This project is around 43500 hectares and has a variety of ecosystems from tall wet eucalypt forests to open Iron Bark and Lemon-scented Gum woodlands down to the riparian lowland woodlands. The reserve comprises some 140 bird (including the Red Goshawk and Masked Owl), 18 native mammal and nearly 300 plant species.

Location

The project is around 40 mins south of Innot Hot Springs and can be accessed from Cairns in approximately 3.5 hours or from Townsville in about 5 hours.

Stakeholder

Bush Heritage Australia.

Conservation Outcomes

• Preserve and enhance populations of native ground-dwelling species,
• Preserve and enhance populations of native birdlife,
• Preserve and enhance plant biodiversity, and
• A reduction in introduced weed and animal numbers- through the implementation of on ground control methods for pest plant and animals.

History

Previously a long-term cattle breeding block, the property was purchased in 2005 based on a joint project between EHP and JCU to identify climate resilient areas of the state. The Einasleigh uplands in which the property is situated came to the top of that selection and continues to do so.

The first managers arrived in 2007 and have remained on site until the present day.

Project Milestones

• Humane dispatching of feral species (pigs, cats, rabbits, and wild multi-colored dogs) through coordinated ground searching by day and by night. The priority of effort is to be directed towards the dispatching of feral cats. Additional attention is required to prevent feral pig damage around the waterholes contained by electric fencing.
• Reporting of feral species.
• Reporting of Siam Weed.
• Monitoring of impacts on critical habitat areas.
• Reporting damage to external fences (including the electric fences) and gates.
• Use of game cameras to report on the presence of feral cats, pigs and wild dogs.

Logistics

Accommodation

There is an outstation-style building approximately 60% open with a concrete floor which can be used as sleeping quarters for about eight people. There is ample flat open space for tents, campervans and caravans. The building includes a basic kitchen set up with hot and cold water and a donkey heater hot/cold shower. The building has a 12V solar system with LED lighting and the capacity to charge phones and other electronic devices. There is a 1,000-litre water tank beside the outstation that is available for drinking and general use. There is a separate outhouse with flushing toilet.

Transportation

4WD drive vehicles required for access and around the project. Access to the outstation is possible most times but heavy rains may restrict operations to foot or mountain bike.

Communications

Telstra coverage is generally possible at the camp site and around the project high points. Optus coverage is minimal.

What to bring

Standard equipment as per CWM operating procedures – Backpack with 5w UHF radio, GPS/compass, map, water, first aid kit etc. Contact the Project Coordinator for a full list.

Night operations are essential to dispatch feral cats – participants must be equipped with good quality firearm-mounted lights: night vision or thermal scopes would be ideal.

Contacts

Please look at Calendar tab and relevant contact is there against projected dates.