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Eastern blue groper Achoerodus viridis Dr chosen having urchin lunch

© John Turnbull www.marineexplorer.org in top 100 influencers Australian Museum Sydney Dr David Fleay, one of Wildlife ’s founders, has been honoured and recognised in the Australian Museum’s permanent display of What's inside the lives and achievements of the 100 people Dr David Fleay...... 1 who have most shaped Australia. International Year of the Reef...... 1 David was a scientist, zoologist, author, Taunton, Mazeppa & Nairana NP.....2 photographer and educator. He was chosen President’s Report...... 3 for his dedication to studying, protecting and educating people about Australian wildlife. Projects Report...... 4 Wildlife crossings...... 6 His work with our native wildlife in such places as the Zoological Gardens World Wetlands Day...... 7 and has greatly influenced Around the Tracks...... 8 the way in which our unique animals are kept Wildlife Land Fund news...... 10 in captivity. He undertook and published the WPSQ in action...... 11 results of his scientific research and captive breeding programs. He also did vital work in the development of snakebite anti-venoms. In the 1950s he set up David Fleay Wildlife Park at Burleigh to continue his work and to again make the public aware of the nature of Australian wildlife. The park became a major tourist attraction. Photo © David Fleay Natural History Collection Over the years David was very keen to educate people about wildlife and did so in a variety of ways including night tours at zoos, radio broadcasts, and regular newspaper articles and through his many books and articles. He was a regular contributor to Wildlife Queensland’s own publication Wildlife Australia Magazine. Numerous awards and distinctions were bestowed on David by organisations around the world.

International Year of the Reef The Eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) was chosen for this edition as it is a resident of the Great Suite 1, Level 1, 30 Gladstone Road, Barrier Reef and 2018 has been declared the International Year of the Reef. Highgate Hill QLD 4101 Australia Phone +61 7 3844 0129 Aims of the year include strengthening awareness globally about the value of, and threats to, coral Email [email protected] reefs and associated ; promoting partnerships on the management of coral reefs; identifying www.wildlife.org.au and implement effective management strategies for conservation, increased resiliency and sustainable use of these ecosystems, promoting best practices; and sharing information in relation to sustainable ISSN 1835-7019 (print) ISSN 1835-7105 (digital) coral reef management. Taunton, Mazeppa and Nairana National Parks

Over three days in late 2017, Adam Clark inspected the grazing would ever be saved, it was felt that all concerned with responsible regime introduced to control buffel grass in three national parks: management should be congratulated. The long journey of recovery Taunton, Mazeppa and Nairana. Controlling and reducing the build- has at last begun. up of fuel load in these parks is essential in order to save the natural Nairana NP was enjoying a good season and controlled cattle environment from destruction by wildfires. grazing had not been running as long as the other parks. Due to Taunton NP was enjoying an excellent start to the summer with the large area to be managed, coupled with the diversity of the pastures growing strongly. The park has used controlled cattle soil types and different ecosystems, this park will probably be the grazing for a couple of years and pasture management objectives hardest to achieve comfortable and expected outcomes. However, are being achieved. It usually takes at least three years of careful the present stock owner, in conjunction with the National Parks management to bring a pasture that has been ungrazed for years management, is doing an excellent job in coming to grips with back to the condition where all the stalky grass is ether consumed the complexity of the area. This is no mean feat! The lessees are or trampled down. This has been achieved over the main area certainly showing their intentions to maintain and improve the populated by nailtail and they are thriving. The two fencing, yards, water points and roads. objectives of using controlled cattle grazing have so far been Extract from a report by Adam C. Clark, Project Officer of the successful: (a) controlling the introduced buffel grass to eliminate Upper Dawson branch of Wildlife Queensland the risk of wild fires and (b) a return to its original of the endangered to help build up population numbers naturally. Bridled nailtail wallaby © Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service The condition of the water improvement is top quality and the fencing kept in good shape. Mazeppa NP demonstrates the practical outcomes that have been achieved since the introduction of controlled cattle grazing. The park was fairly dry and all the buffel grass grazed down to the planned length. Importantly, all the regrowth that was present in the thick buffel has now been preserved and should not be killed by a wildfire. If we are to return the burnt-out areas to somewhere near their original condition, then all regrowth must be preserved and encouraged to increase. Water distribution needs to be considered now that large numbers of cattle are present. After inspecting this park over the last 14 years and despairing that it

