Northern hairy-nosed Wombats – 115 and counting
Published Wednesday, 18 February, 2009 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
The Bligh government today announced a milestone in establishing a second wild colony of Northern hairy-nosed wombats near St George.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara said the signing of a nature refuge agreement between Ed and Gabi Underwood and the Environmental Protection Agency helped ensure the wombats’ future.
“It’s not everyday you contribute to saving a species but that’s exactly what the Underwood’s have done,” Mr McNamara said.
The Richard Underwood nature refuge secures 130 hectares of the Underwood’s property for the wombats, allowing them to share their land for conservation, while maintaining production on the property.
“Only approximately 115 Northern hairy-nosed wombats survive today. They are currently found on a small area the size of Brisbane’s CBD within Epping Forest National Park.
“Work has begun to create a suitable environment for the new colony of wombats in another location.
This involves removing predators and natural threats, as well as providing some basics like supplementary water to increase the wombats’ chances of survival,” he said.
In preparation for the move of a small number of wombats from Epping Forest National Park in mid-2009, the Underwoods have started clearing a fence-line and Conservation Volunteers Australia are helping build the predator-proof boundary fence.
Over the next few months, starter burrows, feed and water stations will be built.
‘I am pleased to say that our rangers will be housed in sustainable pre-fabricated accommodation that will create its own solar power, capture rainwater and recycle waste,” Mr McNamara said.
The St George property was found after a two-year search across Queensland by EPA rangers to find the right soils, vegetation and landscape to support another viable wombat population.
Securing a new site for the northern hairy-nosed wombats forms part of the three-year, $3 million partnership with mining leader Xstrata to establish a ‘satellite’ population of the species.
“The reintroduction project is aimed at establishing a new population away from Epping Forest to prevent an extreme event, like fire, disease or severe weather conditions, eliminating the entire species.”
Chief Executive, Xstrata Coal Peter Freyberg said he was pleased the company was playing a role in saving an iconic and endangered species.
“Xstrata’s sponsorship will allow the EPA project team to create conditions at the second site equivalent to those at Epping Forest National Park,” he said.
“We are proud to be part of such an innovative project led by a specialist team aiming to give this species a second chance. We also encourage the broader Australian public to become involved and help to prevent these animals from becoming yet another footnote in our natural history.
Minister McNamara praised the support of landholders Ed and Gabi Underwood for registering part of their property as a nature refuge to protect the wombats and for their hands-on assistance in preparing the site.
“Moving a number of wombats to a new location involves risks, but it is essential for ensuring the survival of the species.
“With an experienced team of EPA rangers, financial support from Xstrata and now our partnership with the Underwoods, the future of the northern hairy-nosed wombat is looking a lot brighter,” Mr McNamara said.
Media contact: Bill Ferguson 3336 8004
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara said the signing of a nature refuge agreement between Ed and Gabi Underwood and the Environmental Protection Agency helped ensure the wombats’ future.
“It’s not everyday you contribute to saving a species but that’s exactly what the Underwood’s have done,” Mr McNamara said.
The Richard Underwood nature refuge secures 130 hectares of the Underwood’s property for the wombats, allowing them to share their land for conservation, while maintaining production on the property.
“Only approximately 115 Northern hairy-nosed wombats survive today. They are currently found on a small area the size of Brisbane’s CBD within Epping Forest National Park.
“Work has begun to create a suitable environment for the new colony of wombats in another location.
This involves removing predators and natural threats, as well as providing some basics like supplementary water to increase the wombats’ chances of survival,” he said.
In preparation for the move of a small number of wombats from Epping Forest National Park in mid-2009, the Underwoods have started clearing a fence-line and Conservation Volunteers Australia are helping build the predator-proof boundary fence.
Over the next few months, starter burrows, feed and water stations will be built.
‘I am pleased to say that our rangers will be housed in sustainable pre-fabricated accommodation that will create its own solar power, capture rainwater and recycle waste,” Mr McNamara said.
The St George property was found after a two-year search across Queensland by EPA rangers to find the right soils, vegetation and landscape to support another viable wombat population.
Securing a new site for the northern hairy-nosed wombats forms part of the three-year, $3 million partnership with mining leader Xstrata to establish a ‘satellite’ population of the species.
“The reintroduction project is aimed at establishing a new population away from Epping Forest to prevent an extreme event, like fire, disease or severe weather conditions, eliminating the entire species.”
Chief Executive, Xstrata Coal Peter Freyberg said he was pleased the company was playing a role in saving an iconic and endangered species.
“Xstrata’s sponsorship will allow the EPA project team to create conditions at the second site equivalent to those at Epping Forest National Park,” he said.
“We are proud to be part of such an innovative project led by a specialist team aiming to give this species a second chance. We also encourage the broader Australian public to become involved and help to prevent these animals from becoming yet another footnote in our natural history.
Minister McNamara praised the support of landholders Ed and Gabi Underwood for registering part of their property as a nature refuge to protect the wombats and for their hands-on assistance in preparing the site.
“Moving a number of wombats to a new location involves risks, but it is essential for ensuring the survival of the species.
“With an experienced team of EPA rangers, financial support from Xstrata and now our partnership with the Underwoods, the future of the northern hairy-nosed wombat is looking a lot brighter,” Mr McNamara said.
Media contact: Bill Ferguson 3336 8004