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Hi
Be informed about the latest
projects and research in the Wet Tropics World
Heritage Area! We hope you enjoy this issue of our
quarterly e-newsletter.
Highlights in this issue include:
>
Cassowary recovery
after Cyclone Yasi
> Green light for World Heritage
Gateway feasibility study
> A Myrtle Rust alert
for far north Queensland
Also in this issue - the return of Tropical Topics!
Tropical Topics was a popular newsletter that ran
from 1992 to 2004 and was produced by WTMA and the
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. It was
originally only distributed as a hard copy. Today we
breathe new life into the newsletters, by providing
them to you online. |
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If you have any comments,
contact us on
07 4052 0533 or give us your feedback
here.
Feel free to pass this newsletter on to your
friends.
Andrew Maclean,
Executive Director
Visit our web site
here.
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WTMA |
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Cyclone Yasi
Our tropical rainforests have been subject to their second major cyclone in five years. Cyclone Yasi crossed the coast as a category five in early February smashing the Innisfail, Tully and Cardwell areas. Sadly many or these forests were just starting to show signs of recovery following the devastating effects of Cyclone Larry in March 2006. |
Lacey Creek day use area
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WTMA is
supporting
community
projects
in the
wake of
Yasi
through
the
Cassowary
Coast
Regional
Council
Recovery
Group.
Together
with our
regional
partners
Terrain
NRM, and
the
Queensland
Parks
and
Wildlife
Service
(QPWS),
we will
work to
ensure
recovery
of key
environmental
values
and to
assist
in
reinvigorating
the
tourism
industry.
Outstanding
efforts
have
been
made by
QPWS to
act
quickly
to
literally
pave a
way to
recovery.
QPWS has
a
Recovery
Operations
Base at
Cardwell
to
collaborate
with
stakeholders
to
determine
regional
priorities
with an
emphasis
on
opening
parks,
facilities
and
walking
tracks.
This
will
keep the
Wet
Tropics
World
Heritage
Area
open for
locals
and
tourist
to
enjoy. |
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Cassowary recovery
The lesson from Cyclone Larry is that it’s a race against time to set up feeding stations to save cassowaries after Cyclone Yasi. Many cassowaries would soon be starving as all their customary rainforest food had been stripped from trees and lay rotting on the ground. Cassowaries are an important keystone species that rejuvenates rainforest habitats by distributing the seeds of more than 70 species of trees. |
Cassowary feeding station
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Within a few short days after Cyclone Yasi QPWS staff had flown over the areas most affected to assess the cyclone's damage. Within 11 days 21 feeding stations were established and more than 1000kg of fruit was distributed to feeding stations and via aerial drops. The remarkable Cassowary Response Team is now in full action with 98 cassowary feeding stations operating between the Cardwell Ranges and Flying Fish Point; more than 7,000kg of fruit distributed via feeding stations and heli-drops; ten cameras recording cassowaries using the feeding sites. Unfortunately a cassowary was hit by a vehicle on the Mission Beach – Tully Road. This highlights the need to drive with care in cassowary habitat.
The Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) distributed a media release the day after the cyclone that generated significant media interest in WTMA’s Scientific Advisory Committee meeting and resulted in the broadcast of important messages about the plight of the cassowary. WTMA is assisting QPWS Cassowary Response Team with community engagement and has been distributing information and keeping stakeholders updated by email and jointly facilitating some essential community meetings.
How to help – Several conservation groups are raising funds for the cassowary feeding program and longer-term cassowary habitat conservation and restoration. You can donate via:
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Bob Irwin Wildlife Fund
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Centre for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation (C4)
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Rainforest Rescue
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Save the Cassowary
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Mission Beach Wildcare Inc (general wildlife care)
Volunteers willing to help cut up fruit at Garners Beach on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, can register with Ms Jodie Eden, Community Education Ranger, Email jodie.eden@derm.qld.gov.au, Telephone 4091 8102.
Cassowary sightings should be reported to QPWS by email: cassowary.sighting@derm.qld.gov.au Injured, sick or hungry birds requiring a rapid response should be reported to the QPWS 24hr hotline: 1300 130372. |
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Biosecurity alert:
Myrtle Rust found in
Cairns
If you work in the
horticulture industry or
you’re just a keen
backyard gardener, keep
your eyes peeled for a
new fungus that has
reached North Queensland
that has the potential
to severely impact the
native flora of the Wet
Tropics of Queensland
World Heritage Area.
Myrtle Rust is a serious
disease caused by the
fungus Uredo rangelii.
This quickly spreading
disease affects plants
of the Myrtaceae family
which dominate
Australian forests,
making it a major
concern in the Wet
Tropics. There are 211
species of Myrtaceae in
the Wet Tropics
bioregion, including
bottle brush
(Callistemon spp.), tea
tree (Melaleuca spp.)
and eucalypts
(Eucalyptus spp.).
