National Parks Ass QLD – Summer 2018

An update from the National Parks Association Qld. Coming together for national parks. Welcome to the Summer 2018 edition of Protected. As 2018 ends it is worthwhile to consider our work in 2018 and how we might be more effective in the coming year. This year NPAQ and over 20 other conservation groups came together to call for national park expansion and better management. We are hopeful that government funding and resources will be focused on enhancing our protected area estate. In the meantime, we seek a moratorium on eco-tourism developments. We are campaigning and petitioning to make this happen. Visit www.npaq.org.au to sign the parliamentary petition against development in national parks and support our campaign. Finally, I would like to thank our collegiate and dedicated Council, staff who are often doing a lot with very little and volunteers who make a great contribution. Wishing you all a happy and peaceful Christmas! Graeme Bartrim – NPAQ President In this edition of Protected Images and headlines link to articles. Full magazine download available here. Coming together for protected areas Our state’s biodiversity has borne the brunt of much of our activity. Our living outback A place of beauty and diversity, the Australian outback is one of the last great regions of nature left on Earth. Outback Queensland boasts landscapes, rich in natural and cultural heritage, covering nearly two-thirds of our state. Wetlands: under threat The Ramsar convention encourages the designation of sites containing representative, rare or unique wetlands, or wetlands that are important for conserving biological diversity. Conservation on neighbouring lands Nestled along the border with New South Wales, Queensland’s Sundown National Park is a rocky gem about 300 kilometres southwest of Brisbane. Noted for its ridges and steep gorges, Sundown National Park can be reached by walking track and off-road vehicle. Dingo dinners The dingo is Australia’s largest land-based predator, occurring across most of the mainland and on many nearshore islands. New research, published in the journal Mammal Review, reveals the breadth and diversity of dingo diets across the continent. Park experience It’s a tiny pocket of woodland squeezed to the west by the Bruce Highway, to the south by Deception Bay Rd, and on its other flanks by residential developments. Ranger of the month A Park Ranger in Great Sandy National Park. A Butchulla man (the Butchulla people are the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of K’gari aka Fraser Island). Holding an identified Indigenous Ranger position and a passion for culture. Find out more about the ranger of the month. Activities & events New year twilight celebration Sunday, 6 January Toorbul Birdwatching Sunday, 20 January February members meeting Wednesday, 20 February May members meeting Wednesday, 15 May NPAQ Events