Section 11 will be undertaken. These measures, in conjunction with mosaic burning of fire-adapted vegetation communities (guidelines provided in Section 8) will greatly reduce the risk of fire entering or leaving the protected area.

7. Factors affecting fire behaviour and management

Fire Behaviour Moreton Island supports a range of fire promoting vegetation communities, and has a history of ‘naturally sourced’ (eg. lightening) wild fires. The island is composed of inaccessible terrain such as extensive swamps and high dunes comprised of deep sand. This, coupled with the limited track network, means that most of the island is inaccessible for controlling wild fires. Fire behaviour for both planned burns and wild fires is dependent on the fuel loads, humidity, slope, aspect, wind speed and wind direction. Fuel loads Luke and McArthur (1978) described four characteristics of fuel which will affect fire behaviour – quantity, particle size, distribution and moisture content. Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE 1999) define the overall fuel hazard: Overall Fuel Hazard = (the sum of the influences of) Bark Hazard + Elevated Fuel Hazard + Surface Fuel Hazard The DNRE (1999) found that the structure of the surface fine fuel is more relevant that the surface fine fuel load and provides a method of measuring fine fuel depth which is used to convert the litter-bed height to a Surface Fine Fuel Hazard rating.

The Surface Fine Fuel Hazard is affected by the quantity of near-surface fuels such as grasses, dead bracken fern and low shrubs less than 0·5 m high. If the near-surface fuels have cover values of greater than 40%, then the area should be assigned the next higher Surface Fine Fuel Rating. Elevated fuels comprise shrubs, heath and other suspended material. The hazard will vary depending on height and density and amount of dead material in this layer. Bark hazard is determined by assessing the quantity of fibrous and/or ribbon bark which could cause spotting. Humidity Atmospheric humidity levels impact on the rate at which a fire will develop from the intitial build-up to transition stage. High humidity levels will have a significant impact on planned burns, and selection of the time of ignition will be dependent mostly on humidity and dew. Slope The steepness of the dunes causes fire to race up the dune front, but it will travel more slowly down the hill. Aspect Moreton Island has a series of high, steep dunes. Aspect will affect wind speed, wind direction and flora community composition. Wind speed and direction Wind can change the angle of flames in the fire head to drive them into unburnt fuel and increase the effects on radiant heat. Gusty, variable winds make a fire unpredictable and dangerous for fire fighters. Wind speed and direction are affected by the passage of cold fronts, thunderstorms and location If the winds are southeasterly or northwesterly, the fire will be pushed through the valleys between high dunes. The vegetation has several layers, leading to fire travelling from the ground, through the shrub layer to the canopy. Generalised fire behaviour has been described in depth by Luke and McArthur (1978) and is summarised below. Fires develop in three easily recognisable stages (Luke and McArthur 1979), the initial build-up, transition and peak stages. The rate of spread and acceleration through the stages of a fire is dependent on the characteristics of the fuel such as: • moisture content of living and dead fuels; • surface area and vertical distribution of fuels; and • combustion rate and burn-out time. Acceleration is also affected by the ground wind speed, atmospheric instability, slope and extent of spotting. The initial build-up of a fire is dependent on environmental conditions such as fuel loads and characteristics, weather and topography. At this stage the fire is generally circular in shape, has a narrow flame depth and the flames are directed inwards to the centre of the fire.

The transition stage the heat from the fire creates convection currents as the fire develops a head and burns into unburnt fuel. The radiant heat from the fire dries out vegetation before the flames reach it, and the fire creates its own wind patterns that draw more wind into the fire. The peak stage is reached when the fire has a tall convection column and may be ‘spotting’. Most of the factors listed above vary during the day, and the timing of the fire will therefore affect the acceleration. Night and early morning fires will accelerate much more slowly than those lit in the middle of the day or afternoon. Fire Management Moreton Island National Park is isolated and accessible only by 2 barges, one from Scarborough, the other from Whyte Island. This is a significant issue in arranging back-up vehicles for wild fires. All tracks and roads on the island are 4WD access only, the Telegraph and Rous Battery Tracks are only accessible by quad (4 wheel motorbike). The use of a quad motorbike during fire operations is not recommended as the operator is exposed to smoke and radiant heat. Beach access south of Middle Road, and along the northern end of the island is low tide only. The eastern and western beaches north of Middle Road are accessible at most tides except very high tides. Beach access to the interior of the island is limited by steep sand cliffs and dunes in most places, particularly at Yellow Patch, north of Spitfire Creek, and the western beach south of Middle Road. There is no shoreline vehicle access between Harpers and North Point. Although access to most of the interior of the island is limited, a planned burn program can be used to create a range of successional stages in each fire association. Planned burn programs should use certain burning conditions to control the intensity and extent of a fire. Techniques used in similar conditions on Fraser Island include: lighting spot fires in heath when there is high soil moisture and allowing the fire to burn during the day and letting it self-extinguish at night when temperatures drop and humidity increases; burning long, thin strips of heath using strong winds early in winter – these fires self- extinguish when they leave the dense heath. no back-burning or edge-lighting unless absolutely necessary.

8. Fire Management Zones

8.1. Introduction

Fire management zones are a means of identifying, planning and implementing the wide variety of fire management aims that may apply to a protected area. Whilst each zone has a primary purpose, the zones and their management should be complementary and provide a cumulative benefit to management of the landscape as a whole. A full description and explanation of the zoning scheme used in this Strategy is provided in Appendix 4.

8.2. Fire Management Zones

Fire Management Zones for the protected area are shown on Map 4. Details of access tracks and neighbouring properties are shown on Map 3. Details of each Fire Management Zone are given below.

8.2.1 Protection Zone Protection Zones are located as described below.

Table 4 Locations of Protection Zones and associated management regimes. Numbers relate to the Zoning Map (Map 4). Location Management regime P1: Bulwer township Private properties within the township will be maintained by residents with assistance and advice from BCC and Queensland Rural Fire Service.

P2: Bulwer rubbish dump The BCC and Queensland Rural Fire Service will ensure that a fuel free zone of at least 5 metres is maintained around any hazardous materials storage areas. P3: Cowan Cowan township Private properties within the township will be maintained by residents with assistance and advice from BCC and Queensland Rural Fire Service. P4: Cowan Cowan rubbish dump The BCC and Queensland Rural Fire Service will ensure that a fuel free zone of at least 5 metres is maintained around any hazardous materials storage

areas. P5: Kooringal township Private properties within the township will be maintained by residents with assistance and advice from BCC and Queensland Rural Fire Service.

P6: Kooringal rubbish dump The BCC and Queensland Rural Fire Service will ensure that a fuel free zone of at least 5 metres is maintained around any hazardous materials storage

areas. P7: Tangalooma Resort and area bounded by the Tangalooma bypass No planned burns within the Resort limits. The area from the Resort track boundary to the Tangalooma Bypass Track will be maintained to minimise the risk of wildfire. The maximum fire free interval in this area will be 5

years. P8: Cape Moreton Infrastructure No planned burns No direct management action is required for most of the area until the

revegetation of the Cape has reached a stage where it will carry a fire. Maintain a 5 m cleared or low vegetation area (<1 m) around the Cape Moreton toilet block. P9: Ranger Base at Ben-Ewa • A cleared area of 20 m is to be maintained around all buildings; • Gutters are to be maintained free of leaf litter; The remaining area, including the vegetation around the Ranger Base will be burnt or cleared as soon as fuel loads pose a fire hazard. The maximum period of no fire/clearing in the bushland area will be 5 years. The maximum period of no fire/clearing in the area directly around the Ranger Base will be 3 years. P10: Comboyuro Campground amenities and infrastructure No planned burns within the campground area. The campground will be maintained in a tidy manner. Any trees cut down for safety purposes will be

removed from the campground to minimise the risk of wildfire. The campground has almost no ground or shrub layer, and as such should not be at risk except in extreme wildfire conditions. P11: Ben-Ewa Campground amenities and infrastructure to the Ben- A protection zone will be maintained around the amenities blocks. This area Ewa Ranger Base including the communications tower will be kept as mown lawns.