Wildlife Queensland’s Upper Dawson branch worked cooperatively with the Queensland government to establish the first Friends of Park partnership in Queensland on Taunton National Park (Scientific). Taunton, 150 km west of , is the home of the endangered bridled nailtail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata). Key wallaby facts supplied by Peter Moore, Principal Ranger, • In 1973, BNTs were rediscovered by a rural worker on Taunton, then Capricornia. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service: a grazing property. This was the first confirmed sighting since 1937 • The bridled nailtail wallaby (BNT) (Onychogalea fraenata) is listed as and the species had been thought to be extinct. endangered both nationally under the Environment Protection and • The BNT population is threatened by predation, weeds impacting on Conservation Act 1999 and in Queensland under the their habitat and droughts. Nature Conservation Act 1992. • Surveys of the BNT population recommenced at Taunton in 2007. • Male BNTs weigh up to 8kg and females up to 6kg. BNTs are grey • Taunton National Park (Scientific) supports the only remaining wild to light tan in colour with distinct white lines forming a ‘bridle’ from population of the species. There are two other populations derived the back of the neck to behind the forelimbs. They also have white from the original Taunton population – at Avocet Nature Refuge stripes along the sides of the face, and a black stripe down the near Emerald and Scotia, a large fenced area managed by Australian length of the back. The 'nail-tail' is a small nail-like spur about 3-6 Wildlife Conservancy in New South Wales. mm long at the tip of the tail. Its function is unknown. • A captive population of the species is managed near Mount Larcom • The BNT differs from the more common black-striped wallaby by dedicated volunteers from the not-for-profit organisation, (Macropus dorsalis), which can occur in large numbers, in preferring Australian Animals Care and Education Inc. to eat succulent plants rather than grass. More information: • BNTs require timbered areas for shelter and protection and have http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/threatened-species/ small home ranges compared to larger macropods. endangered/endangered-animals/bridled_nailtail_wallaby.html

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President’s Report Greetings and welcome to a new year important step, and one that Wildlife Queensland has advocated in the past that is disappearing, for me at least, and strongly supports. at an alarming rate. I can live with the Another piece of legislation we are eagerly awaiting involves rapid passing of time, but not with amendments to the Vegetation Management Act to reinstate the clauses the decline and disappearance of our that previously existed prior to the Newman government effectively wildlife at a similarly alarming rate. removing the safeguards the legislation contained in relation to broad-scale clearing of native vegetation. It is prudent to remember that it is not only To make matters worse, there is an the trees that are removed in such exercises, but also a wide range of native alarming trend for many people to view those pieces of land set aside to animals that rely on that vegetation. We are not saying that all clearing protect our wildlife and landscapes — national parks and other protected should cease, but rather that a proper assessment of the status of the plants areas — not as areas for that primary purpose, but as land that should be (and the animals) selected for clearing should be undertaken before any thrown open for tourist development. In Queensland there have been well informed decision can be made. publicised statements by politicians and other public and industry officials And finally, another good news story that has direct relevance to Wildlife to that effect. You will recall that the Newman government amended the Queensland. The Australian Museum, in celebrating its 190th year, has legislation governing national parks (the Nature Conservation Act 1992) to identified 100 men and women who have influenced and helped shape the override the primary protective management principle that had stood since values and spirit of what it means to be Australian. They are listed under six 1992 in that legislation and was present in earlier national park legislation headings: the spirited, the innovators, the revolutionaries, the resilient, the since 1959. The present government has not rectified that amendment, curious, and the underdogs. Among the curious is our co-founder, Dr David neither has it shown any inclination to do so. Fleay AM MBE. He shares a place in this category with James Cook, Frank I have discussed this matter in other articles. Suffice it to say, tourism is Hurley, Jorn Utzon, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, Woollarawarre Bennelong, a legitimate use of national parks, and our parks do contribute a substantial and others. amount to the Queensland economy. However, that tourism should not I have been in correspondence with David’s (and Sigrid’s) proud impact on the protection of plants and animals as this is the primary daughter, Rosemary, who alerted us to this justified honour. In her letter purpose for setting these areas aside. Tourist resorts should not be allowed to me she states that “…. this wonderful acknowledgement that David to establish inside parks, but should find their own land contiguous with, Fleay is now truly recognised as the ‘Father of Australian Conservation and or adjacent to, such parks, and the parks can then be managed to cater for Natural History’ by his peers makes me very proud”. We have attempted that. This has been the prevailing approach to national park management to broadcast this honour bestowed on one of our founders as widely as on mainland Queensland since the 1930s when a cohesive approach to possible to our membership and our readership. It has already been referred national park management across the state was first established by the to in a recent eBulletin and is the subject of an article in this Newsletter, as administering agency. well as being publicised in the forthcoming issue of Wildlife Australia. I have discussed this issue in previous newsletters, but the matter will Best wishes, not lie down and a trend to downgrade many of our national parks is gathering pace. Unfortunately it is a global trend and there is a website (PADDDtracker) devoted to tracking Protected Area Downgrading, Downsizing and Degazettment. On a more pleasant note, legislation to establish a new class of protected area on private land to be known as Special Wildlife Reserves has been reintroduced and now has a good chance of being passed. This reserve Peter Ogilvie type is designed for private land, leasehold or freehold, which has such high President conservation value that it should have the same protection from mining and forestry that is afforded to national parks and conservation parks. It is an Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland

Your Voice for Your Wildlife Awards Date Claim Each year Wildlife Queensland recognises the achievements and efforts of our members through a special award presented in September. WPSQ AGM and Southern Branches The categories for the awards are based on the period July 2017 to June 2018. Categories are: Get-Together A new and successful Wildlife Qld campaign in your region A new or ongoing Wildlife Qld project involving the community Hosted by Scenic Rim branch, this The Margaret Thorsborne Award for an outstanding contribution by a financial member year’s event will be held on Please consider submitting a nomination for this year’s awards. After reading the criteria carefully, Saturday 8 September 2018. tell us in approximately 350 words how you think your nominated person, project or campaign The venue will be beautiful meets the criteria and why you think recognition is deserved. The nomination can come from a non- Thunderbird Park, Tamborine. member but the subject must be a Wildlife Qld member or activity. For a fuller explanation of the categories and nomination forms, go to http://www.wildlife.org.au/about/awards.html

Wildlife Queensland 3 Projects Report

Volunteers from the Queensland Glider Network monitor nest boxes for occupation by greater gliders.

Queensland Glider Network The QGN’s greater glider nest box project is underway with all 44 many other necessary tools, the number one item on the WPSQ nest boxes installed during late November 2017 in three bushland Wishlist: a PULSAR XQ38 thermal spotting scope! Having this reserves across the Brisbane region. Nest box monitoring began two fantastic technology will mean the team can now conduct more weeks after installation and monitoring will continue at a reduced comprehensive nocturnal wildlife surveys. Our sincere thanks go to frequency through until December 2018. all those who supported this appeal and helped to better equip us At this stage, only one animal (a common brushtail possum) has for the year ahead. been observed in the boxes. While this has been a disappointing result so far, the project is still in its youth and it will take time for Silhouettes like this one of a ringtail possum are what the Queensland Glider the nest boxes to become inhabited. Certainly, our work is providing Network will be looking for when surveying with its new thermal spotting scope. a platform for volunteers to participate and learn about nest boxes, gliders and the conservation of hollow dependent species. There are still plenty of opportunities available to participate in this project. If you are interested in volunteering with nest box monitoring please email us at [email protected]. In January, our Projects Manager Matt Cecil joined Ann Jones, presenter of ABC National’s Off Track program, on a spotlight survey searching for greater gliders. You can listen to Matt and Ann discussing the importance of conserving hollow bearing trees for the benefit of all native hollow dependant fauna in the podcast at www. abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/. Thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters, the overwhelming success of Wildlife Queensland’s 2017 Christmas appeal has allowed the Projects Team to recently purchase, among

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Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network In conjunction with the Logan City Council, the RBCN has settled on six locations on Council land on which to establish large populations of birdwing butterfly vines, creating a habitat corridor for the Richmond birdwing butterfly between Tamborine Mountain and Mount Cotton. Plans are in place to plant over 400 vines within these six locations. The corridor will be further improved by the inclusion of select Land for Wildlife properties along the eastern border of the Logan LGA, boosting the total number of vines planted beyond 600. Logan City Council’s commitment to the recovery of this threatened species has been extremely encouraging and the RBCN is grateful for their participation in the corridor project. Planting is set to begin this April! A freshly emerged female Richmond birdwing butterfly at Tamborine Mountain © Richard Bull

The RBCN will be holding a workshop on the Richmond birdwing butterfly at the Redlands Indigiscape Center in Capalaba on 24 March 2018, as part of Indigiscapes’ Green Living Expo. Come along and learn about the conservation of the birdwing and its host vine, the birdwing butterfly vine. Email [email protected] for more information.