Rainforest species such
as lilly pillys, golden
penda and paperbark
trees are also under
threat. The disease also
has potential to
severely impact the
nursery and the
agricultural industries. |
Myrtle Rust on
Beach Cherry
(Eugenia
reinwardtiana)
heavy infection.
Photo:
Biosecurity
Queensland |
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Myrtle Rust has recently
been confirmed on a
blushing beauty (Austromyrtus
inophloia) plant in a
Cairns nursery. This is
the first detection of
Myrtle Rust outside
South East Queensland
and Northern New South
Wales. Once it is
established, it is not
possible to eradicate or
stop the spread of
Myrtle Rust, as it
produces large
quantities of tiny
spores that are easily
spread. The rust thrives
in moist and humid
weather conditions and
is spread mainly by
wind, wildlife and human
movement. Biosecurity
Queensland is continuing
to work with affected
industries to develop
management options to
address the impacts of
the disease. Myrtle Rust
has now been confirmed
on 37 sites in
Queensland.
The WTMA Board received
a report on the Myrtle
Rust threat at its
meeting on 7 and 8
March. The Board is very
concerned about the
threat to the Wet
Tropics World Heritage
Area and emphasised the
great importance of
effective biosecurity
measures to protect the
natural values of the
World Heritage Area.
For more information on
Myrtle Rust please visit
www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
(view Plant health,
pests and diseases). If
you suspect Myrtle Rust
on your property, notify Biosecurity Queensland
on 13 25 23 or call the
Exotic Plant Pest
Hotline on 1800 084 881. |
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Green light for World
Heritage gateway
feasibility study
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Queensland Premier, the
Honourable Anna Bligh
MP, has announced that a
WTMA application for
funding under the
Tourism Feasibility
Grants program has been
successful. The funding
will allow WTMA to
employ consultants to
undertake a feasibility
study on a World
Heritage Gateway Centre
based in Cairns. It has
been announced as part
of the State’s cyclone
recovery response. |
Trinity
Wharf
(Photo:
Tourism
Queensland) |
The World Heritage
Gateway would offer
substantial impetus to
the North Queensland
tourism industry. It
capitalises on World
Heritage as an essential
part of the North
Queensland experience.
Consultants will seek
advice from industry
partners, tourism
agencies, Indigenous
ventures and local
government to develop a
detailed concept plan as
a basis for investment.
The World Heritage
Gateway Centre would
showcase North
Queensland’s two World
Heritage Areas – the Wet
Tropics of Queensland
and the Great Barrier
Reef and would orient
visitors to other World
Heritage Areas. It would
create a new attraction
in Cairns and educate
visitors and the
community about the
values of our World
Heritage Areas and their
conservation in our
region and beyond. |
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Board News |
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Board Director Nominations
The term of appointment of Directors Allison Halliday and Russell Butler Snr expired on 14 November 2010. WTMA would like to thank Allison and Russell for their contribution to the Board in general and for their guidance and leadership in relation to Rainforest Aboriginal cultural issues in particular.
Subsequently the State and Federal Ministers for the Environment have endorsed a community engagement proposal, recommended by WTMA’s Rainforest Aboriginal Advisory Committee, to seek expressions of interest (EOI) from suitably qualified persons. A panel including Rainforest Aboriginal and government representatives will assess the EOIs and provide a shortlist of male and female persons to the relevant ministers for their consideration and potential nomination. The positions have been recently advertised in regional newspapers inviting expressions of interest. Information kits may be obtained by contacting WTMA on 07 40520555. EOIs must be received at WTMA by close of business 15 April. |
WTMA Chair Peter Valentine and
Board member Alastair Birtles
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Board
Tour
The WTMA
Board
have
been
out
getting
their
boots
dirty
and
hands
on
the
local
issues.
In
November
the
Board
visited
the
Daintree
Gateway
Precinct
to
discuss
the
master
plan
for
the
Daintree
River
Crossing;
Cow
Bay
to
have
a
look
at a
proposed
site
for
implementing
an
Eastern
Kuku
Yalanji
Community
Development
Plan
and
stopped
for
lunch
at
the
Daintree
Discovery
Centre
and
looked
at
the
rainforest
tower. |
WTMA
Board
in
the
field |
A walk along the
Mossman George
Boardwalk hosted
by QPWS ranger
Tina Alderson
highlighted the
challenges of
building in such
a treacherous
location.
Finally some
stops between
Port Douglas and
Cairns examined
the impacts of
the vehicle
access here upon
the World
Heritage Area.
This was a great
chance for the
Board to
experience first
hand some of the
significant
activity in the
area. |
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Board
Summary
The
WTMA
Board
held
its
eighty-fourth
meeting
in
Cairns
on 7
and
8
March
2010.
