Project Stewartdale

Stewartdale is a 1200 hectare property 40 minutes south of Brisbane, owned by S.S.A.A. (QLD) Inc. The property is highly biodiverse, containing three threatened ecosystems (2 Endangered & one Of Concern) and several rare and threatened species.

Location:

Stewartdale is a 1200 hectare property 40 minutes south of Brisbane, owned by S.S.A.A. (QLD) Inc.

Mud Map https://cwm.ssaaqld.org.au/2013/documents/stewartdale-mud-map.pdf 

Stakeholders:

• S.S.A.A. (QLD) Inc.
• SEQ Water Catchment
• Birds Australia
• Landcare Australia
• Ipswich City Council
• Ergon Energy

Conservation Outcome

• Preserve and enhance populations of native ground-dwelling mammal species
• Preserve and enhance populations of native and migratory bird species
• Preserve and enhance plant biodiversity and native wildlife corridors:
  • - Scrub type A
  • - Scrub type B
• Feral predator control, including:
  Primary:
  • European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
  • Feral cat (Felis catus)
• Secondary:
  • Feral Pig (Sus scrofa)
  • European Hare (Lepus europaeus)
  • Wild Dog (Canis lupus spp)

History

Stewartdale is adjacent to a large nature reserve owned and managed by Ipswich City Council, and the management of both these properties adds significantly to the ecological values of the area. A detailed management plan exists for the property, and CWM Qld are responsible for the pest species management component of this plan.

The property is highly biodiverse, containing three threatened ecosystems (2 Endangered & one of Concern) and several rare and threatened species. The terrain is rough and steep, and the ecosystems highly varied both in structure and diversity, creating an interesting if challenging location for CWM Qld members to work.

Management of this property is complex. Several interest groups, including S.S.A.A., use this property for a number of activities, and they are balanced with the ecological management requirements, in particular where rare and threatened species and ecosystems occur. Interest groups include Birds Australia, who conducts regular monthly surveys of Bundamba Wetlands, and Landcare Australia, who have implemented programs for regeneration of the wetlands edges.

Stewartdale is also used for training CWM Qld Subscribers, particularly in some of the complimentary activities we undertake in the field such as fauna surveys and weed management.

Project Milestones

1998 - SSAA Qld Inc. purchases property.

An environmental study began by Fiachra (Jack) Kearney in 2000 in partnership with SSAA Qld Inc.

From 2000 ongoing regeneration work on the property commenced by SSAA Qld Inc., Ipswich City Council, SEQ Water Catchment Authority and various local government organisations.

From 2005, establishment of regular survey and monitoring of water and migratory birdlife by Birds Australia.

From 2006, regular ongoing feral predator control program implemented by CWM.

2014 - 969 hectares of the Stewartdale property was converted into the Stewartdale Nature Refuge, with over 113,000 trees to be planted, ostensibly for koala habitat.

SSAA Qld Conservation & Wildlife Management Expertise utilised

• Ground shooting of European Red Fox, Feral cat, Feral Pig, European Hare and wild dogs
• Trapping of feral pigs
• Weed management
• Maintenance work on facilities

Logistics

Accommodation

Bush camping under a large fig tree overlooking Bundamba Lagoon.  Tank water, composting toilets and a covered food preparation area are provided.

Transportation

To project: 2wd, 4wd

On ground: Walking (principally)

What to bring

Standard equipment as per CWM operating procedures

Consider the weather conditions for the time of year that you are attending the project

Project Contacts

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