Permanent water and shady environments make great locations to plant birdwing butterfly vines. This/these riparian area/s in Shailer Park will be stocked with vines as part of the RBCN’s corridor project.

PlatypusWatch Network

The continuation of PlatypusWatch’s eDNA survey work will see the team focus on the Albert River in Logan. Analysis of samples collected during 2016 and 2017 have provided some evidence of activity in the river. Further to this, a reported sighting of a platypus in the river in late 2017 has prompted PlatypusWatch to conduct additional surveys to learn more about this potential population. This is an important survey as the Albert River may have one of the last platypus populations in the Logan LGA. In January, the PlatypusWatch Network was grateful to receive a donation of $2700 from Australian Geographic magazine, with funds going toward the continuation of our eDNA survey of platypus across the greater Brisbane area. The PlatypusWatch team will sample key locations within the south-east to expand our current knowledge of the distribution of this iconic species. Photo: A platypus spotted in the Caboolture River during PlatypusWatch surveys © Tamielle Brunt

Wildlife Queensland 5 Wildlife Crossings: do they Wildlife Queensland’s mahogany glider crossing no1 Kennedy Creek Road really work? Kennedy, Far North Queensland, January 2018

In many places across Australia and around the world people are asking the same question: do wildlife crossings really work or are they a waste of money? It is an important question. The limited funds available to assist native wildlife must be well spent, on projects that really work. In Queensland’s far northern tropics work has been done to install glider poles — tall poles on either side of the gaps created by roads and highways. The poles mimic the height of trees that would have provided a safe launch and landing platform for the endangered grant under the Queensland government’s ‘Everyone’s Environment’ mahogany glider. program. Its goal is the restoration of the Bairds Creek — Glenbora The mahogany glider is listed as endangered in Queensland and Mahogany Glider Corridor to link the Kennedy Creek pole crossing nationally. It is one of Australia’s most threatened mammals, since and Whitfield Creek to habitat to the south. only 1500-2000 are estimated to remain in the wild. Mahogany None of these local projects could be completed without the help gliders are only found in a narrow strip of tropical coastal eucalypt of dedicated volunteers, donations and partnerships between local and melaleuca woodland, from Hull River near Tully south to Ollera communities, graziers, Wildlife Queensland, Girringun rangers, HQ Creek (approximately 40 km south of Ingham), in North Queensland. Plantations, CCRC, Terrain, DMR and Energy QLD. It is also good to Mahogany gliders do not live in rainforest and have not been found recognise that these projects assist our communities by providing above 120m elevation. contract employment to locals and, where at all possible, project One of the major threats to this species is the fragmentation of materials are purchased locally. its remaining habitat, partly caused by roads, highways, powerlines The answer is YES! Wildlife crossings do work, and around and railways. Glider poles really can assist gliders in safely Australia images are now available to show that both rope crossing these gaps. bridges and glider poles can assist in the movement of Wildlife Queensland, with assistance from Ergon Energy and some of Australia’s most endangered animals. funded by public donations, has installed glider poles on Kennedy Extract from report provided by Wildlife Queensland, Cassowary Creek Road at Kennedy. The first two 22m high poles were installed Coast – Hinchinbrook, Daryl Dickson President in mid-November 2016. Remote cameras on top of these poles monitor movement and use the 3G mobile network to download

Top: Mahogany glider © Daryl Dickson

Bottom: Mahogany glider image from remote camera

Ergon crew assisting Wildlife Queensland images to a base managed by volunteers. Kennedy State School students have also taken part in the project. Your donations at work The first glider image appeared on the cameras on 23 November, Wildlife Queensland’s less than a month after installation. The first image was of a sugar Bridging the Gap glider, the smaller cousin of the endangered mahogany glider. Then appeal in 2015 on 4 December 2016, the first mahogany glider (a female) appeared raised much-needed on the crossing, with a male a few nights later. Images of mahogany funds to assist with recovery efforts for the gliders using the crossing have been regularly captured throughout endangered mahogany 2017 and into January 2018. glider. The provision Volunteers have been amazed at how quickly the gliders appeared of gliding poles is one of the ways that the on the crossing and thrilled to see them using it on a regular basis. A glider is helped to second smaller crossing was installed on HQ Plantations’ land over move across landscape Christmas 2017, again with the great assistance of the Ergon Energy barriers such as roads. Tully crew. This crossing is within a second project funded by a 3-year

