Biodiveristy_State of Environment report - Mission Beach Cassowaries

Contents1.1 Introduction 241.2 Major Policies relating to Biodiversity 242. Terrestrial Biodiversity 262.1 Ecosystems 262.1.1 Representation and Restoration 272.1.2 Roads and Infrastructure 372.1.3 Alteration to Water Tables andNatural Drainage - Wetland Losses 382.1.4 Inappropriate Fire Regimes 422.1.5 Offshore Ecosystems - the Barnards 432.1.6 Exotic weeds 442.1.7 Feral Animals 452.1.8 Domestic Animals 482.1.9 Climate Change 482.2 Flora 492.2.1 Rainforest dieback 492.2.2 Threatened Flora 492.3 Fauna 50Threatened Species 512.3.1 Mammals 512.3.2 Frogs 522.3.3 Birds 522.3.4 Reptiles 563. Aquatic Biodiversity 563.1 Aquatic Ecosystems 563.1.1 Inland Waterways 563.1.2 The Great Barrier Reef 563.1.3 Introduced Species 593.2 Aquatic Flora 593.2.1 Seagrasses 593.2.2 Mangroves 613.3 Aquatic Fauna 623.3.1 Mammals 623.3.2 Reptiles 623.3.3 Fish 644. Deficiencies in data 675. References 676. Appendices (CD and Web versions only)6.1 Fauna6.2 Flora6.3 Status of the Shire's Coral Reefs6.4 Council Reserves6.5 Long-term Freshwater Fish Monitoring

1.1 IntroductionJohnstone Shire includes outstanding and ecologicallysignificant areas of biodiversity. The World Heritage Area(WHA) comprises 47% of the land in the Shire. Even thisdoes not contain all of the biodiversity of significance.Ecosystems outside the WHA include those on freeholdland and in numerous reserves and other State land,totalling a further 13%. There are a total of 50 differenttypes of regional ecosystems in the Shire, as defined at thebeginning of 2005. This is an incredible diversity just inhabitat types, and is further reflected by the diversity offlora and fauna that make their homes in these ecosystems.Efforts by Council, State and Federal organisations, andcommunity groups continue to make positive contributionstowards the preservation and restoration of fauna, flora, andnatural ecosystem function.Biodiversity in the Shire faces threats from a range ofhuman activities past and present. Expanding activity byhuman beings impacts greatly on native flora and fauna,because humans are such heavy resource users, with highdemands to maintain a perceived quality of living. Mosthuman activities have associated effects that are, at present,out of balance with maintaining the state of naturalecosystems. The growing population will exacerbate theextent of these effects.These activities and their effects form a large list, andinclude the clearing and fragmentation of habitat foragriculture and urban or industrial development, pollutionof land, waterways and atmosphere, alterations to drainagesystems and water tables, barriers to movement frominfrastructure and mortality from traffic, unsustainableharvest of native plants and animals, alterations toecological processes such as fire, and the invasion ofdomestic and feral animals, pest plants, and introduceddiseases.These processes threaten the inherent right to existence thatall other forms of life have to coexist on this now humandominatedplanet. Acceptance of the importance of naturalprocesses is gradually becoming part of the human moralethos, given that human beings do have the capacity to selfregulatetheir activity. But, the diversity of interests thathumans pursue often acts in opposition to this. As theenvironmental movement is still in its infancy, it ispremature to expect the green philosophy to beincorporated into the majority of people's psychology.Unfortunately, because human beings are interrelated withthe natural environment, it has become obvious over thelast century that we cannot survive without it. Being such apopulous species, damage to the natural environment isstarting to break down some of the major processesimportant to sustaining all life on the planet. Globalwarming, holes in the ozone layer, desertification,extinction of resource species, contamination ofecosystems; all are having direct effects on the quality oflife so ardently pursued by us as individuals.Whilst in the Johnstone Shire, surrounded by vistas ofrainforested hills, it is easy to forget that the integrity of theWHA Mountainsenvironment is not as consistent elsewhere. Our localecosystems form part of the lungs of the greater planet, andtherefore our responsibility extends far beyond our localborders.The Shire is characterised by the Great Barrier Reef, thepresence of cassowaries and of crocodiles, as well as rareflora such as the native sugar palm and the ant plant. Theseresidents that live alongside, neighbours in the naturalareas, are important to the Shire's identity and to ourselves,as a part of who we are.The standard of natural values in the Shire will also play animportant role in the future as the Shire develops itstourism potential, and visitors from around the world cometo briefly appreciate the quality of life, and interaction withthe natural environment that we here have learnt to take forgranted. It is important therefore that the Shire'scommunity take on the role of guardians of the naturalheritage, flora and fauna that is our duty as caretakers ofour Shire.1.2 Major Policies relating to BiodiversityConservation in the Region and the ShireNational and international recognition of the value of thenatural heritage in the Wet Tropics has resulted in majorpolicies for conservation.Wet Tropics of Queensland - Declaration as WHAThe Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area is anarea of outstanding natural values, meeting all four naturalcriteria for World Heritage listing and fulfilling thenecessary conditions of integrity. The criteria current at thetime of listing (December 1988) and specified in thenomination were:1. Outstanding examples representing the major stages ofthe earth’s evolutionary history2. Outstanding examples representing significant ongoinggeological processes, biological evolution and man’sinteraction with his natural environment3. Superlative natural phenomena, formations or featuresor areas of exceptional natural beauty4. The most important and significant natural habitatswhere threatened species of plants and animals ofoutstanding universal value from the point of view ofscience and conservation still survive.(WTMA, 2004)The Wet Tropics Management Authority’s (WTMA) WetTropics Management Plan protects the values of the WetTropics World Heritage Area. It functions by restrictingactivities and development that might disturb or otherwisedestroy native vegetation, watercourses, or earth. However,the Plan also defines areas where various types ofdevelopment are appropriate, in order to increase usage andappreciation of the WHA, and to allow for vitalinfrastructure.“The four key components of the statutory Plan include:24

2.1.1 Representation andRestorationPressureLand clearing is still occurring acrossall habitat types on land of more gentletopography. The rate is negligiblecompared to the original deforestationof the Shire for agriculture and timber.Table 2.1.1a describes land-clearingrates since 1995. Land clearing hascontinued to slow over the last twelveyears. Whilst clearing for crops hasslowed, there is a slight increase inclearing for cattle pasture. Nativevegetation covers 62.06% of the Shire. This is becauselarge areas are under protection by the WHA, which has anarea of 47% of the Shire. Approximately 15% of nativevegetation exists outside the WHA on private land; the rest(38%) has been cleared. Compared to other areas inQueensland these figures are very good. However, thereare problems with the representation of some endangeredecosystems.Isolation, Fragmentation and ConnectivityThe figures in the Table 2.1.1a do not detail the furthereffects associated with land clearing - isolation,fragmentation, and connectivity.The isolation of islands of vegetation amongst cleared landlimits the movement of many flora and fauna betweenareas of remnant vegetation. These species are then subjectto pressure from inbreeding, and where localised 'disasters'occur there are no new colonists to replace a lost species.This further affects other species 'on the island' when a lostspecies was an important part of the ecosystem.Fragmentation is similarly associated with land clearing.Fragmented vegetation results where in-roads have beenmade into what used to be a consistent area, resulting in amosaic of vegetation, much like the strands and patchesholding together a very worn piece of cloth. Fragmentationenhances the 'edge effect' on remnant vegetation. Edgeeffect describes the vulnerability of vegetation to externalinfluences. Some of these influences include; weedinvasion, cyclone damage and effects from the adjacentland use. Edge effect is worst where the remnantvegetation has a small area with a long boundary, i.e.where it is thin and spidery as opposed to fat and solid.Connectivity describes how well the remaining vegetationis linked. Connectivity problems are common in thefoothills west of Innisfail where topography has limitedland clearing to the flatter areas that are more suitable foragriculture; leaving many of the steep ridges, deep gulliesand rocky areas vegetated. Connectivity affects flora andfauna when large areas of cleared land exist, which speciesare unable to bridge in order to colonise or utilise nearbyareas. A lack of connectivity has resulted from landclearing, most obvious in separating the coastal ecosystemsfrom the range. Low connectivity affects genetic exchangebetween fragmented ecosystems, and can form a barrier inlifecycle events such as the dispersal of progeny ormigration.ConditionRepresentation of Regional EcosystemsWhilst there are large areas of protected vegetation in theShire, there are also a large variety of ecosystem typespresent. Not all of these ecosystems are representedequally, and some are classified as endangered becausethere are only small areas left throughout the State.The EPA has classified native vegetation throughout theState into groups based upon the ecosystem's floristiccomposition, the underlying geology, and climate.The types of regional ecosystems and their conservationstatus are defined under the Queensland VegetationTable 2.1.1a - Land Clearing in the Shire Source: NR&M (2003)Total Area ~164,000 ha % Wooded vegetation cover 2001(WHA = 47%)Year New Pasture Crops Forest Mining InfrastructurewoodyregrowthSettlementTotalCleared% Woodedvegetation cover2001(WHA = 47%)01-03 nd 22 2 0 0 1 0 25 62.06 2 (15.06) 0.0099-01 0 15 8 0 0 2 0 25 62.41 (15.41) 0.004397-99 2 7 21 1 0 0 0 30 62.43 (15.43) 0.00795-97 5 7 86 0 0 0 3 96 62.49 (15.49) 0.02891-95 1 0 0 120 0 0 2 1 123 62.56 (15.56) 0.042nd – not determined1 Double time period2 Updated accuracy of satellite imagery also contributing to this revised figure% Totalclearing inQld27

Table 2.1.1b - Summary of the Representation of Regional Ecosystems in the ShireVegetation Management Number of ShireArea outside WHA and Area withinTotal Area in Shire (ha)Act Status Regional EcosystemsProtected Areas (ha) Reserves (ha)Sum ‘Endangered’ 15 4230 609 3621Sum ‘Of Concern’ 19 22575 8351 14224Sum ‘Not of Concern’ 16 69211 17433 51778Source : Adapted from EPA (2005a)Management Act 1999 (VMA 1999) and subsequentamendment in 2004.According to the VMA there are three categories, whichare based upon mapping of ecosystem types throughout theentire State.Endangered - Less than 10% of the ecosystem remainsOf Concern - Only 10-30% of the ecosystem remainsNot of Concern - More than 30% of the ecosystemremainsThe regional ecosystems are reviewed periodically as morescientific work is conducted. In 2005 the definition of theregional ecosystems will be updated, with a few categoriesbeing further subdivided into new regional ecosystemsbecause evidence of unique characteristics has come tolight.As shown in Table 2.1.1b, the Shire has a large number ofdifferent regional ecosystems present, the majority ofwhich are 'Of Concern' or 'Endangered'. Fortunately, mosthave some representation in protected areas (Table 2.1.1c).There are a small number of 'Of Concern' and 'Endangered'regional ecosystems that are not well represented inprotected areas. Particular effort is required to preventimpacts upon these ecosystems where they exist on privateland.Protected AreasThe Shire contains a variety of large protected areas. Mostof these are National Parks that are part of the WHA. Theyact to preserve the integrity of the Shire's ecosystems, aswell as creating a resource for recreation and aesthetics.Whilst the areas are protected from clearing andfragmentation, there are other management issues present.Management action can be difficult to implement due tolimited access, numbers of staff, and operating funds. Table2.1.1d lists the protected areas in the Shire.Council ReservesCouncil manages a large number of reserves scatteredthroughout the Shire for a range of diverse purposes;including drainage, recreation, water resource protection,boat ramps, etc. Many of these reserves have areas ofremnant vegetation upon them.Appendix 6.4 (CD and web versions only) contains a list ofCouncil reserves and the vegetation upon them. Currentlythere is no active management of these reserves. Passivemanagement is generally sufficient, however impacts fromferal animals, weed invasion and altered fire regimes areaffecting the ecosystems present at an unknown number ofreserves. This requires review.environmental purposes). These are better protected againstclearing.An audit of the environmental values of Council's reservesis required to determine whether the level of protectionafforded properly reflects the environmental values at thesite.Rec: Prioritise restoration where regional ecosystems existat only a small proportion of their former extent, andwhere little of the remaining area is within protectedreserves - Landcare, Council, Community RevegetationUnit, QPWSRec: Identify endangered and of concern RE's on privateland not represented in protected areas. Raiseawareness of the importance of this habitat throughpromotion to landholders to assist conservation -CouncilRec: Develop accessible mapping for community groupsand landholders showing priorities for remnant areas notwell represented in protected reserves - Landcare,Council, Community Revegetation Unit, QPWSRec: Develop a management schedule for CouncilReserves, to identify and address probable issues,including particularly weed inspection, weed control andfire regimes where practical. Feral animal control mayalso be appropriate in response to communityconcerns - CouncilRec: Determine where Council reserves hold especialenvironmental values and change the land descriptionwith NRM to reserves for environmental protection ifappropriate; to ensure compatible use with theecosystems present and to determine the type ofmanagement required. This may particularly apply toreserves with recovering vegetation which is notprotected under the VMA, but where the site forexample supports a species such as cassowaries orplays some other ecological role - Council, NR&MRec: Council community revegetation unit staff be trained incontrolled burning for ecological maintenance and forweed control - CouncilThe vegetation on these Council reserves is not protectedfrom clearing except under legislation affecting ecosystemsunder the VMA. Some reserves are prescribed as areas forthe protection of environmental values (reserves for28