P12: Ben-Ewa Communications Tower A cleared area of 5 m is to be maintained around the communications tower.

P13: Ben-Ewa Water Tanks A cleared area of 5 m is to be maintained around the water tanks on the hill to the south-east of the base.

P14: The Wrecks campground amenities and infrastructure No planned burns within the campground area. The campground will be maintained in a tidy manner. Any trees cut down for safety purposes will be

removed from the campground to minimise the risk of wildfire. The campground has almost no ground or shrub layer, and as such should not be at risk except in extreme wildfire conditions. The topography around the campground, with the steep dune behind, should minimise the risk of wildfire

entering the campground. P15: Eagers Creek campground amenities No planned burns within the campground area. The campground will be maintained in a tidy manner. Any trees cut down for safety purposes will be

removed from the campground to minimise the risk of wildfire. The mown area around infrastructure will be maintained. The campground is surrounded by vegetation with dense ground and shrub layers, however the risk from wildfire is minimal except when the winds are westerly. P16: Blue Lagoon hybrid toilet No planned burns. A cleared buffer zone of low vegetation for at least 5 m around the toilet will be maintained.

P17: Blue Lagoon amenities and infrastructure No planned burns. The area will be maintained in a tidy condition. Any trees cut down for safety purposes will be removed from the amenities area to

minimise risk of wildfire. The mown area around infrastructure will be maintained.

8.2.2 Wildfire Mitigation Zone This zone is used as a ‘buffer’ zone, however the conservation values of the zone are to be maintained. The minimum fire-free interval for any vegetation type identified on Moreton Island is 8 years. To protect infrastructure and assets, the maximum fire-free period is 5 years, therefore there are no areas where a mitigation zone would be appropriate on Moreton Island.

Table 5 Locations of Wildfire Mitigation Zones and associated management regimes. Numbers relate to the Zoning Map (Map 4). Location Management regime M1: Bulwer township The QPWS and Rural Fire Service will maintain a buffer area around the township. This area will be burnt or cleared when fuel loads pose a fire hazard. Maximum period of no fire/clearing of 2-5 years depending on fuel loads.

M2: Cowan Cowan township The QPWS and Rural Fire Service will maintain a buffer area around the township. This area will be burnt or cleared when fuel loads pose a fire hazard. Maximum period of no fire/clearing of 2-5 years depending on fuel loads. M3: Ben-Ewa Campground to Ranger Base No planned burns within the campground area. The campground will be maintained in a tidy manner. Any trees cut down for safety purposes will be removed from the campground to minimise the risk of wildfire. The campground has sparse ground and shrub layers, and as such should not be at risk except in extreme wildfire conditions. The area bounded by the beach from the Ranger Base to the camp ground and the outer boundaries of the campground will be maintained as a hazard reduction area. M4: Big Sandhills to Reeders Point A wildfire mitigation zone will be implemented from the northern end of the Big Sandhills to Reeders Point to protect the cultural heritage values of the mature Callitris columellaris.

8.2.3 Conservation Zone The majority of the protected area falls within the Conservation Zone. Table 7 provides a quick reference guide for fire management issues in the sub-zones of the Conservation Zone. These sub-zones consist of vegetation communities which have been grouped into their ‘fire associations’. This table brings together the fire management requirements of all natural and cultural resources described in previous sections and provides specific guidelines for burning. Significant fauna species and cultural resources likely to be affected by fire management in each vegetation community grouping are listed. Please refer to Table 1 for the vegetation communities within each sub-zone. Table 6 Quick reference guide for fire management requirements in the Conservation Zone. Numbers relate to the Zoning Map (Map 4). Vegetation community Significant species/cultural resources likely to be adversely Management regime and/or habitat affected by fire management C1 Foredunes and Foredunes and the edges of unstabilised dunes should not be Planned burns unstabilised communities subjected to prescribed burning due to the risk of subsequent There will be no planned burning in foredune erosion. communities. Many Aboriginal midden sites and World War II structures are Wildfire located on the eastern beach, and any removal of vegetation in these areas exposes these sites to erosion and potential vandalism. If a wildfire starts in or travels into these communities the QPWS will attempt to contain and extinguish the fire, provided the safety of staff and assets is assured and the extinguishment techniques do not cause further damage (ie. no heavy machinery will be used on foredunes). C2 Mangroves and saltmarsh Mangrove and saltmarsh areas should not be subjected to planned Planned burns burning as they are fire sensitive. The plants are killed by fire and There will be no planned burning in mangrove do not regenerate vegetatively or from a seed bank. or saltmarsh communities.

Wildfire If a wildfire starts in or travels into these communities QPWS will attempt to contain and extinguish the fire, provided the safety of staff and assets is assured and the extinguishment

Vegetation community Significant species/cultural resources likely to be adversely Management regime and/or habitat affected by fire management techniques do not cause further damage (ie. no heavy machinery will be used in mangroves). C3 Dry heath and shrublands Heath communities are especially significant in spring when the Planned burns flowers provide nectar and pollen. Where these communities are located in the Most heathland plants are dependent on fire for reproduction. The Conservation Zone, a program of planned major regeneration strategies include budding from epicormic burning will be implemented. The minimum fire shoots and lignotubers, flowering in response to fire, releasing seed free interval will be 8 years and a maximum of after fire, and triggering of seed germination in response to fire. 25 years. Planned burns will be conducted to create a mosaic effect to avoid homogenous Those species which are obligate seed regenerators ie. the parent burning of large patches. plant is killed by fire and the seeds are triggered to germinate by fire, require a fire free period of several years to allow the seedlings Planned burns should avoid burning large areas to reach maturity and produce another crop of seeds. For during the Spring flowering season (Sept-Oct) as heathlands, this average age is between 8 and 10 years (eg. this is when many fauna species are dependent Ricinocarpos pinifolius). on the heathland flowers for nectar and pollen. Some heathland species, particularly the graminoids and some Wildfire members of the family Fabaceae have short life-spans. They If a wildfire starts in or travels into these germinate and set seed soon after a fire, then remain in the seed communities within the fire-free interval of 8 bank until the next fire. The graminoids may only live for one to years, the QPWS will attempt to contain and three years, and some of the pea flowers live six to eight years. The extinguish the fire, provided the safety of staff seeds than remain in the seed bank, and if the area is not burnt for a and assets is assured and the extinguishment long time, the seeds may have deteriorated. techniques do not cause significant further damage to the ecosystem. C4 Wet heath and sedgelands Heath communities are especially significant in spring when the Planned burns flowers provide nectar and pollen. Where these communities are located in the Most heathland plants are dependent on fire for reproduction. The Conservation Zone, a program of planned major regeneration strategies include budding from epicormic burning will be implemented. The minimum fire shoots and lignotubers, flowering in response to fire, releasing seed free interval will be 8 years and a maximum of after fire, and triggering of seed germination in response to fire. 40 years. Planned burns will be conducted to create a mosaic effect to avoid homogenous