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Left: Mangrove habitat and Right: Wetlands Stradbroke Island. Both images © D Payne World Wetlands Day 2018 World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February. Its The retain and restore element aims to identify practical ways goal is to halt the world-wide loss of wetlands and to conserve, cities can manage and preserve urban wetlands. The functional through wise use and management, those wetlands that remain. values of urban wetlands include the attribute of acting as a giant The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance took sponge to soak up and store heavy rainfall, particularly during place in the Iranian town of Ramsar in 1971. In 1974, Australia storm events (UNESCO, 2018). Many local governments recognise became the first country to designate a Ramsar site when it listed the need to protect the values of local wetlands and institute Cobourg Peninsula. Since then, another 164 nations have listed environmental best practice measures to ensure urban development Ramsar sites. activities are sustainable. Queensland has five Ramsar sites. Three of these are located The walk the talk element focuses on communicating the benefits within or adjacent to World Heritage Areas (WHAs). Bowling Green of protecting urban wetlands. There are more than two million Bay, and Shoalwater and Corio Bay, are within the Great Barrier people living in urban communities adjacent to the Moreton Bay Reef WHA, while the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar site is adjacent to Ramsar site. They benefit from their cities being more liveable due Fraser Island WHA. The other two Ramsar sites are Currawinya Lakes to improved water quality, because wetlands act as a filter to reduce along the Paroo River in western Queensland, and Moreton Bay pollution and enhance estuarine and marine . offshore from Brisbane. References About one third of Moreton Bay Marine Park, or 110,000 Costanza R, et al. 2014. Changes in the global value of services. hectares, was designated a Ramsar site in 1993. It encompasses Global Environmental Change 26 (2014) 152-158. the waterways along the Moreton Bay coastline, from Caloundra Petter M, et al. 2013. A methodology to map ecosystem functions to in the north and south to Southport, and includes the four great support services assessments. Ecology and Society 18(1). sand islands. Habitats within the Moreton Bay Ramsar site include UNESCO www.worldwetlandsday.org viewed 8 February 2018. salt marshes, mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. These By Michael Lusis, Vice-President, Wildlife Queensland are important for dugong, marine turtles, waders and many invertebrates.

Theme The theme for World Wetlands Day 2018 is Wetlands for a The recent successful campaign by Sustainable Urban Future. Urban wetlands provide important social, Wildlife Queensland for a ban on economic and environmental benefits. Action for 2018 focuses on three elements. The urban wetlands plastic bags and our campaign to element seeks to recognise urban wetlands as prized land, not introduce a container refund scheme wasteland. The ecosystem services of urban wetlands are valued at will be a great benefit to the health $140,174 per hectare per annum (Costanza et al, 2014). Within the Moreton Bay Ramsar site, the ecosystem services of its urban of all wetlands and waterways. wetlands have been valued at $1.82 billion and $141 billion for South East Queensland (Petter et al, 2013).

Wildlife Queensland 7 ks Trac the Around

Cicada Awards On World Wildlife Day (2017) the General Assembly of the United Nations urged us to "listen to the young voices". The Cicada Awards short film competition is doing just that. It’s a project of Capalaba-based Wildlife Queensland Bayside Branch, with generous support from world renowned, Stradbroke Island-based underwater cinematographer David Hannan, founder of Ocean Ark Alliance and more recently from BIRO - Birds, Injured, Rehabilitated, and Orphaned. The Cicada Awards team recently visited Wellington Point State school to award Wellington Point State school team © Julie iPhotographMagic certificates in acknowledgment of the great team work involved in their film production. As the awards have been rescheduled to close on World Environment Day June 5th 2018, some of the group may be at another school when the films are judged. The Cicada Awards are open to youth across South East Queensland to create a short film (maximum 4 mins) depicting environmental concerns and suggest solutions. There’s two age groups: Under 12 years and Open (up to 24 years inclusive) and two categories: General or Oceans theme. More detail can be found on https://cicadaawards.wordpress.com

Clean Up Australia Day 2018 - Sunday 4 March Every year many of our members get involved in this event which sees the collection by volunteers of a myriad of rubbish from sites all over Australia. A significant portion of the rubbish collected is plastic in the form of plastic bottles and plastic bags. Single use plastic bags will be banned in Queensland from July 1 and by November it is expected that Queensland will introduce the container refund scheme. These two small gains are expected to take a huge load of rubbish out of the environment which will hopefully be reflected in next year’s clean up. Kedron Brook branch member, Denis found that the area in which he worked produced not only lots of plastic bottles but also tennis balls! Denis Sample of rubbish collected © D Taylor assumes the balls floated down to his clean up area from a nearby beach dog park.