Table 2.1.1c - Regional Ecosystems in the ShireSource : Adapted from EPA (2005a)The regional ecosystem numbers shown with ra’s and rs’s are the same regional ecosystem, but are areas recovering fromdisturbance. These areas have met the criteria of ‘remnant vegetation’ in the Vegetation Management Act 1999.Pre-clearing areas are projections by the EPA based geology, rainfall, and current vegetation.RegionalEcosystemPre-ClearingAreaArea inShireNowArea inProtectedReservesin ShireDescriptionVeg. Mgt.Act StatusTidal flats and beaches7.1.1 3989 3873 382 Mangrove forests on coastal lowland saline alluvial soils Not ofConcern7.1.2 53 53 5 Salt meadow/ herbfield on coastal lowland hyper-saline alluvial soils Of Concern7.1.3 15 14 13 Bulkuru (Eleocharis dulcis) swamp on poorly drained acid peats Of Concern7.1.3rs 1 1 0Coastal dunes7.2.1 467 238 123 Mesophyll vine forest of very wet coastal lowlands on beach sands Endangered7.2.1ra 13 12 07.2.2 145 6 0 Notophyll vine forests with Acacia spp. emergents on moist and dry lowlands on Endangered7.2.2ra 2 2 0siliceous and calcareous beach sands7.2.3 2416 2132 203 Coastal beach ridge vegetation on dune sands Not of7.2.3rs 51 43 0Concern7.2.3x2 68 68 21 Casuarina equisetifolia open forest to woodland with Ipomoea pes-caprae andSpinifex sericeus. Occurs on foredunesProposedRE7.2.4 1500 536 63 Old dune ridge open-forest/woodland mosaics on a variety of soils including dark Of Concern7.2.4rs 52 50 0grey sands and grey sandy clay loamAlluvium (river and creek flats)7.3.1 228 227 75 Grassland and sedgeland freshwater swamps (seasonal and permanent) of the coastal Endangeredplains on humic gley, acid peat and gleyed podzolic alluvial soils7.3.3 385 293 112 Alexandra palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) swamp vine forest on very wet Endangered7.3.3ra 9 9 0poorly drained fertile lowlands7.3.4 132 80 73 Fan palm (Licuala ramsayi) swamp vine forest on very wet poorly drained Endangered7.3.4ra 7 7 0seasonally inundated lowlands7.3.5 4323 2345 1136 Swamp paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) open forest on very wet and wet Of concern7.3.5rs 118 112 3poorly drained lowlands7.3.6 1522 186 22 Melaleuca leucadendra open forest sometimes with M. quinquenervia and/or M. Endangered7.3.6rs 27 27 3dealbata, and often with a mesophyll or notophyll vine forest component7.3.7 490 488 319 Coastal floodplains vegetation complex on a variety of alluvial soils Endangered7.3.7rs 57 54 77.3.8 948 72 10 Melaleuca viridiflora woodlands and forests occurring on humic gleyed texturecontrast soils with impeded drainage generally on the coastal plains.Not ofconcern7.3.10 3613 934 572 Complex mesophyll vine forest of the very wet and wet lowlands on fertile riverine Endangered7.3.10ra 505 479alluvia297.3.11 61 11 0 Mesophyll vine forest with red stringybark (Eucalyptus pellita) emergents on very Of Concern7.3.11ra 23 23 0wet to wet, well drained lowland alluvial soils7.3.12 3 3 0 Forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) woodland, or popular gum (E. platyphylla) Endangeredand Clarkson's bloodwood (Corymbia clarksoniana) woodland on very wet to wet,well drained lowland alluvial soils7.3.17 2559 714 477 Complex mesophyll vine forest on very wet, well drained lowland and foothill Not of7.3.17ra 383 299piedmont fans87concern7.3.18 872 92 52 Mesophyll vine forest with pink bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia) emergents on Of concern7.3.18ra 151 141wet to very wet well drained piedmont fans177.3.19 156 155 0 Tall open eucalypt forest/woodland complex (Corymbia spp., Eucalyptus spp.) onmoist piedmont fansNot ofconcern7.3.22 1409 1090 89 Mesophyll riparian vine forest on moist well drained lowland alluvial levees Of concern7.3.22ra 753 652 507.3.24 2 2 2 Red tea-tree (Melaleuca dealbata) riparian open forest on moist fertile moderately Endangereddrained lowland alluvia7.3.25 40 40 40 Weeping tea-tree (Melaleuca leucadendra), M. fluviatilis, Moreton Bay ash Of concern(Corymbia tessellaris) open forest with notophyll riparian vine forest species, onlevees7.3.28 922 907 249 Riparian herbfield/shrubland on river and stream bed alluvia Endangered29

Table 2.1.1c (continued) - Regional Ecosystems in the ShireRegionalEcosystemPre-ClearingAreaArea inShireNowArea inProtectedReserves inShireDescriptionVeg. Mgt.Act StatusBasalt plains and hills7.8.1 17795 12278 11092 Complex mesophyll vine forest on very wet, well drained basalt lowlands Of concern7.8.1ra 1084 1050 1047.8.2 1780 1780 1776 Complex mesophyll vine forest on very wet basalt uplands Endangered7.8.4 259 259 259 Complex notophyll vine forest on cloudy wet basalt uplands and highlands Endangered7.8.7 2 2 0 Forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) tall open forest on moist basalt uplands Endangeredand highlandsHills and lowlands on metamorphic rocks7.11.1 30169 28263 19980 Mesophyll vine forest on very wet to wet metamorphic lowlands and foothills Not of7.11.1ra 3329 3327 1014concern7.11.2 6 1 0 Mesophyll vine forest dominated by the fan palm Licuala ramsay occurring on Endangered7.11.2ra 14 14 0 wet foothills and tablelands on humic gley metamorphic-derived soils withseasonally impeded drainage7.11.4 813 365 197 Mesophyll vine forest dominated by brown salwood (Acacia celsa) on very wet Of concern7.11.4ra 1172 1168 173 to wet metamorphic lowlands and foothills7.11.5 494 454 135 Simple mesophyll vine forest with red stringybark (Eucalyptus pellita) Of concern7.11.5ra 81 81 4 emergents on very wet to wet metamorphic lowlands and foothills7.11.10 823 809 678 Notophyll vine forest dominated by brown salwood (Acacia celsa) on very wet Of concern7.11.10ra 350 350 276 to wet metamorphic foothills, uplands and highland ridges7.11.12 4072 4072 4068 Simple notophyll vine forest on cloudy wet metamorphic uplands Not ofconcern7.11.14 37 37 0 Simple notophyll vine forest with rose gum (Eucalyptus grandis) emergents on Of concernmoist metamorphic uplands7.11.16 254 253 0 Corymbia intermedia, Allocasuarina torulosa, Lophostemon suaveolens open Of concernforest to woodland of the moist uplands on metamorphic red and yellow earths7.11.16x1 1 1 0 Eucalyptus portuensis or E. mediocris, E. crebra, Corymbia clarksoniana, C.intermedia, C. citriodora and Lophostemon suaveolens open forest. Occurs onhill slopes on metamorphosed sedimentsOf concern7.11.17rs 9 9 0 Eucalyptus pellita woodland which has previously been disturbed but meets thecriteria of remnant vegetation in the Vegetation Management Act 1999. Wet tomoist lowlands and foothills7.11.18 429 428 67 Forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) woodland on wet to moist metamorphicfoothills7.11.19 14 14 19 Pink bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia) woodland on moist to dry metamorphicfoothills and uplandsNot ofconcernOf concernNot ofconcern7.11.21 74 18 5 Molloy red box (Eucalyptus leptophleba) woodland on dry metamorphic uplands Not of7.11.21rs 8 8 0Hills and lowlands on granite rocksconcern7.12.1 16445 16264 15787 Mesophyll vine forest on very wet to wet, granite lowlands and foothills Not of7.12.1ra 87 85 77.12.3 5 4 0 Mesophyll vine forest with forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) emergentson wet to moist granite foothills7.12.5 54 42 11 Simple mesophyll vine forest with red stringy bark (Eucalyptus pellita)7.12.5ra 9 9 0 emergents on very wet to wet granite lowlands and foothills7.12.9 3054 2775 2685 Notophyll/mesophyll vine forest dominated by brown salwood (Acacia celsa) on7.12.9ra 41 33 0 very wet to wet, granite foothills and uplands7.12.16 5020 5020 5020 Simple notophyll vine forest on cloudy wet granite and rhyolite uplands andhighlandsconcernOf concernOf concernNot ofconcernNot ofconcern7.12.19 1882 1882 1882 Simple microphyll vine forest on cloudy wet granite highlands Not ofconcern7.12.24 90 86 19 White mahogany (Eucalyptus portuensis or E. mediocris) woodland on wet tomoist granite foothillsOf concern7.12.29 2 2 1 Pink bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia) woodland on moist to dry, granitefoothills and uplandsNot ofconcern7.12.37 151 151 151 Mountain rock pavement herbland on cloudy, wet granite uplands and highlands Not ofconcern30

Table 2.1.1d - The Shire's Protected AreasNote: Only includes those portions of National Park within the Shire Boundaries0 hectare figures are rounded down figures from less than half a hectareKey: - Endangered Regional Ecosystem- Of Concern Regional Ecosystem- Not of Concern Regional EcosystemProtected Area Management Issues Conservation SignificanceRE Area (ha) RE Area (ha) RE Area (ha) RE Area (ha)Alcock Forest Reserve Small part in Shire only Rainforest7.3.10 0 7.11.1 2 7.12.9 4 7.12.19 137.3.17 0 7.11.4 0 7.12.16 18 7.12.37 07.8.4 5 7.12.1 12Carello SwampConservation AreaClump Mountain NationalParkElla Bay National ParkEtty Bay Road ConservationParkWeeds - Pond AppleWetland swamp with large palm standsCrocodiles7.1.1 5 7.3.7 2 7.3.10 5 Dist 1Tourism - development on adjoining land.Ferals - pigs, dogsWeeds - bambooLowland tropical rainforest on basalt soil.Cassowary habitat7.3.10 7 7.3.17ra 0 7.8.1ra 2 7.12.9 57.3.10ra 0 7.3.22ra 0 7.12.1 229 7.12.24 127.3.17 5 7.8.1 10 7.12.1ra 2 Clear 1Fire regime,Feral PigsUndisturbed Coastal SwampLowland tropical rainforestCassowaries and Crocodiles7.1.1 14 7.3.3 89 7.3.18 4 7.11.5 17.1.2 1 7.3.5 545 7.3.22 35 7.11.10 27.2.1 5 7.3.6 7 7.11.1 1014 7.11.18 37.2.2 0 7.3.7 49 7.11.4 0 Dist 17.2.3 133 7.3.10 14 7.11.4ra 0 Clear 07.2.3x2 9 7.3.17 36Drainage,Fire regimeLast remaining wetland swamp in the Johnstone RiverCatchment,Cassowary habitat7.2.4 2 7.3.22 38 7.3.6 0 7.11.12 8257.3.1 75 7.3.22ra 36 7.3.7 6 7.11.18 487.3.5 5 7.3.24 2 7.12.1 5766Japoon Forest Reserve Feral pigs,Weeds - guinea grassRainforest,Cassowary habitat7.3.10 365 7.3.28 57 7.11.4 163 7.12.9 24627.3.10ra 16 7.8.1 617 7.11.4ra 170 7.12.16 9857.3.17 381 7.8.1ra 19 7.11.5 128 7.12.19 6577.3.17ra 82 7.8.2 59 7.11.5ra 4 7.12.37 1507.3.18 48 7.11.1 9809 7.11.10 277 Dist 1437.3.18ra 17 7.11.1ra 950 7.11.10ra 269 Clear 33Japoon National Park Feral pigs Tropical rainforest on basalt7.3.10ra 0 7.11.1ra 32 7.11.4ra 3 Dist 07.3.17ra 0 7.11.4 1 7.11.10 1Kurrimine Beach National Fire,Coastal wetland on sand swale and dune systemParkDrainage7.1.1 73 7.2.3 68 7.3.5 521 7.3.10 17.1.2 4 7.2.3x2 12 7.3.6 2 7.3.17 07.2.1 114 7.2.4 57 7.3.7 2 Clear 17.2.2 0Maria Creek National ParkFire,Drainage,Saltwater incursion on freshwater wetland systemCoastal wetland,Large expanse of mangroves7.1.1 292 7.3.4 2 7.3.7 262 7.3.22 167.1.3 13 7.3.5 59 7.3.7rs 7 7.11.1 07.2.1 2 7.3.5rs 3 7.3.8 10 7.12.1 17.2.3 2 7.3.6 13 7.3.10 25 Clear 27.2.4 3 7.3.6rs 3 7.3.10ra 1Meingan CreekConservation Park 7.8.1 26 7.8.1ra 41Moresby Range NationalParkMount Mackay ForestReserveFeral pigs, Tourism development adjoining the parkSpectacular scenic amenityCoastal range lowland rainforestCassowary habitat.7.1.1 3 7.3.5 6 7.3.10ra 0 7.11.1 4177.2.1 2 7.3.6 0 7.3.11 0 7.11.10 07.2.4 1 7.3.10 44 7.3.17 11 7.11.18 167.3.3 237.11.1 2 7.11.1ra 031

