Published Tuesday, 09 September, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Safe haven for Julia Creek dunnart
A fence to protect the endangered Julia Creek dunnart now encircles a 273 hectare reserve at Julia Creek aerodrome, keeping out cats and foxes that might eat the tiny marsupials.
Partners in the project will celebrate the completion of the fence on Thursday (11 September) as part of Threatened Species Week, 7–13 September.
Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Minister Andrew McNamara praised the efforts of Southern Gulf Catchments Natural Resource Management (NRM) group and McKinlay Shire Council to build a 7.5km fence and create the Julia Creek Dunnart Habitat Sanctuary.
“This fenced sanctuary has the same goals as the bilby fence at Currawinya National Park and the wombat fence at Epping Forest National Park — preserving an endangered animal’s habitat and keeping out predators,” Mr McNamara said.
“Its design has been borrowed from the bilby fence, including a floppy top to prevent predators scaling the fence,” he said.
Found only in north-west Queensland’s Mitchell grass downs, the Julia Creek dunnart has a body about 13cm long and a tail about 12cm long, and is one of Australia’s most endangered mammals.
The small marsupial was known only from four museum specimens until 1991. A national recovery plan for the Julia Creek dunnart was produced in 2000 and a revised recovery plan is currently being prepared by the EPA.
McKinlay Shire Mayor Cr Paul Woodhouse said the project represented a unique partnership between all three levels of government, the Regional NRM Group, tertiary institutions, industry and community groups.
“It is a real credit to the EPA, Southern Gulf Catchments and other groups involved with this project as the Julia Creek dunnart is now facing a brighter future in its traditional home,” Mr Woodhouse said.
Donald Coventry, CEO of Southern Gulf Catchments, said the sanctuary was the result of the group’s partnership with the Julia Creek community working through the council to protect the region’s biodiversity.
“The Mitchell grass downs are not well protected in the region’s reserves,” Mr Coventry said.
“The downs might appear featureless, but they have important natural values that we should protect.”
With strong support from the local community, future stages of the program will focus on community awareness and education through an information centre at Julia Creek.
Mr McNamara said the Threatened Species Week 2008 theme “Stepping stones to conservation” celebrated the role of protected areas in species conservation.
“Threatened Species Week draws attention to Australia's plants, animals and ecosystems that are under threat. It encourages the community to help conserve and protect our natural heritage," Mr McNamara said.
"Government can't do it alone - the community, business and industry need to play a part to help conserve our threatened species. Together we can secure an environment that future generations will be able to enjoy."
Mr McNamara said the EPA had taken the lead in management and recovery of threatened species and ecosystems in Queensland and the Julia Creek project was a good example of the EPA’s involvement across the state.
To find out more, and how you can get involved in Threatened Species Week activities, go to www.epa.qld.au.
Media contact: Scott Dixon 3336 8004
Editors note:
For photos of Julia Creek dunnart — contact EPA Media Unit ph 32278452.
Partners in the project will celebrate the completion of the fence on Thursday (11 September) as part of Threatened Species Week, 7–13 September.
Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Minister Andrew McNamara praised the efforts of Southern Gulf Catchments Natural Resource Management (NRM) group and McKinlay Shire Council to build a 7.5km fence and create the Julia Creek Dunnart Habitat Sanctuary.
“This fenced sanctuary has the same goals as the bilby fence at Currawinya National Park and the wombat fence at Epping Forest National Park — preserving an endangered animal’s habitat and keeping out predators,” Mr McNamara said.
“Its design has been borrowed from the bilby fence, including a floppy top to prevent predators scaling the fence,” he said.
Found only in north-west Queensland’s Mitchell grass downs, the Julia Creek dunnart has a body about 13cm long and a tail about 12cm long, and is one of Australia’s most endangered mammals.
The small marsupial was known only from four museum specimens until 1991. A national recovery plan for the Julia Creek dunnart was produced in 2000 and a revised recovery plan is currently being prepared by the EPA.
McKinlay Shire Mayor Cr Paul Woodhouse said the project represented a unique partnership between all three levels of government, the Regional NRM Group, tertiary institutions, industry and community groups.
“It is a real credit to the EPA, Southern Gulf Catchments and other groups involved with this project as the Julia Creek dunnart is now facing a brighter future in its traditional home,” Mr Woodhouse said.
Donald Coventry, CEO of Southern Gulf Catchments, said the sanctuary was the result of the group’s partnership with the Julia Creek community working through the council to protect the region’s biodiversity.
“The Mitchell grass downs are not well protected in the region’s reserves,” Mr Coventry said.
“The downs might appear featureless, but they have important natural values that we should protect.”
With strong support from the local community, future stages of the program will focus on community awareness and education through an information centre at Julia Creek.
Mr McNamara said the Threatened Species Week 2008 theme “Stepping stones to conservation” celebrated the role of protected areas in species conservation.
“Threatened Species Week draws attention to Australia's plants, animals and ecosystems that are under threat. It encourages the community to help conserve and protect our natural heritage," Mr McNamara said.
"Government can't do it alone - the community, business and industry need to play a part to help conserve our threatened species. Together we can secure an environment that future generations will be able to enjoy."
Mr McNamara said the EPA had taken the lead in management and recovery of threatened species and ecosystems in Queensland and the Julia Creek project was a good example of the EPA’s involvement across the state.
To find out more, and how you can get involved in Threatened Species Week activities, go to www.epa.qld.au.
Media contact: Scott Dixon 3336 8004
Southern Gulf Catchments: Tanya Willis 07) 4743 4213
McKinlay Shire Council: Tim Vollmer 07) 4746 4213
Editors note:
For photos of Julia Creek dunnart — contact EPA Media Unit ph 32278452.