Vegetation community Significant species/cultural resources likely to be adversely Management regime and/or habitat affected by fire management Those species which are obligate seed regenerators ie. the parent burning of large patches. plant is killed by fire and the seeds are triggered to germinate by Planned burns should only be undertaken when fire, require a fire free period of several years to allow the seedlings swamps and wetlands have standing water in to reach maturity and produce another crop of seeds. For them to minimise the risk of damaging the peat heathlands, this average age is between 8 and 10 years (eg. soils and affecting aquatic fauna. Ricinocarpos pinifolius). Planned burns should avoid burning large areas Some heathland species, particularly the graminoids and some of heath & sedgelands during the Spring members of the family Fabaceae have short life-spans. They flowering season (Sept-Oct) as this is when germinate and set seed soon after a fire, then remain in the seed many fauna species are dependent on the bank until the next fire. The graminoids may only live for one to heathland flowers for nectar and pollen. three years, and some of the pea flowers live six to eight years. The seeds then remain in the seed bank, and if the area is not burnt for a long time, the seeds may have deteriorated. Wildfire Moreton Island supports several species of ‘acid’ frogs and fish If a wildfire starts in or travels into these species. The wallum froglet, Crinnia tinnula, appears to survive communities within the fire-free interval of 8 wildfires and populations seem to thrive in swamps which have years, the QPWS will attempt to contain and been recently subject to high intensity wildfires, as evidenced in extinguish the fire, provided the safety of staff January 2003 in the Bulwer Swamp after the wildfires in November and assets is assured and the extinguishment 2002. techniques do not cause significant further The effects of high intensity fires on other wetland species is damage to the ecosystem. unknown, but may be significant. Destruction of wetland vegetation will reduce cover in swamps and creeks which may increase predation on aquatic organisms with far-reaching effects on the aquatic food chain. For example, if large areas of vegetation are burnt, the invertebrate fauna is likely to be greatly reduced, particularly species such as mayflies, dragonflies and caddisflies which form the basis of the food chain in these waterways. In addition, fish species such as blue-eyes (Pseudomugil signifer) and Oxleyan pygmy perch (Nannoperca oxleyana) may be subject to increased predation by kingfishers and kookaburras as there are no

Vegetation community Significant species/cultural resources likely to be adversely Management regime and/or habitat affected by fire management areas in which to seek cover. C5 Mixed open forests and The eucalypt communities are utilised by the sugar and squirrel Planned burns woodlands gliders that require access to tree hollows, and nectar from flowers. Where these communities are located in the The eucalypt communities on Moreton Island have a predominantly Conservation Zone, a program of planned heathy understorey. To maintain this understorey, fire is required burning will be implemented. The minimum fire on a regular basis (between 12 and 20 years) to prevent the free interval will be 8 years and a maximum of community changing. In other areas, exclusion of fire from heath 25 years. Planned burns will be conducted to communities has led to significantly reduced diversity and create a mosaic effect to avoid homogenous dominance of fire sensitive species such as Allocasuarina. burning of large patches. Preliminary studies on Moreton Island indicate that the diversity and The south-western part of the island just north of abundance of ground-dwelling reptiles such as skinks and snakes The Sandhills will be burnt at the lower end of increases with time since fire, reaches a peak at about 12-15 years the recommended fire frequencies to protect the and then declines. This indicates that the optimal fire regime for mature Callitris columellaris community. these species is about 12-15 years. The same is true for Rattus Planned burning should be done to avoid The tunneyi, the only rodent found in these forests. Trench On the south-western end of the island, just north of The Big Wildfire Sandhills there is a eucalypt community with a high proportion of mature Callitris columellaris in the canopy. This species is If a wildfire starts in or travels into these significant to the traditional owners and will be managed to preserve communities within the fire-free interval of 8 the mature Callitris during planned burning operations. This will years, the QPWS will attempt to contain and mean that this section of the island will be burnt at the lower end of extinguish the fire, provided the safety of staff the recommended fire frequency for the community. and assets is assured and the extinguishment techniques do not cause significant further damage to the ecosystem. C6 Melaleuca swamps The Melaleuca quinquenervia swamp near Bulwer is a day-time Planned burns roost for flying foxes. This area should not be subjected to Where these communities are located in the prescribed burning. Conservation Zone, a program of planned There have been limited studies on Melaleuca quinquenervia, but burning will be implemented. The minimum fire there is some evidence that there is mass seeding after fire. free interval will be 6 years and a maximum of

Vegetation community Significant species/cultural resources likely to be adversely Management regime and/or habitat affected by fire management Seedlings and saplings may be killed by high intensity fire, 40 years. Planned burns will be conducted to therefore it is necessary to have a fire-free interval of sufficient time create a mosaic effect to avoid homogenous for the juveniles to reach a size and maturity at which they can burning of large patches. survive a fire, and have stored seed to release after the fire. Watson Wildfire (2001) has suggested a fire-free interval of a minimum of 15 years. If a wildfire starts in or travels into these communities within the fire-free interval of 6 years, the QPWS will attempt to contain and extinguish the fire, provided the safety of staff and assets is assured and the extinguishment techniques do not cause significant further damage to the ecosystem.

8.3. Rehabilitation Zone

There are no proposed rehabilitation zones for Moreton Island.

8.4. Reference Zone

There are no proposed Reference Zones on Moreton Island. Whilst there are photo-monitoring sites on Moreton Island, there are no areas proposed for research involving fire exclusion at this stage. Research into fire regimes and fire effects on flora and fauna in similar ecosystems is being undertaken on Fraser Island. If in the future, a research project is proposed for Moreton where a Reference Zone is required, it will be considered, however Reference Zones should be protected from wild fire events, and this may not be feasible given current resources on the island.

9. Fire research and monitoring

Following is a brief summary of fire research and monitoring programs on the protected area: Past: Photo monitoring sites were established on the island in 1994. Photos have been taken of these sites in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 1999. A summary of the visible changes was done in 2000. The initial survey of the sites in 1994 has limited information on the vegetation. Dr Steven Phillips of Griffith University conducted a limited survey of fauna abundance in relation to fire regimes in 2000. Current: Photo monitoring with no vegetation data collected. Future: Continue the photo monitoring with improved vegetation assessment at each site, and improved survey of fauna in relation to fire regimes.

A series of 12 fire monitoring sites were set up in 1994 (refer map *). Since then, they were photographed in 1995, 1998 and 1999. Very limited vegetation data was collected in 1994, and none since. Not all sites were photographed each year, and the location of sites 9 and 10 have been lost.

Summary of changes in current fire monitoring plots

Site 1: Claude’s Track, Tailor Bite

Vegetation at this site has changed significantly. In 1994/1995 it was dominated by Casuarina equisetifolia with very small Melaleuca quinquenervia saplings.

By 1998 the M. quinquenervia was co-dominant with the C. equisetifolia.

In 1999, M. quinquenervia was dominant, and the structure had changed from an open woodland to a more shrubby, more closed community with a greater FPC (Foliage Projective Cover).

This site is located on foredunes at the north-western end of the island. There is no intention for this area to be subjected to planned burns, however it may be burnt under certain wildfire conditions.

Site 2: East of Five Hills Lookout

This site has changed in structure and composition since it was first photographed in 1994 when it had recently been subject to a wildfire.

In 1994 the shrub layer was low and dominated by Banksia aemula. Other species included Strangea linearis (?), Caustis recurvata and Xanthorrhoea sp. The FPC of the canopy layer would have been approximately 50%.