Table 2.1.1d (continued) - The Shire's Protected AreasProtected AreaManagement IssuesConservation SignificanceRE Area (ha) RE Area (ha) RE Area (ha) RE Area (ha)Mount Myrtle ForestReserve 7.3.10 0 7.11.1 170 Disturbed 2 Clear 07.3.17 1 7.11.4 3Palmerston ForestReserveTam O’Shanter ForestReserveFeral pigs,Weeds - guinea grassTourism visitationRainforest,Cassowary habitat7.8.1 4563 7.11.1 722 7.11.12 1616 7.12.16 2147.8.1ra 30 7.11.1ra 30 7.11.21 5 7.12.19 12127.8.2 20 7.11.10 6 7.12.1 8300 7.12.37 40177.8.4 254 7.11.10ra 7 7.12.9 1Feral pigs,Cassowary habitatTourist visitation7.3.4 71 7.3.17ra 5 7.11.5 6 7.12.5 117.3.8 0 7.3.22ra 12 7.11.19 19 7.12.24 77.3.10 7 7.11.1 1038 7.12.1 841 7.12.29 17.3.10ra 12 7.11.4 25 7.12.1ra 5 Clear 67.3.17 20Walter Hill RangeConservation Park 7.3.10 10 7.11.1 49 Disturbed 14 Clear 87.3.17 23WooroonooranNational ParkPalmerston RocksNational ParkRainforest encroachment and fire management in E. Grandisstands,Feral pigs,Weeds - Harungana, Sanchezie, Lantana, Guinea grass,Thunbergia Tourism visitationTropical rainforest on granite and basalt soils,Relict Eucalyptus grandis.Remnant of the Mulgrave river flood plain systemCatchment Northern Johnstone RiverCassowary habitat7.3.10 99 7.8.1 5876 7.11.1ra 2 7.11.21 07.3.22ra 2 7.8.1ra 12 7.11.4 5 7.12.1 6297.3.25 40 7.8.2 1697 7.11.10 392 Clear 47.3.28 192 7.11.1 6757 7.11.12 1627Feral pigs,Scenic features includes large basalt rocks,Weeds - lantana, guinea grasswaterfallDisturbed 10.03Landscape ConnectivityConnectivity of vegetation is best described visually, asdepicted in Figure 2.1.1a. This describes overallconnectivity at the large scale of the entire Shire. Withinthe large scale there are also isolated remnant patches,which are under pressure from fragmentation.Connectivity in the Shire is very good along the westernFigure 2.1.1a - Connectivity in the ShireSource: JSCside; only the Palmerston highway breaks this continuity inthe WHA. The eastern edge is also mostly continuous,however there are coastal urban areas that break this up.A problem for connectivity in the Shire on the large scale ismovement from coast to range, and vice versa. Large tractsof agricultural land form formidable barriers to themovement of fauna. The Basilisk Range is a potentialstepping-stone which will benefit from revegetation to reestablishconnectivity. The Shire's riparian areas aresimilarly useful to establish linkages between natural areas.Rivers can also be a barrier, but these are passable formany fauna a relatively short distance upstream. Rivers areonly a problem for fauna where vegetative connectivitydoes not exist far enough upstream, for example nearInnisfail.The Biodiversity Strategy (2003) describes areas whererevegetation and land management can promoteconnectivity by establishing or maintaining corridorsbetween natural areas.QPWS have a land acquisition program to purchase land.This is aimed at blocks that expand the existing protectedareas, particularly where connectivity is promoted.32

Responses to Clearing, Fragmentationand ConnectivityResponses to declining ecosystem areas and integrity taketwo forms - preservation and restoration.PreservationProtected Areas on State LandNational Parks and WHAPreservation has been assured for most of the vegetation inthe Shire by the creation of the WHA protected areas.QPWS is developing a new maintenance system for thereserves in the region. This plan will identify maintenanceareas, in order to better direct funding.Due to a handover of State Forest Reserves to QPWS(described below) the management required for land areashas effectively doubled, with no extra QPWS staff. NormalQPWS custodial management is expected for these extraareas. Also, increased usage of a number of currentvisitation sites is expected to rise with the development ofthe Ma:mu Canopy Walkway.It is expected that QPWS will have to scale up itsworkforce in the future in order to deal with these extramanagement requirements.Rec: QPWS allocate extra staff in order to increasemanagement capability for additional protected areas -QPWSFigure - 2.1.1b State Forest Transfer AreasSource: EPA Website (2005)Wet Tropics State Forest TransferA number of State forests are being handed over to theQPWS for management. Also to be transferred are areas ofUnallocated State Land, formerly used for State forest andtimber reserve.In the Shire all these areas will become National Park, butsome very small areas for mining extraction (quarries) maystill continue to exist. The areas undergoing the changes inthe Shire are shown in Figure 2.1.1b and include:• Alcock Forest Reserve• The Basilisk Range• Japoon Forest Reserve• Mount Myrtle Forest Reserve• Mt Chalmynia• Palmerston Forest Reserve• Tam O'Shanter Forest ReserveThe process represents the finalisation of the process ofcommitment to conservation of natural areas in the WHA."The transfer of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area stateforests will finalise a long-standing commitment by theQueensland Government to provide a secure and high levelconservation tenure for the significant lands within andadjacent to the internationally renowned Wet TropicsWorld Heritage Area" (EPA Website, 2005).The implications of these changes are the increase in areafor management by the QPWS. For the public the activitiesallowed on these areas of land will change. Horse ridingwill no longer be allowed in the changed areas except alongthe Bicentennial National Trail or on gazetted roadsthrough parks.Council ReservesNo current management is ongoing for ecosystems onCouncil Reserves. Some protection is afforded underVegetation Management Act legislation, and the Land Act,which defines the uses allowed on the land. An audit of theenvironmental values of Council's reserves is required todetermine whether the level of protection afforded properlyreflects the environmental values at the site. Appropriatemanagement and priorities need to be determined.Protecting Ecosystem Areas on Private LandLegislation and a number of programs exist to encouragethe protection of native vegetation on private land.Vegetation Management ActIn 2004 radical steps were taken under legislation to endland clearing in Queensland. The Vegetation ManagementAct (VMA 1999) underwent amendment through theVegetation Management and Other LegislationAmendment Act 2004. Previously only vegetation in'Endangered' and 'Of Concern' regional ecosystems wereprotected. With the amendment, all remnant nativevegetation is protected from clearing, so also includes 'Notof Concern' vegetation." The purpose of this Act is to regulate the clearing ofvegetation in a way that—(a) conserves the following—(i) remnant endangered regional ecosystems;33

(ii) remnant of concern regionalecosystems;(iii) remnant not of concernregional ecosystems; and(b) conserves vegetation in declaredareas; and(c) ensures the clearing does not causeland degradation; and(d) prevents the loss of biodiversity; and(e) maintains ecological processes; and(f) manages the environmental effectsof the clearing to achieve the mattersmentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e);and(g) reduces greenhouse gas emissions."(VMA, 1999)Johnstone Shire Council has EPA Herbarium mapping ofregional ecosystems in the Shire. Council incorporates thisinformation into its Shire Planning and approvals process.Persons can enquire as to the status of vegetation on theirproperty, or on land to be purchased. NR&M are the Statebody responsible for this role.Voluntary Conservation Covenants through CouncilThe Johnstone Shire Council has been actively promotingconservation of native vegetation on private/freehold landthrough covenants that incorporate incentives such as ratediscounts, bonus development rights, and technicalassistance from Council staff. The Vegetation ManagementAct (VMA 1999) status of vegetation determines Council’sconservation covenant scheme, though other factors such ascassowary habitat are included. Only defined areas in theShire are able to access the covenant scheme.The scheme has always operated to protect only those areasof vegetation that are not already protected under Statelegislation. With the 2004 amendment to the VMA almostall vegetation is now already protected. Exceptions areregrowth areas, and revegetation areas. New covenants canonly be applied to these types of vegetation.However, it should be noted that the VMA is Statelegislation and potentially subject to future amendments,particularly with a change of government representingdifferent interests. Council will re-evaluate the covenantsystem in light of the new VMA legislation during 2004, butcurrent covenants should be maintained in the interest of thespirit of the agreement, which is to ensure that vegetationshould be preserved in perpetuity. This is not guaranteed byState legislation.Table 2.1.1d shows the properties and areas under covenantor bonus development. There is some variation betweenyears, as occasionally properties rescind from the schemeand repay Council the deferred rates. Back pay owing plusinterest, to a maximum of ten years, is required.Table 2.1.1d - Status of Council's ConservationCovenants at the end of 2004Rate DeferralsBonus Development54 properties 16 properties1503.4 hectares 399.9 hectaresSource: WTMARec: Council continue to honour existing covenants andrate deferral agreements with landholders, and operatecovenant and bonus development rights where applicableto regrowth vegetation and revegetation initiatives - CouncilRate Discount Conservation CovenantThe Conservation Covenant benefits the landholder bygranting a rate deferral on a ten-year rolling amount for thearea of land under conservation (to maximum of 90% ofthe land). The discount varies between 20 – 60% off eachyear’s rates (but only for the percentage of land undercovenant), but can go to 100% for areas of exceptionalhabitat quality or significance. The Program also offersland management assistance to landholders especially withweed management and other natural resource issues such asappropriate fire management.The % of rate deferral for eligible areas is as follows:Critical habitat* - 60%Important habitat - 55%Important Corridor/linkage - 50%Potentially Critical/Important - 45%Natural habitat/corridor and linkage corridor/habitat - 40%Potential linkage corridor/habitat - 20%* This may be increased in particular circumstances withCouncil Approval - for especial sitesBonus Development RightsThe other aspect of the program is the Bonus DevelopmentRights under the Shire Planning Scheme. A significantinitiative of the current Shire Planning Scheme is providingfor additional bonus development rights on land in the ruralconservation zone. (The rural conservation zones areshown in the Shire Plan - available on the JSC website)These rights allow appropriate development that iscompatible with the conservation value of the land, whilstnot restricting the agricultural use if that is the landholder’spreference. The program also offers land managementassistance to landholders especially with weedmanagement. If a developer has a block that has significantnatural habitat on the block (usually classified as Rural/Conservation), their normal rights are rural (i.e. agriculture)and one house. With bonus development rights they canapply to do more intensive development on the clearedparts of the site by putting the natural habitat under a34

conservation covenant.This can includes examples such as:• Subdivision one bonus (additional) block per 5 ha ofhabitat put into conservation to a maximum of 4bonuses.• Additional house - again one bonus per 5 ha habitat to amax of four bonuses.• More intense development - Backpackers, Eco-tourismtype development. For example, a rural conservationblock in the Mission Beach area put 90% of the block inconservation and developed an Ecotourism typeaccommodation facility. The area is classified ascritical habitat. The remaining 10% was set aside fordevelopment but in reality only a quarter of that hasactually been used for development.WTMA CovenantsTwo covenants with the Wet Tropics ManagementAuthority (WTMA) exist on properties at Bingil Bay. Thearea of these is approximately 30 hectares. The WTMA ispresently encouraging landowners to utilise the ShireCouncil for covenants.Land for WildlifeLand for Wildlife agreements are another incentive topromote the conservation of vegetation on private land.Landholders receive expert advice to assist them inmanaging and conserving native vegetation and fauna.At the end of 2004 there were eight Land for Wildlifeproperties in the Shire. The total vegetation on this landhad an area of 218.9 hectares.Australian Rainforest FoundationThe Australian Rainforest Foundation is a not for profitorganisation that is working towards establishing acontinuous length of connectivity between Cairns andCardwell. So far, two 15 hectare blocks have beenpurchased at Mission Beach. The blocks have since beensold to private owners, but with over 95% of their areassealed under State covenants. These covenants completelyrestrict development in the conservation area and areperpetual.RestorationRevegetation and RehabilitationThe Revegetation Unit is responsible for the majority ofrevegetation and rehabilitation work conducted in theShire, either directly, or through the provision of technicaladvice to landholders. Staff to perform the core duties isprovided through Council, but the majority of the wagesare funded through the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT).Surrounding the staff are almost a hundred volunteers,willing to assist at the nursery or with planting days.The NHT has funded the majority of the work currentlybeing undertaken in the Johnstone Shire. Council hasundertaken most of this work, along with the invaluableefforts of community group involvement.In 2004/2005 revegetation projects were undertaken in thefollowing areas:Revegetation and RehabilitationRehabilitation does not have to specifically deal withtraditional revegetation techniques, it can involve acombination of strategies that enhance and promote theestablishment of native vegetation. A successfulrehabilitation project will almost certainly involve acombination of remnant rehabilitation, enrichment planting,revegetation and promotion of natural regeneration throughstrategic weed control. An integration of severalrehabilitation techniques minimises costs, leads to richerspecies diversity and quicker site capture.Costs for traditional revegetation projects average around$15,000 per hectare but can be as little as $6,000 to $7,000.The actual cost ultimately depends on how much in-kindsupport can be received for the project. In-kind support canbe provided by volunteers in the form of labour, or where alandholder undertakes work to prepare or maintain theproposed rehabilitation site.The more in-kind support received the further the dollargoes. In fact, for every dollar of NHT funding providedthere is about two dollars of in kind support provided by thecommunity and/or local government. Without this support,revegetation would simply not occur in the Wet Tropicsarea.Projects the Revegetation Unit received funding for:35