Wildlife Brunch 4 March Held at Hotel Urban Brisbane in Spring Hill, this year’s event to of the founders of the society, and Kathleen McArthur. mark International Women’s Day included a delicious buffet brunch Animal Planet’s ‘Snake Boss’ Julia Baker and acclaimed wildlife overlooking the Roma St Parklands, a display of Steve Parish’s photographer Steve Parish came together to explore the link photography, and prizes a plenty. between nature and life purpose, sharing their personal stories of Our MC on the day was Karin Cox, editor of Wildlife Australia how connection with nature has led to enhanced creativity and Magazine, who shared with us part of her life journey. President of improved mental health. Wildlife Queensland, Peter Ogilvie, spoke of his relationship of two

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Scenic Rim’s First Bioblitz — Tamborine Mountain, 15-17 October 2017 than 184 different species, were sampled and identified by Professor Roger Kitching, who led the moth-collecting team. Even a few new spider species were discovered during the Bioblitz, including a new species of the Rounded Silver Orb Weaver, the Small Green Rainforest Theridion, and the Judith Roland’s Crab Spider. The surveys were conducted mainly at Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, Thunderbird Park, and a Landcare property at Ohia Court. Other observations were made at The Knoll and Witches Falls, and at other LandCare properties. For some preliminary results of the Exploring Skywalk Photo: Wildlife Queensland Scenic Rim surveys: http://scenicrim.wildlife.org.au/ projects/scenic-rims-first-bioblitz-15-17- In October, Queensland’s Scenic Rim and the Scenic Rim Branch of the Wildlife october-2017/ hosted the region’s first Bioblitz, engaging Preservation Society of Queensland - and The branch had planned this citizen science scientists, naturalists, and volunteers to also owner/operator of Advanced Ecotourism event for months, during which the region conduct a 48-hour intensive field study in Certified Araucaria Ecotours, said the Bioblitz had mostly sunny days and drought an attempt to record all the living species was a successful event with a reasonable conditions. Two days before Bioblitz the rain within the area. turnout. started, and continued throughout, often With its rich soils and varied topography, Over the 48-hour period, participants very heavy. Due to the bad weather, some the Scenic Rim Region is one of the most identified over 70 bird species, more than activities had to be cancelled and certain species-rich regions of Australia, which 30 fungi, and various species of mammals, species were harder to find, which is why made it the perfect candidate for a Bioblitz insects, and plants. Although some animals the organisers decided to revisit some of the event. Unfortunately, the event was like butterflies and reptiles were hard to sites in autumn. accompanied by heavy rain, which affected find due to the constant rain, the weather public participation. Nevertheless, Ronda conditions were excellent for other species. Extract from report by Ronda J Green, Green, Chair of Wildlife Tourism Australia A large collection of moths, including more BSc(Hons) PhD, Chair Scenic Rim WPSQ

We need your help! WPSQ will run a BBQ at Bunnings Manly West on Saturday 31 March and on Saturday 1 September 2018. If you can spare a couple of hours to help please call Janelle on 3844 0129

Constitutional Changes Changes to the constitution of Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland have been considered by Council. To amend the constitution, the changes must be passed by a majority of members present and voting at an annual general or general meeting of the Society. Council desires to have the changes, if adopted by the members and approved by Office of Fair Trading, operational for the 2018 AGM. The proposed changes will be presented to a meeting of members to be held on 21 April 2018 to be held at the Albion Peace Hall, 102 McDonald Road, Windsor. Arrive at 1.30pm for a 2pm start. There are no changes envisaged to the objects of the society or to the name of the society. As required by our current constitution details of the proposed changes and the meeting procedures will be posted to all members.