By 1995 the shrub layer had become more diversified, with Acacia ulicifolia and Ricinocarpos pinifolius becoming evident.

In 1998 the shrub layer was higher and now dominated by difference species. From the photograph, it appears that the dominant shrubs were an Epacrid, and possibly a Dillwynia sp. The abundance of B. aemula remained the same, but they were now within the same layer as the shrubs, rather than forming a sparse canopy. The FPC of the canopy layer would now be greater than 90%.

Site 3: Pedestrian Access, Blue Lagoon

The structure and composition of this community appear to have changed little in the period between 1994 and 1999, however a site visit is required to collect detailed baseline information on the species in the plot.

Site 4: North Point Road Swamp

The structure and composition of this community appear to have changed little in the period between 1994 and 1999.

The 1995 photo shows abundant flowering of Epacris longifolia (?), a species which is not apparent in the 1994 or 1998 photos. There is no photo for 1999.

Site 5: Tangalooma Bypass Road

In 1994 this site was an open woodland. The canopy was dominated by Corymbia intermedia, with some Lophostemon confertus present. The shrub layer was sparse, and dominated by L. confertus saplings. The herb layer was dominated by Pteridium esculentum and Imperata cylindrica.

The site was much the same in 1995 and 1998.

By 1999 the L. confertus saplings were much taller and more dense. The understorey was much the same.

Site 6: Middle Road (East to West)

The structure and composition of this site has changed significantly since the original 1994 photo was taken. In 1994 the site was an open woodland with a canopy of Eucalyptus racemosa and Lophostemon confertus. The shrub layer was very sparse, mainly consisting of L. confertus.

In 1995 the shrub layer was dense (80% FPC), and dominated by species unidentifiable from the photo.

By 1998 the shrub layer was significantly taller to about 1·5 to 2 m, with a high diversity of species. In 1999 the shrub layer was even taller and more dense.

Site 7: Tangalooma Desert

This site is located on the edge of The Desert with the pole located in the middle of a small clump of Allocasuarina littoralis saplings.

The photos taken between 1994 and 1999 show the gradual establishment of sparse shrubs around the slow growing A. littoralis saplings. The vegetation in the background appears to have changed little.

Site 8: Cowan Bypass

This site has not changed greatly in structure or composition since 1994. The canopy is formed by sparse Corymbia gummifera. The shrub layer mainly consisted of Lophostemon confertus saplings.

The shrub and ground layers are merged, and are dominated by Gahnia sieberania, Pteridium esculentum and Acacia concurrens (?).

A detailed species list of this site is required.

Sites 9 and 10

There is no record of the location of these sites.

Site 11: Honeyeater Lake

The structure and composition of species at this site do not seem to have changed greatly, although the community is slightly taller in the 1998 photo (about 20 cm). It appears that the site had been recently burnt prior to the 1994 photo, but the plants were all full leaf.

Site 12: Cape Moreton

This site has changed greatly in structure and composition since 1994 when the area was subject to grazing by goats. The grass was short and dense, resembling a lawn, and there was large blowout areas.

The shrubs were all very stunted (less than 20 cm high) and consisted of Banksia oblongifolia, and one 1m tall Banksia aemula. The herb layer consisted of the vines Stephania japonica and Hibbertia scandens.

In 1998, most of the goats were removed, and the area began to regenerate. The grasses grew taller and some formed clumps. The shrub layer had grown to about 50 cm.

In 1999 the site was greatly changed, the shrubs being taller than the photographer and blocking out the view of most of the site. However, the dune blowout in the background remained unvegetated.

Site 13: Toulkerrie

This site was set up in 2000 as there were no monitoring sites on the southern end of the island.

Future Monitoring

The current monitoring of vegetation sites in relation to fire management have not covered several significant ecosystems on the island, and it is proposed that sites be established in:

• a Lophostemon confertus dominated community;

• a Melaleuca quinquenervia swamp; and

• the Bulwer swamp.

10. Fire Management Areas

It is not necessary to divide Moreton Island into Fire Management Areas.

11. Access track system

Tracks can provide efficient means of access for fire management. All constructed tracks, result in some negative environmental impacts. Permanently constructed tracks/control lines have the potential to cause soil-erosion and facilitate the establishment and spread of exotic plants. Temporary control lines, which are cleared when required (e.g. by slashing or hand-chipping) and allowed to revegetate when not in use, result in less environmental impact. As far as possible, permanent control lines should also serve other management purposes. All other control lines should be temporary. There are 8 main tracks on the island which are accessible by 4WD vehicle, and an additional two walking tracks which can be accessed by quad (four-wheel motorcycle). Most beaches are accessible at low tide, but the western beach south of Tangalooma, northern beach, and eastern beach south of Middle Road cannot be used at high tide. The two walking tracks, Telegraph Track and Rous Battery Track, are long and do not provide any refuge areas in the case of a wildfire. Therefore, these walking tracks will be closed to the public during periods of high fire danger to minimise the risk of people being trapped on these tracks during a fire. Current tracks include: 1. Harpers to Cape Moreton This track runs from the northern end of the eastern beach (Harpers), up onto Cape Moreton where it ends at a ‘T’ intersection with the Cape Moreton to North Point Track. It is accessible at most times, although there may be difficulty in accessing Harpers at the highest tides. 2. Cape Moreton to North Point This track has been hardened and is an all weather track leading from the lighthouse to the beach access at North Point. The track is accessible at most times, although there may be difficulty in accessing the northern beach at very high tides. 3. Bulwer to North Point The Bulwer to North Point track has been hardened with some road base or gravel, but is in a state of disrepair. The track is accessible at all times, but travelling is very slow due to the poor condition of the road. 4. Bulwer to Blue Lagoon The Bulwer - Blue Lagoon Road is accessible at all times, but has a section which is fairly steep and narrow, making passing difficult. The road is in poor condition, which adds significantly to travel times. 5. Middle Road Middle Road is the major access from west to east across the island. The road is a one-way system, and is maintained when possible (the road is sand and can only be worked on after rain when the sand is damp). Middle Road is accessible at all times, and is used as a major fire break, with the area between the two roads maintained as a protection zone. 6. Tangalooma Bypass The Tangalooma Bypass Track runs from Middle Road to the western beach around the back of the Resort It is accessible at all tides, however access down the western beach is possible only at low tide.

7. Mirapool Bypass The Mirapool by-pass track runs behind Mirapool Lagoon and provides good high tide access around Mirapool. Certain parts of the track may be difficult to access in very dry conditions due to deep soft sand. 8. Toulkerrie Track The Toulkerrie Track runs from the western beach south of The Sandhills to the Short Point to Kooringal Track. This is a good track, but only accessible from the northern part of the island at low tide. 9. Short Point to Kooringal Track This track runs from Mirapool/Short Point to Kooringal. Access along this track is slow due to the poor condition of the road. There is no access to this part of the island at high tide. Minor tracks on the island include: 1. Tailor Bite/Claude’s Track Tailor Bite/Claude’s Track runs from the Bulwer - Blue Lagoon Road to Tailor Bite. The road is in good condition and may be useful for access if there is a wild fire in the Bulwer Swamp. A small track also runs perpendicular to this track for a short distance to the east and west, behind the foredunes. Recording of these tracks using DGPS is a priority. 2. Cowan Bypass This track runs around the back of Cowan Cowan township as the beach in front of the township closed to all traffic. 3. Southern water point to eastern beach track This track runs from the water point on the south-western side of the island to the eastern beach. The track is very narrow and would only be used in emergencies. It is likely to be dangerous if used when there is a wildfire nearby as there is a risk of being trapped on the track.