The
Board
welcomed
Ms
Leah
Talbot
and
Pastor
John
Andy
to
the
meeting
as
observers
representing
Rainforest
Aboriginal
people.
Major
items
of
Board
discussion
included:
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The risk of Myrtle Rust creates for the conservation values of the Wet Tropics. The Board noted that Myrtle Rust is the most recent of a series of biosecurity risks for the World Heritage Area. Others include electric ants, yellow crazy ants, Asian honey bee, Siam weed and Miconia |
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The impacts of Cyclone Yasi on the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the need for coordinated investment to recover and strengthen landscape resilience in the Wet Tropics |
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The conservation status of the Southern Cassowary. The Board considered a report on a Birds Australia review of the conservation status of the cassowary and agreed to provide advice on key conservation issues for the species in the Wet Tropics |
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The draft periodic report on State of Conservation of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area being prepared for consideration by UNESCO |
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Progress on the development of community development plans under the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Indigenous Land Use Agreement |
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Future consultation arrangements for engagement of Rainforest Aboriginal people including support for establishment of a Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Alliance |
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WTMA recognises leading rainforest women
The WTMA Board joined staff on 8 March to celebrate International Women’s Day. WTMA Chairperson, Assoc Professor Peter Valentine took the opportunity to recognise the very valuable contribution women have made to the original listing of the Wet Tropics as a World Heritage Area and to its subsequent management. Peter noted the particular contribution of women such as Dr Aila Keto, Margaret Thorsborne, Dr Rosemary Hill, Joan Wright, Annabel Olsen, Daryl Dickson, Wendy Cooper, Dawn Frith, Dr Henrietta Marie, Allison Halliday, Syb Bresolin, Hazel Douglas and Maise Barlow to understanding, appreciation and conservation of the World Heritage Area. |
Dr Elaine Harding
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Board members and WTMA staff also took the opportunity to recognise and thank retiring WTMA Director Dr Elaine Harding for her contribution to the Authority. Elaine has served as an Authority director for three years, leading liaison activities with the conservation sector and promoting effective community engagement.
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2009-2010 WTMA Annual Report and State of the Wet Tropics Report on the web
The 2009-2010 WTMA Annual Report and State of Wet Tropics Report is now available on the WTMA website. To download your copy click here.
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Communities and
Partnerships |
United
Nations
International
Year
of
the
Forest
The UN General
Assembly
has
declared
2011
as
the
International
Year
of
the
Forest
to
raise
awareness
on
sustainable
management,
conservation
and
sustainable
development
of
all
types
of
forests.
WTMA
is
currently
promoting
the
International
Year
of
the
Forest
by
providing
a
‘Forest
Quiz’
package
about
the
Wet
Tropics
of
Queensland
World
Heritage
Area
that
will
be
distributed
directly
to
North
Queensland
schools
and
also
promoted
on
the
WTMA
website. |
Some
interesting
global
forest
facts:
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Forests
cover
31%
of
total
land
area
>>
Forests
are
home
to
80%
of
our
terrestrial
biodiversity
>>
Forests
are
home
to
300
million
people
around
the
world
For
more
information
feel
free
to
visit
here. |
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WTMA Community
Engagement Strategy
After an extensive
program of consultation,
WTMA has compiled a new
community engagement
strategy. The strategy
outlines WTMA’s intended
approach to community
engagement services. The
strategy focuses on
WTMA’s capacity to
deliver community
engagement well beyond
just providing
information but
listening and recording
feedback so we can
collaborate better with
the community. To find
out more visit
here. |
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Eastern Kuku Yalanji
(EKY) Project Update
The Yalanji people’s
voices are being heard
as we prepare for the
historic return of their
traditional lands. A
WTMA-Jabalbina Yalanji
Aboriginal Corporation
team have been engaging
the community and
preparing Community
Development Plans (CDPs)
and Activity Guidelines
(AGs) under the Eastern
Kuku Yalanji Indigenous
Land Use Agreements. The
CDP/AGs will provide for
where and how Yalanji
people will be able to
return to and use and
manage traditional lands
for their socio-cultural
and economic benefit
thereby improving well
being and contributing
to closing the gap. Most
of these lands agreed
for return under secure
tenure are within the
Wet Tropics World
Heritage Area and will
also require development
consistent with the
local government
planning and building
requirements. WTMA and
Jabalbina have
facilitated the
formation of a
cross-government working
forum, led by the
Department of Local
Government and Planning
and including the Cook
and Cairns Regional
Councils, to consider
practical ways of
integrating the rights
and interests of
Indigenous landowners
with development and
environmental
conservation regulation. |
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12th Annual Cassowary
Awards
Eight Cassowary Award
winners were honoured by
WTMA at Wildlife
Habitat, Port Douglas in
November.