Wildlife Queensland 9 WILDLIFE LAND FUND LIMITED out on ongoing weed control and has been the organisation’s primary location for member-based activi- ties. Working bees held in late 2017 achieved Small parcels of land can make a big dif- plenty and members ference to the conservation of our environ- who attended had a ment. The Wildlife Land Fund Limited (WLFL) great time. Those who believes this and continues to protect and regularly help out are rehabilitate lands under management for beginning to enjoy the the benefit of our natural environment. fruits of their labour in WLFL has kept member-based activities to the gradual improve- a minimum during the hot summer months. ment of the property, However, local bush regeneration contrac- directly resulting from WLFL members at a recent working bee repaired a fence to stop cattle from entering the Witta Nature Refuge tors have been hard at work on both the their hard work. Witta Photo WLFL Witta Nature Refuge and the Neil Holloway is progressing well and Reesville Nature Refuge to continue the as a result of birdwing butterfly vine plant- Work on the conservation park of late has restoration of these properties. ings in 2016, larvae and adult butterflies been limited and will continue to be so until have been spotted on the property. the plans for expansion of the Australian Weed management has provided the Defence Force’s training greatest challenge for the organisation in A new stock-grazing permit has been facility have been finalised. However, recent times. Our successful application for negotiated between Bowman Cattle dedicated member and Rockhampton local a Nature Refuge Program Landholder Grant Company and WLFL as part of the ongoing Jeff Simmons has been chipping away at im- provided additional funds to support weed management of the Bukkulla Conservation provements, including improving the vehicle management of a eucalypt ridgeline at the Park in Marlborough, . access through two dry creek beds crossing Neil Holloway Reesville Nature Refuge, out- The grazing agreement not only provides the access track to the campsite. side Maleny. The work will speed up natural the organisation with useful income but also regeneration of the site through the removal demonstrates that certain primary industry The Wildlife Land Fund is always looking of weeds, eventually opening up useable pursuits and conservation initiatives are not for new members, so if you have an interest habitat for the local population. As mutually exclusive. A prudent and conserva- in wildlife and would like to be part of an always, local contractors (Brush Turkey En- tive approach to stocking rates can achieve organisation protecting and managing terprises) have been engaged to conduct the a desired outcome with minimal damage land for conservation purposes, then please majority of the work; supporting the local to the native ecosystem while reducing the contact us! [email protected] or community is important to the WLFL. likelihood and potential damage of an out- 07 38440129. Membership is $20 per of-control bushfire. annum with a one-off $5 joining fee. The Witta Nature Refuge has not missed

Assisted revegetation underway on Witta

Wildlife Queensland HQ: Who’s who State Council President: Peter Ogilvie Vice-Presidents: Andrew Dinwoodie, Robert Standish-White, and Michael Lusis Secretary: Des Boyland Treasurer: David Keogh Councillors: Keith McDonald and Nina Hardie Council Observer: Paul Sutton Regular volunteers: John Hutt, Warren Johnson, Beth Pegg, Jenny Thynne, Maryann Kenny, Linda Sulakatku, Rensche Schep, Steve Homewood and Diane Lam. Plus the wonderful teams who help with mail-outs, projects and surveys Staff: Policies and Campaigns Manager: Des Boyland Operations Manager: Janelle Devery Membership Support Officer: Doreen Payne Projects Officer: Matt Cecil Communications Officer: Natasha Bryant Book-keeper: Madeleine Hodder Newsletter: graphic designer: Joy Hinckley; editor: Doreen Payne