4. Kooringal to Reeders This track runs from the southern end of Kooringal to Reeders Point and is mainly used for barge access. It may be useful if there is a wild fire on the south-western tip of the island. 5. Myriad of tracks behind the eastern beach dunes that provide access to camp sites There is extensive bush camping on the eastern beach from White Rock in the south to Spitfire Creek in the north. These camps are accessed by many small tracks, which could be used for fire management purposes if there is a wild fire in the foredunes. Tracks accessible by quad (four wheel motorbike): 1. Telegraph Track The Telegraph Track was used as a road during WWII, but has since been downgraded to a walking track. The steps and bollards which have been installed preclude use of 4WDs, however it is accessible by quad. The track was closed in November 2002 following damage to overhanging trees during a wildfire, and the track has not yet been opened to public access. 2. Rous Battery Track The Rous Battery Track was developed by the military during WWII, but has been allowed to regenerate and is now only used as a walking track. It is accessible by quad. If there is a planned

47 burn on the southern end of the island, it may be necessary to upgrade this track for vehicle access for the burn, and then close it off again after the burn. The track system is shown on Map 1.

11.1. New access tracks

No new public access tracks are proposed for Moreton Island at the present time, however it is recommended that at least 2 new ‘turnarounds’ are installed on Middle Road to facilitate access during emergency situations. The Goat Track that used to run from Harpers at the base of Cape Moreton to the back of the squatters area at North Point. In a wildfire this track could be used for back-burning operations. The QPWS will upgrade this track and install locked gates at either end. When the planned burn program includes burning of the southern half of the island, the Rous Battery Track may be upgraded for vehicular use for the burn, and then closed again.

11.2. Track closures

No existing tracks will be closed under this plan.

12. References

Ambrose G.J. (1982). An ecological and behavioural study of vertebrates using hollows in Eucalypt branches. PhD thesis, La Trobe University, Melbourne. Cited in Brigham R. M., Debus S. J. S. & Geiser F. (1998) Cavity selection for roosting, and roosting ecology of forest-dwelling Australian owlet-nightjars (Aegotheles cristatus). Australian Journal of Ecology. 23(5): 424-9. Barry, D.H. & Lear, R.J.C. (1976). The vertebrate fauna of Moreton Island. In: Heath, AA. and Partners Pty Ltd (1976). Moreton Island environmental impact study and strategic plan. Bureau of Meteorology Australia (…) Climatic averages. http://www.bom.gov.au/ Devine, P. (1984). Moreton Island Fire Management Plan. QNPWS internal document. Disney H.J. & Stokes A. (1976) Birds in pine and native forest. Emu. 76: 133-8. Durrington, L.R. (1977). Vegetation of Moreton Island. Technical Bulletin No 1, Botany Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Mackowski C.M. (1984) The ontogeny of hollows in blackbutt, Eucalyptus pilularis and its relevance to the management of forests for possums, gliders and timber. In Smith A. P. & Hume I. D. (eds.) Possums and gliders. Sydney: Surrey Beatty & Sons. pp517-25. Natural Resources and Environment (1999). Overall Fuel Hazard Guide. Fire Management Research Report No. 47. Centre for Forest Tree Technology, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria. Queensland Naturalist (1990). Moreton Island Edition. Vol. 30, Nos. 3-4. August 1990. Queensland Naturalist (1924). Moreton Island. Vol. IV, No 5, September 1924. Recher H.F (1986) So many kinds of animals: the study of communities. In Recher H.F., Lunney D. & Dunn I. (eds.) A natural legacy. Ecology in Australia. Sydney: Pergamon Press. pp.274-93. Rose R., Wiltshire G. & Lang S. (1999) The importance and application of spatial patterns in the management of fire regimes for the protection of life and property and the conservation of biodiversity. In Proceedings of the Australian Bushfire Conference – Bushfire ’99. Albury NSW 7-9 July 1999 pp.349-58. Shultz, M. and Gynther, I. (1992). Mammal species recorded from Moreton Island National Park 05/10/1992 to 12/10/1992. Watson, P. (2001). The role and use of fire for biodiversity conservation in Southeast Queensland: Fire management guidelines derived from ecological research. SEQ Fire and Biodiversity Consortium. Williams, J.B., Harden, G.J. and McDonald, W.J.F. (1984). Trees and Shrubs in Rainforest of New South Wales and Southern Queensland. Botany Department, University of New England.

Appendix 1. Meteorological data for Moreton Island (Bureau of Meteorology site no. 040043)

Climate averages for Station: 040043 CAPE MORETON LIGHTHOUSE Commenced: 1869; Last record: 2004; Latitude (deg S): -27.0314; Longitude (deg E): 153.4661; State: QLD

Element Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual # of years % complete

Mean daily max. temp. - deg C 26.8 26.7 25.9 24.1 21.7 19.5 18.8 19.6 21.3 22.9 24.6 26 23.2 90.3 99 Mean # of days where max. temp. >= 35.0 deg C 000000000000 0 46.899 Mean # of days where max. temp. >= 30.0 deg C 0.20.60.10000000.10.20.21.446.899 Highest daily max. temp. - deg C 31.9 33 31.7 29.6 26.7 25.7 24.1 24.6 30 31.5 33.4 35.4 35.4 47.3 100 Mean daily minimum temperature - deg C 21.9 21.9 21.1 19.1 16.4 14.1 13.2 13.8 15.8 17.8 19.4 21 17.9 89.9 98 Lowest daily Min Temp - deg C 15 14.9 11.1 12.7 7.8 7.4 6.7 7.2 6.1 9.4 7.2 7.7 6.1 47.1 98 Mean 9am air temp - deg C 24.7 24.7 23.9 21.9 19.1 16.5 15.6 16.5 18.7 20.7 22.4 23.8 20.7 91.1 100 Mean 9am wet bulb temp - deg C 22 22.1 21.3 19.3 16.6 14.2 13.1 13.7 15.8 17.8 19.6 21.1 18.1 88.6 98 Mean 9am dew point - deg C 20.3 20.6 19.6 17.4 14.8 11.9 10.2 10.7 12.9 15.4 17.4 19.3 15.9 46 97 Mean 9am relative humidity - % 77 80 78 77 77 75 73 70 72 74 76 77 75 63.8 98 Mean 9am wind speed - km/h 25.4 27 27.8 26.9 25.8 25.3 24 22.6 23.4 23.9 24.6 24.2 25.1 46.3 98 Mean 3pm air temp - deg C 25.4 25.3 24.6 22.8 20.5 18.4 17.9 18.5 20 21.5 23.1 24.5 21.9 91 100 Mean 3pm wet bulb temp - deg C 22.3 22.4 21.6 19.6 17.2 15.1 14.3 14.7 16.6 18.3 20 21.5 18.7 88.6 98 Mean 3pm dew point - deg C 20.3 20.5 19.6 17.1 14.6 11.8 10.3 10.8 13.1 15.4 17.6 19.4 15.9 46 97 Mean 3pm relative humidity - % 7577767371686664687275757263.8 98 Mean 3pm wind speed - km/h 28.4 29.4 29.1 27.1 25.3 24.4 23.2 22.5 25.4 27 28.1 28.2 26.5 46.3 97 Mean monthly rainfall - mm 158.4 165.8 191.5 152.8 178.4 140.5 119.5 80.7 69.8 83.1 95.9 130.7 1567.1 127 100 Mean no. of raindays 12.8 14.2 16.3 14.7 14.3 11.6 10.3 9.5 8.9 9.8 10.2 11.1 143.8 109.2 100 Highest monthly rainfall - mm 719.4 590.3 700.3 480.3 706.4 586.2 569.3 299.2 218.9 385.1 343.5 372.5 127 100 Lowest monthly rainfall - mm 15.213.311.97.715.25.32.80005.65.1 127100 Highest recorded daily rainfall - mm 339.9 215.4 228.6 162.6 174 136.4 186.9 127 94.5 105.9 167.2 164.3 339.9 109.1 100 Mean no. of clear days 5.7 4.1 5.9 7.1 8.2 10.7 13.6 15 14.9 11.5 8.8 8.3 113.7 39.1 100 Mean no. of cloudy days 10.2 11 10.9 9.1 11.6 9.1 7.7 6.3 5.1 7.4 8.6 9.6 106.6 39.1 100 Highest recorded wind gust - km/h 101.9 122.4 124.2 94.3 107.3 88.9 96.1 77.8 90.7 90.7 83.5 101.9 124.2 3.4 24