• Moresby River Catchment (Boogan)• Sapelli's Riparian reinstatement (Liverpool Creek)• North Johnstone River Stabilisation (WaddaPlantations)• South Johnstone River Stabilisation (Kalbo)• Spurwood Springs Wildlife Corridor (Mena Creek)• Garners Beach Critical Linkage (Midgeree Bar Road)• Johnstone Community Vegetation InitiativeProjects undertaken in partnership with community groups:• McCarthy’s Wildlife corridor• Berner Creek rehabilitation (Nerada/East Palmerston)• Nawala revegetation project (El Arish)A large proportion of the work over time has been donewithin the Liverpool Creek catchment, with a priority beingthe completion of the Liverpool Creek section of thecoastal wildlife corridor. The linkage between the BasiliskRange and Cowley Beach along Liverpool Creek wasidentified as a priority area in the Wet Tropics CoastalWildlife Report (2000). It continues to be addressedthrough Council's Biodiversity Strategy (2003).In 2005 the revegetation unit will be looking to finishseveral long-term projects. Funding applications will besubmitted to finish the Liverpool Creek section of theCoastal Wildlife Corridor, which when complete willprovide an unbroken linkage between coast and theBasilisk range. Work will be continuing in the Moresbycatchment to improve water quality and to provide alinkage between Mourilyan Harbour and the BasiliskRange. Work that has been done on Daru Creek and theMoresby River has been highly successful so far and hasgreatly reduced Para grass infestations in thosewatercourses.Another project being developed is a major Streamrehabilitation project between the Johnstone Shire Council,Ma:Mu, Community Development and EmploymentProgram (CDEP), Johnstone Shire River ImprovementTrust (JSRIT), the Johnstone River CatchmentManagement Association (JRCMA), and local landholders.This project will rehabilitate priority areas along LiverpoolCreek and the North and South Johnstone Rivers.Priorities for future revegetation will follow the goalsoutlined in the Biodiversity Strategy, in order to integrateand coordinate effort.Revegetation Nursery and Volunteers:Volunteer attendance at the Revegetation Nursery hasincreased, and averages between 20-30 volunteers everyThursday. Volunteers also attend on Wednesdays as part ofthe Federal Government’s Green Reserve Program.The volunteers have contributed greatly to the revegetationprogram by propagating large amounts of plants witharound 1,800 trees being potted up every Thursdaymorning, which equates to close to 90,000 trees per year.Community Support for rehabilitation projects has grownand the majority of landholders are willing to be involved.In the past, property owners were wary of revegetationgroups' motives for planting trees. This change is due to theongoing hard work of Council staff, and of communitygroups to promote the benefits of protecting and enhancingbiodiversity. This has had positive results not only for theenvironment but also for the landholder. Revegetation cancontribute economically to many farms by providingshelter for crops, reducing rat damage, and can be a longtermsolution to weed infestations along headlands andareas of unused land.In this way revegetation has become an incentive due to thelarge amount of support and interest it has created amongstthe local community.One project that has been instrumental in this paradigmshift is the Johnstone Shire Community VegetationInitiative. This has been a continuing project that issupported by the Bushcare program, and providesassistance to landholders wishing to undertake small-scalerehabilitation work on their property. The JohnstoneCommunity Vegetation Initiative has entered its fifthconsecutive year with some landholders being involved inthe project since it was started.One of the major goals of the vegetation initiative programis to build capacity within the community to undertakerehabilitation projects. The program aims to provideparticipants with experience in planning and undertakingrehabilitation work on their property. The programaddresses revegetation at a property scale whereapplication for government funding would be hardlyworthwhile. Sites are approved after assessment bytechnical staff, to make sure they fit certain criteria. Theseinclude the nature of the project and whether it addressesspecific environmental issues, and the landholder's abilityto undertake and complete revegetation works. Trees willnot be provided for amenity plantings, or plantings that areused for profit, eg. windbreaks, timber production.Revegetation Unit staff provide technical advice on speciesselection and placement, site preparation, weedmanagement and maintenance. The Revegetation Unitprovides no on-ground labour for the establishment of thetrees; landholders are encouraged to involve communitygroups such as LandCare, Revegetation Volunteers orScouts in their project.Rec: The revegetation unit continue restoration andrehabilitation according to the objectives outlined in theBiodiversity Strategy - CouncilRainforest Orchids36

2.1.2 Roads andInfrastructurePressureRoads and infrastructure such as powerlinesimpact upon floral biodiversity by creatinggaps in the connectivity of forests and otherecosystems. This creates an edge to theecosystem, which alters themicroenvironment. Consequently, differentspecies are promoted, which alters the ecosystem'scomposition. A greater problem is the incursion of weedsand pest animals along the cleared avenue. Further, in somecases endangered species such as cassowaries may beattracted to road verges because of fruiting weeds, placingthe species at greater risk of being struck by a car.Roads can form a significant barrier to the movement offauna, either because they will avoid the road, or becausecars on the road cause mortality, affecting the species’population. Animals may need to cross the road to feed,establish new territories, to breed, or to migrate as part oftheir lifecycle. Otherwise they may simply encounter roadareas randomly during daily movements.Infrastructure associated with roads can also form a physicalbarrier to some species, particularly where roads bisectstreams. This is the case when stream drainage is divertedthrough pipes emptying above the downstream water level.This can prevent aquatic species from occupying their fullrange.Power line corridors are usually grassed areas where theypass through areas of forest, so that the lines can be accessedfor maintenance. The difference in habitat can affect somespecies, either because they avoid it, or because the openarea makes them more vulnerable to predators.ConditionDetailed information is not collected for the impact of roadson any species except for Cassowaries. C4 and QPWSrecord cassowary road deaths and map these incidents toidentify trouble spots.Some information is available for other species• Through Council clean up of large roadkills – mainlykangaroos and wallabies, but also feral pigs - based onreported dead animals by the public.• Through wildlife care groups who nurse injured animals -when they are reported or brought in.This information will only be a small subjective sample ofactual number of incidents.WTMAThe only changes that have occurred to maintained roads andtheir classification under the Wet Tropics Management Planhave been to forestry roads in the Palmerston WHA in 2003."These changes were associated with the Misty MountainsTrails project which provides a network of short and longdistance walks. Two sections of road were reclassified underthe plan to facilitate access to the walking track networkincluding the reopening of 4km of disused forestry road andthe reclassifying of 4km of management road to presentationrestricted road" (WTMA, 2004).Red legged Pademelons at WildcareSource: WildcareThe impact associated with these changes will be minimal,and will encourage better appreciation and utilisation of theWHA.PowerlinkPowerlink are replacing the deteriorating power linetravelling through the WHA, with a line along the coastthrough mainly agricultural land. An Environment ImpactAssessment (EIA) was conducted, with a balance soughtbetween environmental issues and serious communityconcerns, as well as the difficulty of maintaining a powerline service in the topography of the WHA. The EIA wasreferred to the Federal Department of Environment andHeritage, who have given Powerlink permission toconstruct the power line along the coastal route."Powerlink expects to acquire easements between Tullyand Innisfail by April 2006, with construction expected tocommence in May 2006 (subject to suitable weather).Construction should be completed by the second half of2007" (Powerlink Website, 2005).Revegetation in the WHA will accompany dismantling ofthe old infrastructure. These revegetation plans are yet to bedeveloped through community consultation andinvolvement from WHA stakeholders.Rec: Powerlink develop a strategic approach to ensurecomplete revegetation over time and restoration of WHAnatural values, upon removal of power line infrastructure inthe WHA.ResponseWhere it is noted that a road is affecting significantnumbers of a species or a number of species, managementis required to help prevent the problem. This for examplecould include changing speed limits, or weed control ofroad verges.Mission Beach Wildcare and Wildlife CarersThese organisations tend injured wildlife, and raiseorphaned animals. The majority of their work withmammals is due to collisions with cars, though dog attacksare also a factor.QPWSQPWS currently manage temporary signage, which isplaced where cassowaries are reported to regularly cross aroad. This is more effective than permanent signage, asdrivers gradually come to ignore such signage when theydo not often see a cassowary.37

Department of Main RoadsResponse from the Department of Main Roads has beenexemplary in responding to this conservation issue, with theMission Beach-El Arish Road undergoing extensive work tominimise the risk of cassowary road death. C4 have reported,upon implementation of these changes, that cassowarymortality on the road was greatly reduced (Hervey, 2003 pers.comm).The Department of Main Roads have a code of practice for theWet Tropics to minimise environmental impacts during roadmaintenance.CouncilCouncil manages all of the Shire's roads, other than privatelyowned roads, and State roads such as the highway and majorconnections.There have been no new roads created or roads closed inrecent years, but Council does continuously upgrade existingroads, within the constraints of its budget. Council alsodetermines speed limits, which can be raised where roads areupgraded. This potentially affects wildlife where roads passthrough natural areas.Council erects cassowary signs and other wildlife signagewhere appropriate. Further work is required to determinewhether there are significant risks to other species in the Shirefrom roads, but at present this is not considered likely. Actionwill be required if endangered or otherwise at risk species areidentified as affected. There is a need for connectivitybetween natural areas at a number of critical locations wherewildlife corridors are being established. Where these wildlifeconnective corridors cross roads, work is required to raisedriver awareness, reduce speeds or to provide a wildlifetunnel.Progress is currently ongoing in developing a Wildlife RoadManagement Plan for Council, to complement theBiodiversity Strategy.Rec: A Wildlife Road Management Plan be completed byCouncil, and implemented in conjunction with QPWS, theDepartment of Main Roads, ERGON, Powerlink, and otherstakeholders. Council implement the recommendationsdetermined for Local Government roads - Council, QPWS,Department of Main Roads, ERGON, Powerlink2.1.3 Alteration to Water Tables andNatural Drainage - Wetland Losses(Issues affecting stream flow and water levels in the Shire'swaterways and watertable are covered in the Water andAtmosphere chapter, section 2 - water quantity and demand.PressurePermanent alteration to the watertable and to natural drainagesystems threatens remaining habitats on the coastal plain.This area is naturally poorly drained, properly resulting inwetland ecosystems.Much of the native vegetation on the coastal plain has beencleared for agriculture and the land has then been subjected tomajor drainage works. These drainage works have led toalteration of the watertable, which has changed the dynamicsof the vegetation. This is unfortunately a common problemthroughout coastal Australia.In Johnstone Shire many of the endangered ecosystems (seeTable 2.1.1c) are those that previously covered the lowlands,particularly the wetland ecosystems. A priority exists toprotect wetlands against further impacts from drainagealteration, and also from water allocation for human usage.Most of the endangered ecosystems in the Shire are protectedin reserves, but these areas can still be affected by changes toupstream drainage and water supply. This also applies toecosystems on private land.An associated problem with drainage is acid sulphate soils.These soil become acidic when exposed to the air, forexample when the water table is lowered by drainage. Theacidity raises pH in receiving waters, which can impactadversely on aquatic organisms.The absence of regular fire regimes is another factor currentlyaffecting wetland hydrology. Excess build-up of leaf litterover time blocks channels and raises the ground level. Whensaltwater intrusion occurs, especially during king tides, thesalt remains stored in this leaf litter rather than being flushedout again, adversely affecting the freshwater vegetation. Fireevents normally remove the excess leaf litter, unclogging thewetland system.The extent of wetlands in the Shire is very important becauseEubenangee Swamp38

of the vital role they play in determining water quality. TheShire's wetlands used to be floodwater retention basins.This meant that they both slowed movement of and storedlarge volumes of water during excess rainfall, and helpedfilter sediments and nutrients from the water. Wetlandshave further important functions as fishery habitat/nurseryareas, and food source areas for fish.Since their destruction, runoff volumes have increased, andlower reaches of the river are subject to increasedsedimentation and increased flooding. The removal ofwetlands is an important part of the cause of sediment andnutrient problems affecting the Great Barrier Reef.Figure 2.1.3a - Changes to Wetlands in the JohnstoneRivers Catchment between 1951 and 1993Source: Russell and Hales (1993)Note: Scale depicted in the key does not apply hereIncreased sedimentation and flooding have impacts uponthe urban riparian areas in the Shire's towns, especiallyInnisfail, which is now looking at dredging its riverbeds.Historically, these river reaches were deep enough to allowfor large shipping. Now these reaches are so shallow theypose flood threats to urban areas.ConditionExtensive work has been conducted into the historicalrange of wetlands in the Shire (Russell and Hales 1993,Russell et al. 1996, Russell and Hales 1997). Work wasconducted for all four catchments in the Shire.They estimated the following changes to vegetation in theJohnstone Rivers catchment between 1951/2 and 1992(Table 2.1.3a). The areas were progressively cleared,drained and utilised for urban areas, agriculturalproduction, and grazing. The changes are also visuallyrepresented in Figure 2.1.3a.Table 2.1.3a - Changes to Wetland Vegetation Types inthe Johnstone Rivers CatchmentSource: Russell and Hales (1993)(Hectares) 1951 1992%changeMangroves 176 202 + 15%Melaleuca forests 1277 282 - 78%Mixed Melaleucacommunities462 258 - 44%Palm/Pandanus 439 160 - 64%Freshwater swamp/reeds 499 225 - 55%Total 2853 1127 - 60%The total area of wetlands in the Johnstone catchmentdecreased by approximately 60% over the 41 year period.All of the net losses were as the result of the reclamation offreshwater (non-mangrove) wetlands. The most significantlosses were of Melaleuca forest (78%) particularly to thesouth of the estuary, in the Ninds Creek Catchment. MixedMelaleuca communities also declined about 44%. Theother major freshwater wetland categories, palm/pandanusand freshwater swamp/reeds, were reduced by 64% and55% respectively. Freshwater wetlands to the north andwest of the river confluence have almost completelydisappeared. There was slight increase in the total area ofmangroves due mainly to colonisation on the southernforeshore and at the mouth of Ninds Creek. Drainage andreclamation works continue to threaten the remainingsection of the Ninds Creek wetland area.39

