- Wet Tropics Management
- Legislative framework
- Management partnerships
- Sustainable Tourism Plan
- Threats to the Area
- Research and a Learning Landscape
- How can I help?
The spread of invasive plants and animals poses a significant threat to the environment and can have major impacts on industries and people’s quality of life.
That is why Kuranda EnviroCare, in partnership with Wet Tropics Management Authority, have joined forces with 16 local exhibitors for the inaugural Protect Your Patch event to help raise awareness in the community about the risk of invasive species in the region.
This free family event will offer fun and educational activities for all ages focused on practical steps to help identify the various invasive species in the region and what they can do to help.
The day will include native wildlife demonstrations and photos, live music, market stalls, facepainting, seed ball workshops, conservation demonstrations and much more.
Kuranda EnviroCare Community Taskforce coordinator Rachel Reese said a highlight of the day would be the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program odour detection dog demonstration.
“These highly trained dogs played a key role after the recent flood event by checking the Kuranda Scenic Railway and banks of the Barron River for invasive ants,” Ms Reese said.
“You can also meet local invasive species experts, connect with services and learn about how to reduce the risk of further spread of invasive pests in the region.
“By protecting your own patch from invasive species, you are also helping to protect the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
“You can even buy some native plants on the day to help diversify your own patch.” Kuranda EnviroCare is a long-established volunteer community organisation based in the Wet Tropics that works to conserve and repair biodiversity and to provide environmental education to the community.
The group’s regular activities include revegetation projects, monitoring the critically endangered Kuranda tree frog and coordinating the local response to invasive yellow crazy ants.
Protect Your Patch will be held on Saturday 6 July at Centenary Park in Kuranda from 10am to 3pm.
Image: Kuranda EnviroCare Community Taskforce coordinator Rachel Reese.