Appendix 2. Flora species recorded from Moreton Island

Common name Status Endemicity

Kingdom: Plants

Class: Conifers Araucariaceae Araucaria cunninghamii hoop pine U

Class: Cycads Zamiaceae Macrozamia mountperriensis C U

Class: Ferns Adiantaceae Adiantum hispidulum rough maidenhair-fern U Cheilanthes sieberi mulga fern U

Class: Higher Dicots Anacardiaceae Euroschinus falcata pink poplar U Euroschinus falcata var. falcata pink poplar U Apocynaceae Alstonia constricta bitterbark U Alyxia ruscifolia U

Class: Lower Dicots Annonaceae Melodorum leichhardtii zig-zag vine U Lauraceae Cassytha pubescens downy devil's twine U Cryptocarya triplinervis three-veined laurel U Menispermaceae Pleogyne australis wiry grape U

Class: Monocots Amaryllidaceae Proiphys cunninghamii Moreton Bay lily U Araceae Gymnostachys anceps settler's flax U Cyperaceae Cyperus gracilis U Gahnia aspera cut sedge U Status: Presumed Extinct (PE), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Rare (R), Common (C), Not Protected (). Endemicity: Queensland Endemic (Q), Intranational (QA), Regional Endemic (QI), Not Endemic to Australia (QAI), Vagrant (International) (VI), Vagrant (Intranational) (VA), Vagrant (Unknown) (VU), Introduced (International) (II), Introduced (Intranational) (IA), Introduced (Unknown) (IU), Exotic (International) (XI), Exotic (Intranational) (XA), Exotic (Unknown) (XU) or Unknown (U).

Appendix 3. Fauna species recorded from Moreton Island

Common name Status Endemicity

Kingdom: Animals

Class: Amphibians Hylidae Litoria brevipalmata green-thighed frog R QA Litoria fallax eastern sedgefrog C QA Bufonidae Bufo marinus cane toad IU

Class: Birds Columbidae Chalcophaps indica emerald dove C QA Geopelia humeralis bar-shouldered dove C QAI Macropygia amboinensis brown cuckoo-dove C QAI Psittacidae Alisterus scapularis Australian king-parrot C QA Platycercus adscitus pale-headed rosella C QA Trichoglossus haematodus rainbow lorikeet C QAI

Class: Mammals Peramelidae Isoodon macrourus northern brown bandicoot C QAI Petauridae Petaurus breviceps sugar glider C QAI Petaurus norfolcensis squirrel glider C QA Pseudocheiridae Petauroides volans greater glider C QA

Class: Reptiles Gekkonidae Nephrurus milii C QA Agamidae Pogona barbata bearded dragon C QA Scincidae Carlia pectoralis C Q Carlia schmeltzii C QA Cryptoblepharus virgatus C QA Lampropholis adonis C Q Lygisaurus foliorum C QA

Status: Presumed Extinct (PE), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Rare (R), Common (C), Not Protected (). Endemicity: Queensland Endemic (Q), Intranational (QA), Regional Endemic (QI), Not Endemic to Australia (QAI), Vagrant (International) (VI), Vagrant (Intranational) (VA), Vagrant (Unknown) (VU), Introduced (International) (II), Introduced (Intranational) (IA), Introduced (Unknown) (IU), Exotic (International) (XI), Exotic (Intranational) (XA), Exotic (Unknown) (XU) or Unknown (U).

Appendix 4. Fire Management Zones and Fire Management Areas

Vegetation communities and fauna habitats in Australia, and/or their distribution, have been shaped by fire. Natural areas can be managed to maintain the role of fire as an ecological process in these communities/habitats and to thereby restore or maintain their biological diversity. Reasons for actively managing a natural area with fire include: 1. Protection of life, property and infrastructure. 2. Restoration, regeneration or maintenance of plant communities and fauna habitats. 3. Enhancement and/or maintenance of conditions suitable for particular flora/fauna species (e.g. rare and threatened species). 4. Maintenance or maximisation of diversity by maintaining a range of ages since fire for each vegetation type, including recently burnt areas, long unburnt areas and various ages in between. 5. Protection of cultural assets and natural assets other than those mentioned above. 6. Weed management including reducing the risk of invasion. 7. Minimisation of floristic changes in the ground stratum due to grazing by domestic or feral stock. To achieve the aforementioned aims requires the development of an appropriate spatial and temporal mosaic across the protected area. This will not be achieved without considerable strategic planning and ongoing implementation of the plan/s. Whilst spatial mosaics can begin to be created reasonably quickly, the development of temporal mosaics requires a long-term strategy and commitment. The two main levels or units of planning which will be used to facilitate the development of spatial and temporal mosaics and to manage fire in general are Fire Management Zones and Fire Management Areas. These are described below.

Fire Management Zones The information presented here (unless otherwise referenced) draws on the work of Wouters 1996, Twyford 1995, Rose et al. 1999 and Clarke 1999. Rose et al. (1999) provide a valuable discussion of the importance and application of spatial patterns in the management of fire regimes for the protection of life and property, and the conservation of biodiversity. ‘Effective fire management requires an appropriate spatial and temporal application of fire regimes, and Fire Management Zones offer a pragmatic way of identifying, planning and managing these patterns’ (Rose et al. 1999). Zones show at a glance the principal purpose/s (in terms of fire management) for any given part of a protected area and therefore the way in which the area will generally be managed for fire. Within any one zone there may be one to many vegetation communities/habitats and a range of appropriate fire regimes depending on the communities/habitats and purpose/s of the zone. Below is an outline of the principal purpose/s of each zone, guidelines for managing the zone and fire regimes which are appropriate within it. The following statement from Rose et al. (1999) should be heeded: ‘It is desirable that most fire management zones contribute in some way to both mitigation of unplanned fire and biodiversity conservation, even though this often involves more complex planning than the simpler approach of zones with (primarily) a single purpose. When all zones are considered complementary, greater recognition is given to the cumulative benefits of management of each zone (across a landscape) with less reliance on the traditional ‘sacrificial areas’ to mitigate fire effects on assets.’ Note: Not all zones will be necessary in all protected areas. Protection Zone

