Project Moonie
Moonie project is located near the town of Moonie which is approximately 4 to 5 hours drive west of Brisbane. It comprises over 12 adjoining properties, covering more than 100,000 acres. The private properties graze cattle and grow various grain crops.
The central feature of this project is 71 Sq Km area of remnant brigalow-belah forest. Few examples of this vegetation type remain on the Western Downs. This scrubby forest is a refuge for wildlife and hosts more than 92 species of birds.
A geological feature of the area are the depressions in the ground known as gilgais (locals call them melon holes) which are scattered throughout these properties.
Location:
The Moonie & Weir rivers border some of the project properties. From Toowoomba the fastest route to Moonie is via Cecil Plains. Careful planning is recommended as this route is not shown on most GPS vehicle navigation devices.
Stakeholders:
- Nature Refuges Qld
- Qld Government
- Private property owners
Conservation Outcome
- Preserve and enhance plant biodiversity and native wildlife corridors
- Preserve and enhance populations of native ground-dwelling mammal species and native bird species
- Feral predator control, including:
Primary:
- Feral Pig (Sus scrofa)
- Feral Goat (Capra hircus)
- European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
- Feral cat (Felis catus)
- Wild Dog (Canis lupus spp)
- Various Native Species (under relevant permit)
Secondary:
- European Hare (Lepus europaeus)
- European Carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus)
- Indian Myna Bird (Acridotheres tristis)
History
This project encompasses a tract of remnant brigalow-belah and poplar box woodland. This is one of the only brigalow-belah plant communities still remaining on the southern edge of the Brigalow Belt South biogeographic region. The plant communities occurring are of high conservation value. Native animal species of conservation significance are:
- Northern banjo frog
- Wonga pigeon
- Koala
- Glossy black cockatoo
The primary purpose of the project is to help preserve and protect the natural brigalow-belah forest from degradation by feral animals. A secondary purpose of this project is to assist the adjoining private property owners to manage feral pest species that may find refuge in the woodlands.
Project Milestones
Commenced in in 2012 and conducted bimonthly.
SSAA Conservation & Wildlife Management Expertise utilise
- Ground shooting of Feral Pig, Feral Goat, European Red Fox, Feral cat, European Hare and wild dogs consistent with the NSW DPI Codes of Practice for Humane Destruction and corresponding Standard Operating Procedures
- Assist with the monitoring of feral animal activity in order to improve & develop control techniques.
Logistics
Accommodation
Our accommodation on this project is spread over a number of properties in shearer's quarters, a shearing shed, and cottages. All have toilets, showers, kitchens, power and water provided. Depending on numbers of members attending, you may need/prefer to bring a swag/tent to camp outside or on the floor/verandah. Check with your trip leader in this regards.
There is fresh tank water on site at all properties, however you should bring your own drinking water if not boiling it.
Transportation
Traveling to the project, 2wd vehicles are suitable. 4wd vehicles are used to work the properties. Preference may be given to members who have a vehicle set up for night time control work depending on the species to be targeted.
What to bring
Standard equipment as per CWM’s operating procedures, especially a 5 watt UHF radio with earpiece, GPS & compass, first aid kit including snake bite bandages, quality spot light and/or firearm mounted spotlight/s.
A large portion of our control work on these properties is conducted at night time, therefore members with vehicles (Utes), equipment (thermal vision, night vision, and quality spotlights and scopes), experience and confidence in this type of control will be given preference. Depending on the property you are assigned (requests considered and your particular skills, equipment & experience into account) there is also day time hunting to be undertaken, predominantly for feral pigs.
Consider the weather conditions for the time of year that you are attending the project as summer day time temperatures can be in the 40's, whilst winter night time temperatures can drop to -0 degrees.
There is a $10 (per adult per trip) accommodation levy to assist in maintaining the accomodation and to buy cleaning supplies and other consumables including gas.
Project Contacts
Please look at Calendar tab and relevant contact is there against projected dates.