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WPSQ in Action A snapshot of advocacy work on your behalf February 2018 Submission on the Australia’s strategy for nature 2018-2030 forwarded to the Submissions & Significant Correspondence National Biodiversity Strategy Secretariat, Department of Environment and October 2017 Energy, Canberra. The new strategy is very disappointing. It contains no Forwarded a submission on the proposed Scenic Rim Trail Project to be measurable Key Performance Indicators, no new funding or other concrete constructed by Gainsdale Pty Ltd within the . This commitments to conserve and protect our natural heritage. proposed development was captured as a control action under the Environment Submission to the Chief Executive, Department of Environment and Science Attn Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Wildlife Queensland (WQ) does not The EIS Coordinator (Walton Coal Project) providing comment on the proposed support the project in particular the proposed commercially exclusive eco-camps Walton Coal Project which is located 200km west of Rockhampton in the Bowen to be constructed on a state owned national park. Basin in Central Queensland. WQ does not support new coal mines in Submission to Hon Josh Frydenberg, M P, Minister for the Environment and Queensland. However this proposed development is of particular concern with Energy calling upon the Commonwealth Government to take action on plastic significant potential to impact on threatened species including the bridle nailtail waste. No response to date. wallaby. Correspondence to the political parties seeking their attitude to aspects of flying Meetings of note fox management. Responses were received from Labor’s Hon Dr Steven Miles, MP, November Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and the LNP’s Dr Christian Rowan, Opposition Spokesperson for the Environment. Both recognised the Macropod management meeting. significant role flying foxes play in the environment and also referred to the The Macropod Management Unit of the Department of Environment and management challenges that need to be addressed. Dr Miles also referred to the Heritage Protection provided an overview of the unit’s work for the past year research currently commissioned and indicated that it was hoped that the including the current harvest, the 2018 Quota Submission for the Commercially finding would lead to better management and enhanced welfare for the flying Harvested Macropods in Queensland and the Nature Conservation (macropod) foxes. WQ will continue to pursue enhanced management of flying foxes. Conservation Plan 2017. Broadly speaking the commercial take for 2017 was less than 40% of the quota. The number of commercial harvesters continues to November 2017 decrease and the recreational harvesting licence has been abolished. The request With the election announced, WQ wrote to the relevant major political seeking for Damage Mitigation Permits (DMPs) has increased. As a result of concerns commitments for the environment and its wildlife if elected to form Government. raised about DMPs it was resolved that those present should seek a meeting with Labor committed to enhanced vegetation management legislation, the plastic the minister to discuss DMPs. bag ban and the container refund scheme, the release and implementation of January the protected Area Strategy, expansion of the NatureAssist program, maintain and enhance protection for wildlife, the Great Barrier Reef and Climate. LNP Queensland Dog Offensive Group (QDOG) indicate ongoing support for the plastic waste legislation, support for the Great The QDOG is an advisory committee to the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Barrier Reef, management of our wildlife particularly threatened species and brings together State and Local Government, industry and community defended the current attitude and position on vegetation management and tree representatives to provide strategic direction to wild dog management. QDOG is clearing. committed to getting the message out to members. QCC has asked Wildlife Queensland to represent the conservation interest. The Queensland Wild Dog Both major parties were approached on their attitude to the future for Management Strategy 2011-16 is being reviewed. In collaboration with QCC, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). Labor indicated that the ban on sand input has been sought from member organisations for collation and report back mining would stay, more national park to be declared and additional funding to to ACILALLEN Consultants undertaking the review. Not unexpectedly widely assist in the economic transition. The LNP indicate that more funding would be differing views have been received. available but was silent on the ban on sand mining. Black Swan Lake December 2017 A meeting was sought with Hon Sterling Hinchliffe concerning the Gold Coast Letter to Hon Leeanne Enoch, M P, Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Council proposal to fill the Black Swan Lake, Gold Coast. While the Minister was Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts offering congratulations on willing to meet with us his commitments were such the meeting would have her appointment and seeking a meeting. been in March. Aware of the urgency of the matter it was suggested we meet with his Chief of Staff and Senior Departmental Officers. The desired outcome Correspondence received from Mr Tony Burke, M P, Manager of Opposition from our perspective was not achieved but our concerns were listened to and Business; and Shadow Minister for the Arts, for Environment and Water, and for certain commitments given. Advice was also provided on avenues for Citizenship and Multicultural Australia acknowledging and thanking WQ for our consideration. correspondence on plastic waste and advising that the information provide will inform Labor policy on the issue. February Letter to Deb Freckington, M P, Leader of the LNP Opposition and Shadow Conservation Groups Minister for Trade offering congratulations on her appointment and seeking a The EDO facilitated a meeting where a number of conservation organisations met meeting to discuss a range of issues and to build a sound working relationship. to discuss current and planned activities for the coming term of Parliament. Those present outlined their various areas of interest. A common denominator January 2018 was the protected area estate both its expansion and enhanced management. Letter received from Deb Freckington, MP, acknowledging correspondence and The establishment of the Department of Environment and Science was indicating a willingness to meet. welcomed. However it was drawn to the meetings attention that responsibility for the care of the environment and its biodiversity is spread across a number of Letter to Hon. Sterling Hinchliffe, Minister for Local Government, Minister for portfolios and lobbying Minister Enoch alone will not address all of our concerns. Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs seeking a meeting about the proposed development involving Black Swan Lake, Gold Coast.

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