Purpose To create an area of reduced fuel to provide a high level of protection to life, property and infrastructure. The zone therefore typically abuts or surrounds property and key infrastructure and in some cases the whole of an area may be designated as a Protection Zone (e.g. the whole ‘yard’ area of the protected area headquarters rather than just a ‘strip’ around it). It may also be used along sections of a boundary where fires are known to regularly enter or leave the protected area. In most cases it will not be possible, necessary or desirable to maintain a Protection Zone around the entire boundary of a protected area. It may sometimes be necessary to create an area of reduced fuel around sensitive natural and cultural resources for which fire exclusion is critical. For example, a fire-sensitive community would be placed in an Exclusion Zone but to achieve this it may be appropriate to surround it and a buffer area with a Protection Zone. Fuel can be reduced by burning or other means e.g. mowing. Guidelines

• Fuel loads will be managed to enable wildfires to be contained under fire weather conditions which are typical for a particular area and season. • Tracks which allow ready access to fire fighting vehicles may be maintained in this zone but the use of other features, such as fuel and vegetation moisture gradients, to contain fire is encouraged. • All hazardous fuels which are likely to jeopardise wildfire suppression, in particular back-burning operations, must be removed from the area or if they are an essential part of the work environment they must be maintained according to work place health and safety standards (e.g. fuel-free zone around flammable chemicals). Fire regimes Intensity: low Season: cooler months or any conditions which will ensure a low intensity burn Frequency: as often as there is sufficient fuel to carry a fire Wildfire Mitigation Zone Purpose The location and management of these zones is aimed at increasing the likelihood of controlling a wildfire in strategically important areas within the protected area. The zone will often be located adjacent to a Protection Zone to provide maximum protection to life and property. The zone may also be used to reduce the potential for extensive areas to be burned in a wildfire and the likelihood of fires escaping from the protected area. They should, therefore act to slow the spread of wildfire and thereby facilitate the implementation of wildfire suppression operations. They may be established along the boundary, particularly where the level of risk is too low to warrant a Protection Zone. Where consistent with the primary objectives of a Wildfire Mitigation Zone, it should be managed to conserve biodiversity. Wildfire Mitigation Zones will be most effective when the surrounding fire- prone vegetation has been burned in a mosaic pattern (refer to Conservation Zone). Guidelines

• Fuel loads are to be maintained in a mosaic pattern ranging from low to moderate. • As far as possible the zone should be wider than the average spotting-distance to be expected in a ‘normal’ fire season. Desirable width will vary from one location to another but may need to be up to 1 or 2 km, in some sensitive high risk areas.

• Wherever practicable/acceptable this zone will be located to take advantage of natural fire control lines. • The zone should be burned in sections to generate a mosaic burn pattern such that the vegetation is not simplified to a single age class but maintains the ecological values of a range of age classes (within the constraints of the primary purpose of the corridor). • It is preferable for this zone to be bordered by well defined and accessible vehicle tracks on all sides, but in particular the edge along which most wildfire suppression activities are likely to be required. Fire regime Intensity: consistent with the ecological requirements of the vegetation communities Season: consistent with the ecological requirements of the vegetation communities Frequency: within the range acceptable for the ecological requirements of the vegetation communities but generally towards the shorter end of that range. Conservation Zone Purpose The purpose of fire management in this zone is to maintain the natural role of fire as an ecological process in vegetation communities and fauna habitats. Habitat diversity is critical to the maintenance of fauna diversity (Recher 1986). In fire-tolerant communities the most widely accepted means of achieving this is to burn in a highly variable mosaic (or patchwork) pattern. Each community needs to be ‘broken up’ into a complex system of interlocking patches, each with a different fire history. These patches must provide a high degree of variation in fire-interval within each vegetation community (consistent with its ecological limits). Some of each community should be left for the maximum fire free interval (consistent with its ecological limits) to facilitate formation of tree hollows, accumulation of litter and logs and to enhance soil formation and stability. How much should be left will depend on the regional context (e.g. the protected area may be surrounded by lands burned at short intervals), extent of the community and the requirements of the flora and fauna comprising the community. To establish such a mosaic requires use of natural as well as artificial fire control lines, taking advantage of suitable weather conditions (such as high soil moisture and dew), as well as considerable time and effort. Once established however, a mosaic is easier to manage because previously burnt patches act as barriers to assist with containment of each patch burn (Stanton 1993). Burning in this way also allows strategic selection of areas that can remain long unburnt without increasing the fire-risk to life and property. Management of this zone indirectly supplements the objectives of the other zones including the Protection Zone and the Wildfire Mitigation Zone. Events/practices which are likely to promote weed invasion (e.g. lighting off road edges) should be avoided. Guidelines

• This zone is usually located in areas remote from assets and property. • The purpose of planned burns is to produce and/or maintain a mosaic pattern of vegetation with areas of varying age since fire. Ideally, areas of the same or similar age will be linked across the landscape to allow movement of fauna which may be dependent upon the particular habitat type created by a vegetation type of that age class. • Strategically located tracks, natural fire control lines and previously burnt vegetation will be used to contain planned burns in this zone. • As mosaic burning practices become well developed the reliance on tracks and other constructed control lines should diminish because fires (planned burns or wildfires) can be allowed to burn

until they reach areas where the fuel has previously been reduced and the fire can be more easily controlled (Stanton 1993). Fire regimes The fire regimes applied in this zone will vary according to the ecological requirements of the flora and fauna communities present in the zone and take into account the requirements of cultural resources. Rehabilitation zone Purpose This zone should encompass areas which are intended to be included in a Conservation Zone in the future but whose current management is aimed at combating a threatening process which can not be addressed by the ‘usual’ fire management practices used in a Conservation Zone to promote and maintain biodiversity. The following hypothetical scenario illustrates the use of a Rehabilitation Zone compared to a Conservation Zone. Example only There are two Eucalyptus tereticornis (blue gum) woodland communities on creek banks/flats in Park X. The first has a scattered infestation of rubbervine with few of the vines reaching the canopy. The infestation can be managed by an ongoing programme of spraying. The second is heavily infested with rubbervine to the point where the canopies are being smothered. The infestation is so severe that spraying, on its own, is not a viable option. In general, the aim of fire management in these communities in Park X is to enhance fauna habitat by protecting habitat trees and the complex ground stratum. Therefore fire is either excluded from sites or patchy, infrequent, low intensity burns are used. This fire management is appropriate and achievable in the first blue gum community and is combined with an annual weed programme to control the scattered rubbervine. The community is therefore placed in the Conservation Zone. The biodiversity values of the second community are however, severely compromised by the rubbervine and will only get worse if something is not done soon. An intense fire or series of fires will ‘set back’ the rubbervine to a point that will enable some hope of control through ongoing follow up with a spray programme. While intense fire will also impact severely on the already weakened trees this is considered the better of ‘two evils’ since it provides some hope for the community to recover over time. The community is therefore placed in a Rehabilitation Zone. Guidelines • The zone will only encompass areas where disturbance has resulted in a highly modified environment which is to be rehabilitated to its original state (or some other more natural state) and where fire exclusion or manipulation is required to achieve this aim. • The zone should be bounded by fire control lines (preferably temporary if not natural) or a surrounding buffer should be burnt in such a way so as to minimise the risk of the Rehabilitation Zone being burned in an inappropriate way. Fire regime The fire regime will be determined by the particular needs of the community or communities within the zone.