Figure 2.1.3b - Changes to Wetlands in the Moresby Catchmentbetween 1951 and 1993—Source: Russell and Hales (1996)Figure 2.1.3b from Russell and Hales (1996)describes wetland losses between 1951 and 1992in the Moresby catchment. The most obviousimpact is the direct loss of rainforest wetland.Also marked is the loss of freshwater Melaleucawetland, in this case under transition tomangroves. Wet sclerophyll forest, neverextensive, has been reduced by approximatelyhalf. There has been a similar loss to the sedgepandanus vegetation.The phenomenon of freshwater wetlands intransition to estuarine mangroves indicates thatthe hydrology of the wetland area has beensignificantly altered, allowing a greaterincursion of salt-water conditions. It has beensuggested that deepening of the harbour,sedimentation, or changes to land drainage arepossible causes.Russell and Hales (1997) also studied theLiverpool and Maria Creek Catchments. Acomparison with records of historical wetlandswas not possible. Therefore reduction in thetotal area of wetlands is not detailed in thestudy. The lesser extent of transitional wetlandsindicates that changes to hydrology in thesecatchments may not have been as great.Table 2.1.3c - Wetland Vegetation Types inthe Liverpool and Maria Creeks CatchmentsSource: Russell and Hales (1997)LiverpoolMaria(ha)(ha)Mangroves 121 407Saltpan 10 0Transitional 1 15Freshwater swamps/ 74 196lagoonsMelaleuca 154 836Mixed Melaleuca 31 655Total 391 2109Tidal and Freshwater Wetland VegetationVery large changes have affected the non-tidalwetland areas of the catchments. These haveexperienced extensive clearing and drainage foragriculture.The tidal reach of the rivers has increased,supporting more species such as mangroves andother species tolerant of estuarine water. This isdue to lessened areas of tidal catchment, part ofwhich have been sealed off with levees,resulting in tidal saltwater intrusion higherupstream (rather than to what were widesaltwater wetland areas). Decreased flowvolumes from agricultural water usageexacerbates this effect, particular during dryperiods - allowing extended incursions of saltwater further upstream to affect naturallyfreshwater species. This can be seen in the Shireby the formation of transitional areas (Russell40

and Hales 1997) where freshwater Melaleucastands have died, and mangroves are establishingin amongst the dead trees.The ecological function of saltwater wetlandscompared to freshwater wetlands can also beexpected to vary. Saltwater wetlands withmangroves may have different capacities fornutrient recycling than swathes of grass andsedges in freshwater wetlands.Current LegislationMost remaining wetlands in the Shire are underprotection as remnant vegetation areas. The WaterAct (2000) also deems some areas a 'lake' if theyhave a defined bed and bank, with continual waterlevels. Work permits are required from NR&Mfor any alteration to the bed or bank. A fewsporadic patches exist that are outside this protection, nearMission Beach and Mourilyan. These are bulkuru wetlandsites that do not have well defined bed or banks, and areperiodically inundated during the wet season, but are also dryfor part of the year. It is possible for local government tonominate a region for declaration as a 'Drainage andEmbankment Area' under the Water Act (2000) to furtherprotect wetlands, but aside from the few bulkuru locations onprivate land, this would have little value in the Shire; mostareas are either gone already or are under other protection.Whilst large areas of the remaining wetlands are withinprotected areas and cannot be cleared, they are stillvulnerable to further changes to drainage. In theory, diversionof water in a catchment may affect the wetland hydrology.There is no regulation preventing alteration of drainagediverting water away from a watercourse. NR&M onlyregulate drainage causing an impact to the stream bank orvegetation at the location where it empties into the naturalstream. QPWS operate on a systems of 'good neighbour'agreements with landholders surrounding the wetland areas.Water allocation issues will also continue to affect therepresentation of freshwater wetlands. Water allocation isfurther discussed in the Water and Atmosphere chapter (linkto water allocation). It is important that ecological function ofwetland areas be incorporated into water allocation planning.Rec: Water allocation requires determination with regard towetland ecosystems in the catchment. A water resourceplan be completed by NR&M by 2008 - NR&MRec: Council and other groups promote preservation andrestoration of wetland ecosystems - Council, Landcare,NR&M, DPI&F, Innisfail City Wetlands SteeringCommittee, JSRIT, JRCMAResponseBulkuru (Elaeocharis dulcis) swampCouncil's focus should be to encourage and prioritise therestoration of wetland areas where possible in the Shire.These areas will return great ecological values to thecatchments. Benefits will be the provision of additionalhabitat of this restricted type, of wetland ecologicalfunction in reducing pollution to waterways, and also inacting as flood retention areas.Work by the Innisfail City Wetlands Steering Committeemay result in the restoration of natural drainage to restore awetland area adjacent to the town. Whilst this is acomparatively small area, the project will help to promotefurther work towards protecting and re-establishingwetland ecosystems elsewhere in the Shire.To be promoted to landholders, along with development ofcapacity by Council's revegetation unit, is restoring 'miniwetland'areas on properties in the Shire. These areenvisioned as small-scale lagoons, built at an affordablecost, that provide an ecological role in removing nutrientsand sediments from runoff. The area is also beneficial ashabitat for wildlife and can provide amenity for recreationand fishing. Where small isolated wetlands do exist onprivate land in the Shire there is scope for improvementworks, and possible linkage connections.The Innisfail City Wetlands will be of great benefit inproviding a pilot model for this type of work.QPWSQPWS is active in acquiring private land adjacent tonational park or where linkages between natural areas canbe created. A particular focus is given to wetland areas inthe Shire, due to the number of endangered wetlandTable 2.1.3d - Changes to Catchment Wetland Areas - Tidal and Non-tidal VegetationSource: adapted from Zeller (1998) and Russell and Hales (1997)Johnstone Moresby Year Liverpool MariaNon-tidal(ha)Tidal(ha)Non-tidal(ha)Tidal(ha)Non-tidal(ha)Tidal(ha)1951/2 2677 176 3363 22331992 925 202 1175 2873Net change -1752 +26 -2188 +640% Change -65.4% +14.8% -65% +29%Non-tidal(ha)1997 259 132 1687 422Tidal(ha)41

ecosystems.A large area was purchased adjacent to EubenangeeSwamp, to increase the wetland. This was previouslypastureland and is under restoration with large areas ofrevegetation. Land containing part of upper Nind's Creekwas also purchased, adjacent to the Moresby Range.QPWS negotiates opportunities to purchase parts of land,or to come to arrangements with landholders wherewetlands on private lands require management in tandemwith adjacent protected areas. QPWS currently maintainlevees downstream from some freshwater wetland parks tomaintain the water level.Rec: Identify critical wetland areas for restoration to assistin floodwater retention and to filter nutrients - Council,JRCMA, JSRITRec: Promote restoration of wetland areas on floodplains byrestoring natural drainage and revegetating - Council,JSRIT, Drainage Boards, JRCMARec: Re-establish wetland areas where possible incooperation with private landholders - Drainage Boards,JSRIT, QPWS, NR&M, CouncilRec Improve protection of the water allocation required forwetland ecosystems - NR&MRec: Source funding to establish wetland areas andsediment traps in conjunction with Drainage Boards -Council, JRCMA, Landcare, JSRIT2.1.4 Inappropriate Fire RegimesPressureLarge-scale changes of dry sclerophyll woodlandecosystems to rainforest mesophyll ecosystems areoccurring throughout the Wet Tropics bioregion as a directresult of altered fire regimes. Lack of fire has resulted inchanges to forest structure and species composition to theextent that some fire dependent habitats and species maybecome extinct (NRMB, 2000). Many of these changeshave occurred in the last 30 years and are often irreversible.To a lesser extent fire has been responsible for loss ofrainforest, particularly on steep hill slopes adjoiningcultivated or urban areas (Goosem et al, 1999). Themajority of the endangered ecosystems identified inCouncil’s Biodiversity Strategy (2003) are dependent onfire for natural regeneration.There are a number of these vegetation types present onprivate land, especially in the Granadilla Road area and theBasilisk Range. Apart from ecological concerns there aresafety concerns - many of these vegetation types are firepromoting, and in the absence of regular burning may posea significant risk to surrounding properties should fuelloads be allowed to build up to excessive amounts.The hydrology in wetlands can also be dependent on fire.Fire removes built up leaf litter and organic matter whichblocks channels and raises the ground level in the wetland.Nutrients are thus also cycled out of the system - to theatmosphere rather than out to sea. This reduces nutrientexport to the reef.Patches lost to rainforest have serious ecologicalA magnificent Eucalyptus grandis in what is now becomingrainforest. Fire maintains the presence of this type of sclerophyllvegetation.consequences for small mammal wildlife. Small marsupialsand native rodents typically require grasses for seeds. Thegrasses are shaded out when rainforest replaces thesclerophyll trees like eucalypts and acacias.ConditionFire regimes in the Shire have been completely altered sincethe advent of European settlement. Currently there are noregional fire management plans, though QPWS do conductperiodic burning in some of the National Parks. The needfor fire regimes on private land has not been addressed,though this is identified as a priority in Council'sBiodiversity Strategy (2003).A negative perception by the public of controlled burninghas been proven during controlled burns by QPWS in 2003-2004. This is in contrast to most other areas in Australiawhere concern over fuel loads, and awareness of theecological function of fire is prevalent. Most vegetation inthe Wet Tropics is not fire dependent so there has beenlimited public exposure to controlled burning regimes.Education is required to improve public awareness of theecological necessity for controlled burning.ResponseQPWSQPWS conduct prescribed burns in National Park areaswhere the rejuvenation of vegetation is dependent on fire.42

These include areas where rainforest is encroaching ondrier forest, and where the ecosystem requires fire toregenerate and reproduce.QPWS have been focusing fire management in wetlandsystems including Eubenangee Swamp, and at the back ofMaria Creek. These burns are timed to minimise risks, andto maximise the floristic response.Fire regimes have proved extremely successful at HullRiver outside the Shire, with unexpected further benefits.This resulted from the burning away of decades-deep leaflitter in the wetland. As a result the ground level droppedby almost a metre, completely restoring natural hydrologyto the area.The wetland at Kurrimine currently suffers from a similarproblem exacerbated by salinity incursion. This is becausethe compact leaf litter retains salt from king tides. Byburning this accumulated material a natural hydrologicalregime will be re-established to flush salt incursions backout of the system. Fire is an essential component inmaintaining both the floristic and hydrologicalcharacteristics of some wetland areas in the Shire.In recent years there has been large public concern aboutfire management, mainly from local residents when burningis taking place in their area. QPWS plan to promoteeducation on fire regimes and the necessity for fire forsustaining particular ecosystem types.CouncilIt is one of the recommendations of the Council’sBiodiversity Strategy (2003) that fire management plans aredeveloped for the Shire and appropriate technical advice issought on appropriate fire regimes for each of the regionalecosystems identified in the Strategy. Coordination withQPWS and Indigenous groups will be required, to establisha strategy that is appropriate in frequency and location.Council revegetation unit staff members require training incontrolled burning.Fire can also be valuable tool in the control of a number ofweeds. One example is Pond apple, which is moresensitive to fire than melaleucas and has failed to establishin vegetation communities that are burned regularly (Bell,1996). This is an advantage for pest management work,where burning can control some introduced species.Rec: A strategic plan for fire management and regularscheduled controlled burns in the Shire be developed,involving all stakeholders - for vegetation dependent onfire in protected areas, on Council reserves, and onprivate land - Council, QPWS, Rural Fire-fighters,Indigenous organisationsRec: Council community revegetation unit staff be trained incontrolled burning for ecological maintenance and forweed control - CouncilRec: Wetland system hydrology be maintained whereappropriate with fire management regimes to bedeveloped - QPWS, CouncilRec: Fire management requires public engagementbeforehand, including promotion and advertisement ofthe issues through a public medium such as the paper -QPWS, Council2.1.5 Offshore Ecosystems - theBarnard IslandsThe only islands managed by QPWS Cairns Marine Parks inthe Johnstone Shire are the Barnard Islands. The islands willsoon fall under the jurisdiction of local QPWS marineofficers to be based in Innisfail.PressurePressures on the islands include feral rats, which affect thebird populations, and exotic weed invasion. Visitation to theislands by people also requires some management. Theislands are a traditional part of the Ma:mu people’s ‘seacountry’so management and usage has to be culturallysensitive.ConditionThe islands are recognised as important seabird breedingareas. Recorded numbers have estimated population levels attimes in the region of 10,000 bridled terns, 2,000 lessercrestedterns, and 2,000 black-naped terns. A total of 26species of seabirds has been recorded on and around theislands, including species identified under the NatureConservation Act such as the Beach Stone Curlew -vulnerable, and Sooty Oystercatcher - rare. The islands havea diversity of floral communities with the likelihood ofspecies of conservation significance amongst them.Surrounding the islands are reefs. The condition of thesereefs is discussed in the Aquatic ecosystems section 3.1.ResponseThere is an approved management plan by QPWS for all the43