Over 200 guests
applauded the
extraordinary efforts of
people who are dedicated
to conservation in the
Wet Tropics World
Heritage Area. The
awards were presented by
Senator Jan McLucas,
representing the
Australian Government,
and Mr Steve Wettenhall,
Member for Barron River,
representing the
Queensland Minister for
Climate Change and
Sustainability, Ms Kate
Jones. |
The evening also
featured the sixth year
of the Young Cassowary
Awards. These awards
recognise the work of
students and school
classes who help to
conserve the Wet Tropics
through special
projects.
WTMA would like to thank
our sponsors for the
evening - the Daintree
Discovery Centre and
Hartley’s Crocodile
Adventures. For more
information about the
winners click
here.
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Cassowary Awards
recipients 2010
pictured with
distinguished guests
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Planning and Conservation |
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Mahogany
Gliders need
help
After 100% of
their habitat
was smashed and
shredded by
Cyclone Yasi,
the Mahogany
Glider is in
dire straits.
These exquisite
creatures are
confined to a
narrow coastal
strip of
eucalypt and
melaleuca
woodland between
Tully and Ingham
and their
numbers are
dwindling.
Cassowary Award
winner Darryl
Dickson and QPWS
are establishing
feeding stations
and emergency
den shelters,
and are in need
of more help!
The latest
updates are
available via
the
Wildlife
Preservation
Society of
Queensland
who is accepting
donations and
offers of help
from volunteers
for Mahogany
Glider recovery.
To report
sightings of
Mahogany
Gliders, call
Rowena Grace at
Terrain NRM in
Innisfail on
4043 8000. |
Mahogany Glider |
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Indian
connection
With
the
second
highest
density
of
roads
in
the
world
after
America,
the
Indian
government
has
approached
WTMA
for
expert
advice
to
improve
its
ecological
approach
to
linear
infrastructure
management.
WTMA
was
contacted
following
a
meeting
of
India’s
National
Board
for
Wildlife,
chaired
by
the
Indian
Prime
Minister.
Various
research
documents
that
helped
to
translate
science
to
policy
and
on-ground
management
were
provided.
This
included
case
studies
and
research
on
roads
and
their
affect
on
forest
habitat
and
wildlife
including
wildlife
mortality
rates,
habitat
fragmentation,
loss
and
degradation,
erosion
and
weeds. |
A
background
paper
has
been
published
that
is
heavily
influenced
by
Wet
Tropics
research
and
management
policies
and
codes
of
practice
for
roads,
electricity
and
water
supply
infrastructure.
Dr
Miriam
Goosem
of
James
Cook
University
was
also
approached
for
her
specialist
knowledge
regarding
the
effect
of
roads
on
wildlife
mortality
and
mitigation
techniques.
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Bridle
Creek
powerline
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Tropical Topics |
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Welcome to the rebirth
of ‘Tropical Topics’.
Tropical Topics was a
popular newsletter that
ran from 1992 to 2004
and was produced by WTMA
and the Queensland Parks
and Wildlife Service. It
was designed to help you
keep up to date with
natural science and
conservation news and
issues of north
Queensland. Originally
only distributed in a
hard copy to day we are
rebroadcasting these
stories in digital
version.
Gondwana – a
living museum
Most scientists believe
that the distinctly
Australian flora of the
drier parts of the
continent; our famous
wattles, eucalypts,
banksias and grevilleas
all originated from the
ancient stock of
Gondwana, the living
descendants of which can
be found in the Wet
Tropics.
Gondwana - a
supercontinent which
existed hundreds of
millions of years ago -
comprised the southern
continents as well as
India and parts of
southern Asia. (The
northern continents were
joined in a similar
landmass called Laurasia.)
For millions of years
life evolved across
these supercontinents.
Dinosaurs came and went
and flowering plants
developed. At times much
of the land (including
what is now Australia)
was covered by
rainforest.
About 180 million years
ago Gondwana started to
break into continents
which gradually drifted
apart. Australia was the
last continent to break
away, about 45 million
years ago.
For 30 million years
Australia's life evolved
in isolation. As the
climate became drier
many species died.
Others adapted to the
drier conditions and
survived to colonise the
vast areas of dry open
forests, grasslands and
deserts which cover much
of the continent today.
Only the mountainous
regions of the east
coast remained
constantly moist. It is
here that the last
remaining refuges of
Australia’s ancient
tropical rainforests
survive, with many
species little changed
since the evolution of
the first flowering
plants.
Some plants such as the
Idiospermum from
Cape Tribulation did not
evolve. They appear
today much as they did
millions of years ago.
More primitive flowering
plants are found in the
Wet Tropics than
anywhere else on earth.
Read more
here. |
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Idiospermum australiense
seedling |
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