Reference zone

Purpose This zone is established to allow monitoring of the long-term effects of fire regimes, wildfires or fire exclusion on nature conservation values. Any Reference Zone established on a protected area should also have a documented and approved research and/or monitoring project/s. Not all protected areas will require a Reference Zone/s. Guidelines

• Representative areas of vegetation communities/habitats, of adequate size (the size required will depend on the research/monitoring programme to be undertaken), should be included in this zone. • The zone, or buffer around the zone, must be bordered by existing roads, tracks or natural control lines to facilitate the exclusion of unplanned fires from the area. • Wherever practicable/appropriate, the zone will be located in close proximity to Protection and/or Wildfire Mitigation Zones because the planned burning of these areas will maximise the protection of the Reference Zone. • It is advisable to distribute the Reference Zones widely across a protected area to minimise the potential for all the areas to be burnt in a wildfire. • Every reasonable precaution should be taken to ensure that Reference Zones can be adequately protected from unplanned fires. • Active wildfire suppression will be carried out when Reference Zones are threatened unless a wildfire will achieve the purpose of the research/monitoring programme being undertaken in the Zone. • Ideally the fire history of each Reference Zone should be accurately known. • A thorough (preferably quantitative) vegetation (and in some cases fauna and other biota) assessment should be undertaken when the Reference Zone is first established. Monitoring should thereafter be undertaken on a regular basis. Results from the monitoring programme must feed back into the Fire Strategy and Planned Burn Programme. • Monitoring environmental conditions, including weather, is a critical aspect of Reference Zone management. Exclusion Zone Purpose The objective for Exclusion Zones is the total exclusion of fire. To the greatest possible extent wildfires threatening this zone will be actively suppressed (protection of life will always be regarded as a higher priority). Guidelines

• The following community types will generally be included in this zone: − all rainforest types including coastal, carrol, bottletree and ooline scrubs − mangroves, salt marshes, salt flats − coastal foredune communities − brigalow, rosewood, lancewood, bendee and some other similar Acacia dominated communities • The following community types may be included in this zone (alternatively they may be included in a Conservation Zone) at least for the ‘life’ of the Fire Strategy:

− cypress forest (in certain areas) − riparian communities including those along dry creeklines − wet sclerophyll forests − belah communities • Communities should not be included in this zone if, although not planned to be burned, no attempt will be made to prevent wildfires entering them. • A buffer zone on both sides of the main bed of creeks/rivers, should be protected from fire to promote the recovery/development of riparian systems - these being critical fauna habitat. This may be difficult/impossible to achieve in the short term and it may therefore be more appropriate to leave such areas within a Conservation Zone. Steps should be taken, where possible, to reduce the risk of these communities being damaged in a planned burn (e.g. light the fire away from the buffer; burn when soil moisture content is high). • It may be necessary, in order to simplify the management zoning scheme, to exclude the aforementioned communities from the Exclusion Zone where they occur as small stands surrounded by vegetation communities requiring active management with planned burning. In these situations, the closed/wet communities are likely to remain largely unburnt during planned burning operations because of their micro-climate (e.g. more moist, cooler). Steps should be taken, where possible, to reduce the risk of these communities being damaged in a planned burn (e.g. light the fire away from the sensitive community). • Assets, other than vegetation communities/habitats may be included in an Exclusion Zone. e.g. cultural sites for which fire exclusion is critical. Fire regime Exclusion of all fire from the zone. Active suppression of wildfires threatening the zone. Fire Management Areas In some protected areas, or parts thereof, the use of Fire Management Areas facilitates the implementation of the objectives of the Zones. Fire Management Areas (sometimes previously known as ‘blocks’) are typically portions of a protected area which have logical natural, or other, boundaries such that it is helpful to manage that portion as a unit. For example, a catchment may be a useful management unit to designate as a Fire Management Area. Similarly, a portion of a protected area which lies between two permanent access tracks or between an escarpment and a property boundary, may be sensibly managed as a Fire Management Area. It is critical that Fire Management Areas are NOT managed in the traditional sense of ‘blocks’ - that is they should not be burned in their entirety, or on a rotational basis and the reliance on access tracks to contain fire should be avoided. Using access tracks, rather than features such as fuel or moisture gradients, to contain fires is a very real temptation but such practices may result in undesirable spatial patterns which lack variability (Rose et al. 1999). A Fire Management Area may include more than one Fire Management Zone. Fire Management Areas are tools to facilitate the implementation of the objectives of the Zones - they do not have their own set of objectives or fire regimes.

References Clarke J. (1999) Central Coast Region Fire Planning & Reporting System version 1.2. Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service, Rockhampton. Recher H.F. (1986) So many kinds of animals: the study of communities. In: A Natural Legacy (2nd ed) (eds H.F. Recher, D. Lunney & I. Dunn). Pergamon Press. pp. 274-293. Rose R., Wiltshire G. & Lang S. (1999) The importance and application of spatial patterns in the management of fire regimes for the protection of life and property and the conservation of biodiversity. In: Proceedings of the Australian Bushfire Conference – Bushfire ’99. Albury NSW 7-9 July 1999. pp.349-58. Stanton J.P. (1993) Common perceptions and misconceptions of QDEH fire management programs. In: Proceedings of a workshop on fire management on conservation reserves in tropical Australia. (eds E.R. McDonald and D. Batt). Malanda, Qld 26-30 July 1993. pp. 4-8. Twyford K.L. (1995) Development of a fire management strategy for Fraser Island World Heritage Area. In: Working papers from the Sixth Queensland Fire Research Workshop. 8-10 March 1995, Bargara, Qld. pp. 22-36. Wouters M. (1994) Developing fire management planning and monitoring. In: Fire and biodiversity - the effects and effectiveness of fire management. Proceedings of the conference held 8-9 October 1994, Footscray, Melbourne. Biodiversity Series, Paper No. 8, Biodiversity Unit, Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories. pp. 235-239

Map 1. Map of Moreton Island showing tracks.

Cape Rd Pt orth Moreton r-N lwe Bu

Comboyuro Point

Bu lw e r-B lu e L ag oo n Rd

Cowan By-pass g

Cowan M t T Point e m p e s t T r a c k < Tangalooma By-pass Tangalooma

< Middle Rd

Tangalooma

Point R

t t e

r y

r a

Wate rpoint Track

Mirapool By-pass Roads and Tracks N 4WD road # Mirapool Walking track Closed road Lakes The Desert & The Sandhills Coastline Kooringal 1012km

Map 2. Vegetation of Moreton Island

Roads and Tracks 4WD road Walking track Closed road Coastline Fire Associations Fire exclusion No planned burns Wet heath/sedgelands (8-40 years) Dry heath (8 - 25 years) Open forests and woodlands (8-25 years) Melaleuca communities (6-40 years) 2024km

Map 3. Known Fire History

Wildfire History 1974-2005 N 1974 1980 1981 1986 1994 2002 2005

La ke s Roads and Tracks 4WD road Walking track Closed road Coastline Moreton Island Mirapool

303Kilometres

Map 4. Fire Management Zones

North 1 Point 6 1

Co mb oy uro Point

Nort h P t tr Cap e a ck Mor eton Comboyuro Campground

6 Harpers Bu lwer 0.6 0 0.6 1.2 km

2 0.7 0 0.7 1.4 km

Blue 5 Lagoon

Blue Lag oon amenities pr ot ec tio n z on e Æü %U Oc e an Beach Æü

Blue La goon hy brid toi let p rot ectio n zon e 5 3

0. 3 0 0. 3 0.6 km

Cowan Cowan

3 Ben-Ewa

0.6 0 0.6 1.2 km

The Wr ec ks M iddle Road

Tangalooma

2024 km

Fire Management Zones November 2004 Lakes Roads and Tracks 4 4WD road Walking track Mira po ol Closed road Fire Management Zones Protection Zone N Mitigation Zone Kooringal Conservation Zone 4 Coastline

1:100 000 20246 km

1012 km