North and South Barnard Islands. This managementaddresses both natural and cultural values.The purpose of the management plan is:• To protect and maintain breeding seabirds and theirhabitats and other island fauna;• To protect and maintain the diversity of vegetationtypes, particularly rainforest, woodland, beach strandand mangrove communities;• To respect the traditions and interests of thoseAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people withaffiliations to the islands;• To control feral animals and noxious plants;• To maintain the natural surroundings, consistent with apeaceful, low intensity, minimally developed setting;and• To provide for scientific research.Major actions are:• No access areas on Sister Island and part of StephensIsland between September and March to protectbreeding terns from disturbance during nesting.• Monitoring stations on the South Barnards haveindicated that the introduced black rat has beeneradicated from the islands. Continued monitoring isoccurring, as there is potential for re-infestation afterwet season from floodwaters out of nearby riversystems.• Continued maintenance of mapped weed control areas.• Recreational and commercial visitor numbers controlledby permit system based on sustainable numbersidentified in management plan.Two Marine Park positions have recently been advertisedand will be based in Innisfail with a small vessel. This willincrease the capacity to manage and enforce the additionalnational park zones in the Marine Park created in July 2004and provide greater management of island national parks inthe area.Rec: Assist QPWS where required, should managementobjectives on the Barnard Islands be threatened. Islandvisitation to be included in an assessment of sustainabletourism for the Shire - Council2.1.6 Exotic weedsPressureEnvironmental weeds pose the most immediate threat tobiodiversity in the Johnstone Shire. Environmental weedshave the capacity to invade and destroy whole ecosystems.This occurs when weeds out-compete and replace nativevegetation over time, or when aggressive species such asvines kill native vegetation by climbing over and shading itout.In this Shire the main weed threats include Pond Apple(Annona glabra) and Harungana (Harunganamadagascariensis) (Goosem et al, 1999). Many of theendangered ecosystems in the Shire are currently underthreat from invasion by several environmental weedsparticularly Pond Apple and Hymenachne (Hymenachneamplexicaulis).Hymenachne (hymenachne amplexicaulis) is an introducedpasture grass that now threatens waterways and wetlands.A large number of different weed species are present in theShire. Control is limited to the most invasive species, andwhere there is potential for eradication before the weedbecomes a serious problem. This prioritisation is necessarydue to limited resources. Weed control on private land ismore fully examined in the Land Management chaptersection 8 - pest management. The impact of weeds onbiodiversity is discussed here.ConditionTable 2.1.1d lists protected areas in the Shire with knownexotic weed problems. Council's reserves have the sameproblems that may be exacerbated by the smaller sizes ofthese areas. Regular inspection of Council's reserves forweeds does not currently occur.The Biodiversity Strategy (2003) lists the major weedsaffecting biodiversity in four priority regions within theShire. Several weeds are threatening remnant vegetation inthe Granadilla region. In particular the sclerophyllcommunities appear to be particularly at risk from pasturegrasses such as Brachiaria spp. Siam Weed (Chromolaenaodorata) is also present in the Granadilla region and poses asignificant risk to native vegetation if left un-checked. Siamweed is classed as one of the world's worst weeds. It seedsprolifically and is extremely difficult to control. Siam Weedhas a very similar habit to Lantana in that it forms densethickets that exclude all other vegetation and can scramble toheight of 20m. The main infestations are limited to theBingil Bay/El Arish area with scattered infestations foundthroughout the Shire. There are also infestations of Pondapple in the Bingil Bay/Garners Beach area and North andSouth Maria Creeks. In many cases Pond Apple has invadedrelatively undisturbed remnant vegetation. Johnstone ShireCommunity Revegetation Unit staff have commenced workto eradicate Pond Apple from the North Maria Creekcatchment, with scope for work to commence in other areasas funding becomes available.Weeds are a threat to the vegetation within the area betweenand including the Basilisk Range and Cowley DefenceReserve. Of significance is the establishment of Pond apple44

which has the potential to invade lower wetlandecosystems. Although the infestation at present seems to befairly sparse and currently is not a major problem, thepotential cannot be overlooked.There are significant infestations of Pond apple in theNinds Creek catchment. This weed is displacing nativewetland vegetation, much of which is 'Endangered' and 'OfConcern'. Another weed of significance within this primaryzone is Hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis).Hymenachne was introduced as pasture grass in the NindsCreek catchment, but unfortunately, it readily invadeswatercourses and can survive in water up to 4m deep. Theability of Hymenachne to readily invade a wetland area is amajor concern, as it has the potential to destroy naturalecosystem functions and displace native vegetation.Weeds can pose a greater threat in a landscape where thevegetation is fragmented. This is a problem with manyremnants in the Nerada and Palmerston regions. Smallareas of vegetation are less resilient to weed invasion thanlarger remnant areas. Small remnants usually have agreater circumference of edge compared to actual totalarea – known as edge effect. Weeds of significance in thisarea include Thunbergia spp (Blue Trumpet Vine), whichusually infests the edge of remnant forest and has thecapacity to cause trees to fall. This results in more holesand edges where the vine may establish and severelydegrades the forest structure. Miconia spp. (Miconia) hasalso been found in the area, which is worrying whenconsidering the damage it has caused in overseasrainforests.ResponseQPWSPest plants targeted are Pond apple and Hymenachne,particularly at Eubenangee swamp and the surroundingcatchment. Siam weed is being targeted at Maria Creek,and Miconia at El Arish.CouncilThe Johnstone Shire Council Pest Management Plan andthe National Weeds Strategy have identified a range ofdeclared and environmental weeds that impact onbiodiversity values in the Shire. Council, through its PestManagement Plan, encourages the control of all Declaredand Environmental weeds on private land throughout theShire.Council does not actively control weeds on its reservesthroughout the Shire, although this is required bylegislation. Management plans including weed control arerequired for Councils reserves. Periodic monitoring toidentify weed infestations requiring control will be anappropriate response.The Shire Planning Scheme provides for land in theConservation Zone to receive Bonus Development Rightsor Rate Discounts (amongst other benefits). This processalso requires that landowner to enter into a ConservationCovenant with Council. Pest management will form animportant part of such agreements where required andplace further legal obligation on the landowner to controlnominated pest species. Council will endeavour to assistlandholders with these agreements to commence control ofpest plants on their land (Hyde, 2002).2.1.7 Feral AnimalsPressure and ConditionFeral animals are a major threat to terrestrial ecosystems inthe Johnstone Shire. They damage native vegetation,spread weeds, and prey on native wildlife. Feral animals ofmajor significance in the Johnstone Shire are deer, canetoads, Indian myna birds, cats, wild dogs/dingoes, and pigs.For further information, also refer to the Land Managementchapter section 8 - pest management. Impacts tobiodiversity are discussed here.Feral PigsFeral pigs are a major concern with regard to biodiversityconservation in the Johnstone Shire. They cause pressureon native fauna by competing for food and throughopportunistic predation. Pigs cause particular impact toground nesting birds such as scrub fowl, brush turkeys andcassowaries. These bird species contribute ecologicalfunctions in the rainforest, so there are further effects whentheir populations are diminished.Feral pigs impact on large areas of native vegetation whenforaging because they dig up understorey plants in forestsand wetlands. Further effects result from pig's mud baths.This is worsened when pig activity occurs on riverbanksand in streams. Erosion and sediments impact on the healthof waterways.Pigs also contribute economic impacts, particularly onagricultural land where they consume produce or damagecrops. Pigs are also recognised as a vector for the seeds ofweed species. They also are vectors for disease such astuberculosis and foot and mouth, affecting both humansand agricultural stock. Cassowaries have also been foundaffected by these diseases.Cats, Wild Dogs/DingoesThese animals affect native wildlife through predation, andnative predator species through competition. Whilst theyare all present in the Shire, they are not recognised as amajor ecological problem in comparison to their effect inother parts of Australia. Wild dogs and dingoes are notespecially common. Feral cats are more common aroundurban areas, though this may be an artificial conclusion asit is based on the number of complaints from the public.There is some control by landholders where these animalscreate a nuisance or threaten stock.Cane ToadsCane Toads are an introduced species that affect nativewildlife in two ways. Firstly, the toads are poisonous, sothey cause mortality to any animal that attempts to eatthem. This suppresses the population levels of nativepredator species. Some native species learn to avoid thetoads, whilst a very few other species are immune, or havelearnt how to avoid the toad’s poison by turning them ontheir backs and eating everything but the skin and poison45

glands. The extent to which cane toads affect differentspecies of native wildlife in the shire is not known.Fortunately, the cane toad prefers open territory, so it is notusually found in rainforest areas.Secondly, the toads compete with other wildlife for food,particularly with native frog species. “When the toadinvades a new area, it eats everything it can find and growsto a large size. Once established, the abundance of its foodnever seems to reach the pre-toad level. Both food and canetoad growth rates level off with toads usually reachingabout 11 cm (4 inches) in length.” (WTMA Website2005b) Native frogs with a similar appearance can bemistaken for cane toads and killed by people.Anecdotal reports describe the cane toad population to bemuch reduced since their original infestation of the region.Whilst their numbers are still high, it is thought that diseaseand possible predation are reducing their numbers.Alternately, the cane toads may now be limited by havingreduced the food supply in the Shire. There is somespeculation that cane toad numbers are increasing in 2005,due to the return of wetter weather after a number of dryyears.Indian Myna BirdsIndian Myna birds were introduced to Australia in 1862 inorder to control insect pests on agriculture. Since this timetheir populations have soared, which is a problem for othernative birds. Myna birds compete for food and are anaggressive species, banding to together to evict other birdsfrom territories, and destroying eggs and chicks. Smallarboreal mammals are also affected by the occupation ofnesting spaces by Mynas. There have even been reports ofMynas filling neighbouring empty nests with rubbishobjects to prevent other birds occupying their territory.Mynas are common in the Shire, though appear mainly inurban or agricultural areas, but will only occupy the fringesof rainforest. However, they will inhabit open forestecosystems.Studies of problems with a similar native bird, thoughunrelated, the Noisy Miner (Manorina melanacephala)have shown that excess populations cause adverse effectsto vegetation in their habitat. The Noisy Miners have takenover urban areas where little understorey exists for othernative birds to escape their territorial aggression.Consequently, the trees in the area suffer from excessinfestations of insects, which would normally be consumedby a diverse bird population. The trees are therefore in poorhealth and more susceptible to disease and mortality.Helping to protect native birds in the garden from IndianMynas can be achieved by planting native shrubs andunderstorey for shelter.Feral DeerFeral Deer in the Wet Tropics are restricted to theJohnstone Shire and immediate surrounds. Mission Beach,East Palmerston and Upper Daradgee all have smallpopulations. There are two species - Rusa deer, which are adeclared pest, and Sambar deer. Rusa deer are loose in theShire, whilst Sambar deer present a risk as escapees fromdeer farms. Both types of deer have the potential to impactadversely on native vegetation, particularly sclerophyllecosystems. They will also compete with native fauna forPig hunting is a common sport throughout Australia,but makes no real impact on the pig populations.food. Both species are tropical deer, so could potentiallythrive in the region.Whilst there has been control of these deer by members ofthe local community, as they are valued as game meat, it isrecommended by the WTMA that a trapping program beimplemented to eradicate the populations whilst they arestill small. The deer otherwise have the potential to spreadthroughout the Wet Tropics region.Rec: Feral deer control be conducted immediately andsystemically to ensure this problem is eradicated before itincreases - Far North Queensland Pest Advisory Forum,WTMA, NR&M, Landholders, CouncilResponsePigsNo effective program exists for the eradication of feralpigs. Various control methods are recommended byNR&M including poisoning with pig specific baits,trapping, fencing, and shooting (NR&M Website, 2005).Pig control is the responsibility of private landholdersunder the Land Protection (Pest and Stock RouteManagement) Act 2002. They are declared Class 2 pestanimals.Control programs are likely only to be effective in reducingthe impacts of feral pigs. Feral pigs are widespreadthroughout Australia and will readily reinfest an area fromuncontrolled areas. Their high rate of reproduction meansthat any control has to be conducted repeatedly toeffectively impact on the overall population.There are problems with introducing diseases because ofdomestic pigs, and because feral pigs already do share afew diseases with humans. Any disease control would haveto be very specific to prevent a risk to people.46

NR&M are conducting research in the Palmerston sectionof the WHA to determine the ecological impacts that feralpigs have on the rainforest. These results will helpdetermine the requirements for control. Preliminary resultshave indicated that pigs may not greatly utilise the largerareas of the WHA. It appears that feral pigs mainly utilisethe rainforest fringes, such as tracks and edges. This istremendous news for conservation of the WHA and forcontrolling feral pigs, but further research is required. TheNational Park areas are too large and inaccessible toconduct an effective eradication program withoutexorbitant expense. Baiting with affordable poisons canalso affect non-target wildlife. Pig hunting is not permittedin National Parks because of the danger from dogs andirresponsible hunters to wildlife, particularly cassowaries.A low level of illegal hunting in parks does still occur.Control of pigs in National Parks by QPWS is mainlyundertaken opportunistically with shooting when pigs areencountered, or are reported to be causing a problem.QPWS has two eradication programs also operating, atMission Beach to Kurrimine, and around Josephine Falls toElla bay, which is through trapping of the pigs in theNational parks, and on neighbouring properties.There has been recent Federal commitment to the controlof pigs with the release of the 'Threat Abatement Plan forPredation, Habitat Degradation, Competition and DiseaseTransmission by Feral Pigs' (2005) by the Department ofEnvironment and Heritage (DEH). "Five main objectivesare proposed to manage the threat by feral pigs:1. to prevent feral pigs from establishing in areas wherethey currently do not occur or are in low eradicablenumbers, and where they are likely to pose a threat tobiodiversity; especially where they would impact onnationally listed threatened species and ecologicalcommunities2. to integrate feral pig management plans and theirimplementation into natural resource planning andinvestment at the regional, state and territory, andnational level through consultation and liaison with keystakeholders3. to increase awareness and understanding of landmanagers and the general community about the damagethat feral pigs cause and management options4. to quantify the impacts feral pigs have on biodiversity(especially nationally listed threatened species andecological communities) and determine the relationshipbetween feral pig density and the level of damage5. to improve the effectiveness, efficiency andhumaneness of techniques and strategies for managingthe environmental damage due to feral pigs."(DEH Website, 2005)Council acknowledges its responsibility to enforce controlof pigs under State legislation. Council endeavours tosupport the Community Feral Pig Trapping Program. Thisprogram is currently under review in order to betterallocate resources. The traps bought for the program havesince been absorbed by the community, and most are nolonger at hand for future strategic efforts. Council only hastwo traps but is planning to purchase two more. WetTropics management will also have four traps available.The main control programs for pigs shall be throughtrapping, poisoning, hunting and fencing. Particularattention will be paid to the type of attractant used in trapsto avoid attracting cassowaries. All traps must be of aDepartment of Natural Resources and Mines approved typeand must also be checked at least daily (Hyde, 2002).Council provides pig traps to private landholders on requestwhere pigs are coming out of the WHA or from Councilland. Pigs on private land are the landholder'sresponsibility. This aspect of the program is basically topromote community relations.Cats, Wild Dogs/DingoesNo control programs are required at present, though reportsof these animals should be monitored in case their numbersincrease. Exceptions may be warranted in cassowary areasif feral dogs are known to be causing problems.Cane ToadsCane Toad control is unlikely to be effective because oftoad numbers and the area they are distributed over.Biological control is being researched by the CSIRO.“CSIRO scientists are working with gene technology tofind a biological control method. So far researchers haveselected several genes that could be used to interfere withthe metamorphosis from tadpole to adult cane toad. Theyare currently looking at how specific these genes are tocane toads.” …“Australian ranaviruses are naturally-occurring viruses thatcan infect amphibians and fish. Researchers are working onweakening (attenuating) a ranavirus so that, if infected,other non-target amphibians and fish will not suffer fromits effects. Toads themselves will be affected by theresponse to the toad-gene carried by the virus, rather thanby the weakened virus itself.” (CSIRO Website, 2005)As it is vital that toads are the only species affected, it isnot expected that any release of such methods will occurfor another ten years, assuming that the research iseffective. Testing to ensure native species are not affectedwill be time-consuming.Indian Myna BirdsNo actions exist or are planned in the Shire for Myna birds.Trapping to control the birds has proved unsuccessful inthe past. The bird is not declared as a pest, which meansthere are no control programs in place. There is somepublic pressure towards getting the bird declared.Rec: NR&M declare Indian Myna Birds a pest species -NR&MIndian Myna Bird47

2.1.8 Domestic AnimalsPressureCats, dogs and other introduced predators kept as pets placepressure on native wildlife where they are allowed to roamand hunt. When they are let loose they may turn feral.There have been several recorded incidences ofcassowaries being attacked and killed by loose dogs inurban areas. This is an issue also due to the use of dogs forpig hunting; they can indiscriminately kill native animals.Council maintains records of complaints about dogs, bothfor those involving native animals, and for complaints ofroaming dogs. This can be used as an indicator of thepressure likely from dogs in different areas.ConditionCouncil picks up or deals with roaming dogs when they arereported (table 2.1.8).Complaints are more likely in the more heavily populatedresidential areas so this data will be skewed. The smallerurban areas are not as likely to notice roaming dogs as inInnisfail. However, there do not appear to be greatdifferences over the last two years.Dogs therefore form a consistent pressure at this time,depending on the population of an area (reflecting dogownership). Data collected can used to monitor responsibledog ownership - for instance if there are increasedcomplaints in a region this may reflect community attitudeto controlling roaming dogs.ResponseEstablishing development conditions for properties nearsignificant natural areas may be appropriate to help controldogs. This might take the form of excluding dogs, orenforcing fencing requirements.Table 2.1.8 - Roaming Dog ComplaintsSource: JSCArea 2003 2004Bingil bay 15 16Boogan 1 0Coquette Point 1 0Cowley 3 4El Arish 12 12Flying Fish Point 25 32Garradunga 5 10Innisfail 380 320Kurrimine 26 22Mission Beach 19 10Moresby 5 4Mourilyan 28 22Mundoo 2 10Silkwood 13 17South Johnstone 18 19Wangan 20 20Rural (outside residential areas) 32 36Council has distributed responsible dog ownershipinformation in the past; this should reoccur periodically andinclude information relating to cats.Rec: Council develop conditions to restrict dog ownership inresidential developments near significant natural areas -CouncilRec: The Health Department distribute further rounds ofinformation on responsible dog ownership, includinginformation to raise awareness of wildlife issues -Council2.1.9 Climate ChangePressureClimate change is expected to affect biodiversity in theShire and Worldwide, through the phenomenon of globalwarming. Changes in temperature, and consequentlyrainfall, will have the capacity to radically the conditionsfor, and thereby the extent of ecosystems in the WetTropics.“The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is especiallyvulnerable to climate change, being fragmented andsurrounded by agricultural and urban development. TheArea has a high level of locally endemic and spatiallyrestricted species. These species rely on specialised andisolated habitats such as mountaintops. Models … predictthat even minimal global warming of 1 o C will havesignificant consequences within the Area, such asextinction of some plant and animal species” (WTMA,2004).Current predictions by the Australian Greenhouse Office(2004) expect that such an average temperature change isprobable by 2100, though higher changes are likely.Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas concentrationlevels will rise if current usage of energy inefficienttechnology continues. Unless whole of community changesoccur, the Australian Greenhouse Office predicts thatQueensland temperatures will rise above 1990 mean valuesby 0.3 o C to 2 o C by 2030, and 0.8 o C to 5 o C by 2070.Projected changes to rainfall varied in this report, withmost research indicating an overall decrease for most years(between +5% to -15% per annum) For Cairns and theadjacent Shires, "the resultant conditions suggest a greaterdisparity between annual average evaporation and annualaverage rainfall resulting in a greater incidence of rainfalldeficit in this region" Australian Greenhouse Office (2004).Implications for natural areas are that warming will affectspecies limited to cool conditions, for example mountainecosystems, which are extensive in the WHA. Temperaturechanges to seawater will affect the region's reefs. Changesto rainfall will also change the distribution of ecosystems.Adaptation will not occur rapidly and there will be majoreffects on the industries based on natural resources.Changes to ecosystems and ambient conditions will furtheraffect wildlife. It is thought that there will also be increasedpest management problems, as introduced species fromdifferent climates thrive during the natural environment'sdecline.48

The further effects of these scenarios are currently underresearch, by bodies such as Rainforest CRC, CRC Reef andAIMS.ConditionClimate change has not progressed to a stage where thereare obvious effects on biodiversity on land in the Shire,although coral bleaching on the reef is a phenomenoncurrently under investigation. Some species such as frogs inthe Shire may be being affected by pollution, but this is notyet determined to be an important component of frogdecline in the Wet Tropics.ResponseCurrent responses to climate change and pollution arediscussed in the Water and Atmosphere chapter.2.2 Flora2.2.1 Rainforest DiebackPressurePhytophthora cinnamomi is a fungus-like organismresponsible for extensive forest dieback in southern andwestern Australia. It is also a serious economic threat to theforestry and agricultural industries. It is estimated that up to14% of the Wet Tropics rainforest is potentially at risk, asthe fungus is mainly found on granite soils at high altitudes.Two hundred patches have so far been identified in the WetTropics, but the disease has not caused any major ecologicaleffects so far.ConditionWhile Phytophthora cinnamomi is present in the rainforestand is associated with many small notches of deadrainforest, it’s not yet known whether the organism poses aserious threat to the Wet Tropics. Research is under way atthe Rainforest Cooperative Research Centre, with supportfrom the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMAWebsite, 2005a).ResponseSo far studies have found significant correlations betweenthe human walking tracks and roads and distribution of thefungus. Management in the WHA will entail improvingdrainage, and restricting access along roads and trackswhere there is potential for infected soils to be picked up.Feral pigs and native animals are also considered to bevectors in movement of the disease, but the main cause atpresent is soil movement through attachment to footwear oron vehicles. QPWS and the WTMA can control potentialmovement of the disease by closing walking tracks androads where necessary.2.2.2 Threatened FloraThere are a number of threatened floral species present inthe Shire. A list of these species is included in Appendix 6.2(CD and Web version only). The appendix describes theirclassification under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 andthe Environment Protection and Biodiversity ConservationAct 1999.PressuresPressures on rare and threatened flora are assumed to bebasically the same as for the regional ecosystems of whichthey are part. No specific pressures are known for anyparticular species in the Shire, but this is due to the lack ofdata.ConditionUnfortunately there is no real data available on the actualdistribution of any endangered plant species. Potentialranges according to ecosystem type can be projected, but itis not known how rare and threatened floras in the Shire arefaring over time.Considering the complexity and variety of the rainforest it islikely that the full diversity of flora in the Shire has not evenbeen completely described.ResponseAn effort to describe the range of rare or threatened speciesshould be conducted over time. The distribution ofimportant species in key areas should be monitored.Currently, threatened flora species are managed throughprotection of the regional ecosystems.Council is able to propagate threatened species and utilisethese in revegetation where appropriate.Rec: QPWS continue to collate data on distributions andmonitor threatened flora - QPWSRec: The Community Revegetation Unit collect seed andpropagate endangered species for inclusion inrevegetation work in appropriate areas - Council49

2.3 FaunaThe Johnstone Shire contains a remarkable diversity ofnative wildlife. The Shire is within the Wet Tropicsbioregion, which contains 28% of all of Australia'sterrestrial vertebrate fauna. The dry sclerophyll forestscontain the greatest diversity of vertebrate fauna, withspecies that are widespread across Australia. The rainforesthas a lesser diversity, but many of these species areendemic only to the Wet Tropics."23% of all species within the region (143 species) shouldbe regarded as very important species in a conservationsense: that is, they have a rare and threatened ranking and/or are endemic to the Wet Tropics biogeographicregion" (Williams et al. 1996).Little information is available for invertebrate species. It iscertain that there is an incredible diversity of invertebratesin the Shire, many of which have not even beenscientifically described.PressuresFauna in the Shire are under pressure from a number offactors. Past land clearing has reduced the habitat availablefor fauna - particularly on the coastal lowlands. Fortunatelythere are large reserves for fauna, though habitat in someecosystems such as coastal wetlands and sclerophyll forestis restricted. Most rainforest ecosystem types are wellrepresented in protected areas. It is not known whetherthere are any particular fauna with specific endemicity anddependence on any of the endangered ecosystem types.Other pressures on fauna are feral and domestic animals,the connectivity of habitat and barriers from infrastructure.Diseases threaten some animal types such as frogs andcassowaries.Direct human impacts include destruction or interferenceWhite Lemuroid Ringtail Possum—Hemibelideus lemuroidesSource: WTMATable 2.3a - Numbers of Species of Fauna in the Shire recorded by WildNet to date (i.e. incomplete listing)Johnstone Shire - defined as a box with Latitude between: -17.4579 and -17.8819, Longitude between: 145.6855 and 146.1438Source: Adapted from EPA (2005b)Fauna in the Shire Amphibians Reptiles Birds MammalsNCACommon 18 37 310 28Rare 4 3 11 1Vulnerable 2 6Endangered 5 3Species significance - under eitherState, National or InternationalConventionsEPBCThreatenedVulnerable 1 2 1Endangered 4 1Critically EndangeredConservation Dependent 1Extinct 1Significant Internationally 9 5 70 3Introduced 1 1 8 5Total Number of Species Recorded to date in the Shire28 43 341 34(minimum possibly present)EPBC - Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, NCA - Nature Conservation Act 199250

2.3b - Endemicity of FaunaSource: Adapted from EPA (2005b)Amphibians Reptiles Birds MammalsIntroduced(International)1 1 8 5QueenslandEndemic12 15 21 1RegionalEndemic1Intranational 7 21 96 8Not endemicto Australia8 6 206 20Unknown 2Vagrant(unknown)1with wildlife - such as shooting or removal. Permits fromQPWS are required for any interference with nativeanimals, including fauna on private property.ConditionThe EPA maintains a database for Queensland of positivelyidentified fauna, by location. The database has only beenestablished fairly recently, so it is not yet a completelisting. Table 2.3a describes fauna recorded to date in theJohnstone Shire. Very minimal information is available forinsects and freshwater fish and is not yet comprehensiveenough to include here. A complete listing of known faunais included in Appendix 6.1 (CD and Web versions only).The WildNet database will continue to grow until iteventually provides a comprehensive baseline for thediversity and distribution of species in the Shire.The Wet Tropics Bioregion contains more known speciesthan shown in Table 2.3a, but includes a variety of habitattypes not in the Shire, such as those found on theTablelands. Williams et al. (1996) define the Wet tropics aslying between Mount Elliot, to just north of Cooktown, andfrom the coast to the western edge of the wetter sclerophyllforests where they give way to more open drier woodlands.They define 49 frogs, 111 reptiles, 311 birds, and 95mammals.A comparison between these two data sources indicatesthat the number of amphibians, reptiles and mammals inthe Shire can be expected to continue to increase as morerecords are collected.Endemic describes species that only live within a limitedarea. Queensland endemic means only found inQueensland, whilst regional endemic means only in theWet Tropics region. Regional endemicity for species in theShire from current data appears lower than projected byWilliams et al. (1996) who considered that 25% ofrainforest vertebrates are endemic in the region. Speciesappear to be mainly Queensland and Intranational species.Many Wet Tropics species can also be found in Papua NewGuinea and other overseas locations, particularly the birdsand bats.Again, the WildNet data is not a complete list of species inthe Shire, only those recorded to date.ResponseQPWSStaff increases in recent times have included a wildliferanger. This person will specifically conduct a range ofwork on wildlife issues in the region, including strategicmanagement, response to issues arising, and will be dealingwith Damage Mitigation Permits - which are required byany persons needing to move or otherwise interfere withwildlife, even on their own property.Threatened Species2.3.1 MammalsThere are three mammals known to be present in the Shirethat are classified as threatened species.All are bats. They include:• The spectacled flying fox Pteropus conspicillatus• The diadem leaf-nosed bat Hipposideros diademareginae• The eastern bent-wing bat Miniopterus schreibersiioceanensisOf these, the spectacled flying fox is receiving the mostattention. Information for the other two species is notcollected in the Shire.It is not known whether these two species face anypressures in the Shire. Habitat for fauna in the Shire isreasonably well protected, so unless there are otherparticular pressures, these bats should have locally stablepopulations.Spectacled Flying FoxThe spectacled flying fox is classified as 'vulnerable' underFederal legislation, and is considered significant underinternational agreements also. Colonies are regularlysighted in the Shire, but populations of this flying fox haveSpectacled Flying Fox - Pteropus conspicillatusSource: WTMA51

een declining over a number of years. The species is atrisk because it is frugivorous and consumes agriculturalfruit.The EPA Threatened Species Unit conducts annual surveysand research. Recent years have seen a reduced butapparently stable population in the region. Strongerprotection of the animal may have halted culling byfarmers as a fruit crop pest, though there are still reports oftree clearing where the animals set up a roosting colony.This is also illegal under the EPBC Act.Research is occurring through the Threatened Species Unitto assist in the preparation of management plans to protectthis animal, and to find solutions for agriculture.2.3.2 FrogsChytrid fungusChytridiomycosis, or chytrid fungus, is a disease ofamphibians caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.The disease was first detected in 1978 in Northern NSWand SE Queensland and reached the Wet Tropics in theearly 1990’s. It is a contributing factor in what isconsidered to be a national decline in frogs.“Several species of locally endemic rainforest streamdwellingfrogs, which were once distributed widely and inhigh numbers throughout the Wet Tropics, vanished withina very short period of time from altitudes above 300m.Four species, the Northern Tinker frog (Taudactylusrheophilus), Sharp-snouted Day frog (T. acutirostris),Mountain Mist frog (Litoria nyakalensis), and theArmoured Mist frog (Litoria lorica) only occurred at highaltitudes and are now considered extinct except for theNorthern Tinker frog which was rediscovered at twomountaintop locations in late 1996. Another four species,the Common Mist frog (Litoria rheocola), Waterfall frog(L. nannotis), Australian Lace-lid (Nyctimystes dayi) andthe Green-eyed Tree frog (L. genimaculata) have sufferedextensive declines, and are no longer able to be locatedfrom their high altitude habitats. However, they still persistin their lower elevation habitats” (WTMA 2004).The EPA Threatened Species Unit have conducted researchinto frogs endangered by the fungus at Mission Beach(Lacey Creek), and in the Wooronooran WHA. This isongoing.Orange-thighed Tree Frog—(Litoria xanthomera)Source: WTMA2.3.3 BirdsThe "State of Australia's Birds" (Birds Australia, 2003)describes a comparison of changes in bird species diversityover the last twenty years. The Johnstone Shire area is one ofhigh bird species richness, and has not demonstrated anychange over this recent time frame. Bird species richness fellmainly in areas of Australia where clearing was significant.The bulk of clearing in the Shire occurred more than twentyyears ago.The Shire contains a long list of birds that are significantunder various conservation acts - State, National andInternational. Good information is not available to describethe populations of these species, except for the cassowary,which is the focus of a great deal of management work.However, bird watchers in the Shire regularly record birdspecies, so there is active monitoring occurring over time. Adatabase should be established to form an early warningsystem if there are sudden declines in any bird populations inthe Shire.Sea BirdsMany of the birds listed as significant are migratory sea birdssignificant under international agreements. Nesting areas inthe Shire include the offshore Barnard Islands.QPWS are engaging additional staff based in Innisfail tomanage these islands as well as the marine zones. They willclose the islands to visitation during nesting seasons throughthe establishment of temporary seabird protection zones.Feral animal control on the islands will focus on eradicatingrats to further assist in seabird protection and nesting success(see section 2.1.5 - offshore islands).Rec: Council and QPWS enlist birdwatcher groups toestablish an annually comparable database for bird speciesand locations in the Shire - Council, QPWS, LandcareCassowariesPressureThe human presence in cassowary habitat areas has brought anumber of pressures on these birds. This includes habitatclearing, collisions by vehicles, and attacks by domestic dogs.Feeding of the birds by residents and tourists also occurs andhas the disadvantage that it attracts cassowaries to road orurban areas where they more at risk. Also the birds canbecome 'problem birds' when they become aggressive indemanding food they have been trained to expect.Introduced feral pigs impact on the birds by consuming eggsand competing for food.The main pressure acting on cassowaries along the coast isthe availability of habitat. Cassowaries occupy territories, asthey require large areas to forage successfully. Much of thecassowaries diet is seasonal fruit. Territories are alsoestablished as part of mating behaviour. Several males willset up separate territories, which are overlapped by onefemale's larger territorial range. Territorial border disputesbetween males during mating season are fierce with extendedchases between birds occurring.Cassowary chicks are raised by the males but are forced toleave the area when they reach maturity. Unless the juvenilebirds can find and establish their own territorial areas they do52

not survive.This makes available habitat the key issue in determiningcassowary numbers. Further reductions in habitat are asignificant hazard to the viability of the cassowarypopulation.It is likely that the shape and connectivity of habitat will alsodetermine whether cassowaries can successfully utilise it asa territory. Both the extent and structure of habitat remainingis under threat from development.Dry seasons in the rainforest or cyclone events can alsoadversely affect cassowaries, when their available foodsources from fruit are reduced.Cassowaries are also affected by disease. It is known thatsome birds have respiratory diseases. Some birds can survivethis, but then pass the disease on. An example is one malebird at Mission Beach known to raise a chick each year thatsubsequently succumbs to the disease before reachingmaturity. Further research is required into the cassowarydiseases.ConditionCassowary numbers are not known. QPWS have positivelyidentified 25 known birds in the region. C4 estimate anumber of approximately 40 adult birds in the MissionBeach area.Studies carried out in 1992-1998 in the Daintree regiondetermined that most cassowaries maintain a home range of1-3 km 2 (Moore and Moore, 1998). Similar densitiesoccurred at Mission Beach. Moore and Moore (1998)estimated a population of 76-81 adult birds in the MissionBeach area, from coast through to hinterland, based onsurvey work and previous studies. They note that habitatclearing has reduced this population from previous levelsdetermined by Bentrupperbaumer (1992).Whilst there are large natural areas around Mission Beach,the cassowaries do not utilise the parts that are steeplysloped mountainous areas (Allanson, pers comm.). They relyupon a reasonable grade of land, and the types of foodbearinghabitat on these areas. They are primarily a coastalspecies.A program is under development by the EPA ThreatenedSpecies Unit to monitor the population by sampling DNAfrom cassowary droppings. Unfortunately, some problemshave so far held this program back; as a number of rainforestfruits in the bird's diet contain chemicals that degrade theDNA samples.There is speculation by QPWS that a lack of geneticexchange may be affecting some portions of the cassowarypopulation. Some birds at Etty Bay are showing reducedwattle size, which could be an effect due to inbreeding.However, without genetic sampling over the regionalpopulation it is not possible to determine whether inbreedingis occurring.C4 record the number of sightings reported, mainly bytourists, of cassowaries in the Mission Beach area. Thedifficulty in interpreting this information is that it does notrepresent actual numbers, and may be a better indicator ofvisitor interest. However, the sightings are important in thatthey provide an early warning system - significant drops inCassowary - Casuarius casuarius johnsoniiTable 2.3.3a - Cassowary Sightings Source: C4 (2005)Note that Sightings will depend on the response fromtourists and locals and will vary according to visitornumbers or community interest.Recorded CassowarySightings—Mission Beach2001 2002 2003 2004Adult Males positivelyidentified (i.e. with chicks)nd 193 118 81Adults (unidentified sex) 246 188 214 136Sub adults 112 137 124 68Chicks 97 264 89 111Total 455 782 545 396the number sighted will be cause for concern.Because the cassowary population is dependent on availableterritory this is a better descriptor of the likely numbers ofbirds. A slightly greater number exists than the availablehabitat can support, due to unnatural food sources. Thisincludes waste fruit at banana plantations or orchards. Thismeans there are some fringe-dwelling cassowaries that donot have established territories. These birds won't breedsuccessfully, but do form a reserve in the case of mortalityof established birds.QPWS record cassowary deaths in the Mission Beach area.Not all incidents are recorded, as birds involved in vehiclecollisions and dog attacks usually enter the rainforest, wherethey eventually succumb to their injuries out of sight.A total of 14 birds were reported killed in 2004 in theMission Beach area (Allanson, pers comm.), mostly fromroad deaths. No dog attacks were reported during the year.It is likely that increased public awareness of the birds hasraised the number of deaths being reported (Allanson pers.comm). Table 2.3.3b describes cassowary deaths recordedsince 1993 by C4. These are mostly motor vehicle deathsand dog attacks, but also include deaths from malnutrition,which possibly indicate difficulties with successfulSource: C453

Despite cassowary deaths from human causes, it is thoughtthat recruitment of juvenile cassowaries into the population iscurrently still good. Problems may eventuate where femalesare lost from isolated populations.ResponseThe cassowaries are an iconic species, and their endangeredstatus has resulted in responses from a great number ofagencies, and the community.EPAThe EPA threatened species unit will include cassowaries as apriority in a local area conservation plan for wildlife in theShire. Cassowary mapping is being updated in 2005 alongwith better mapping of regional ecosystems. A researchproject may be initiated to radio track cassowaries anddetermine their natural ranges and behaviour.QPWSQPWS are the lead agency and facilitate most processesregarding cassowaries. QPWS manage the cassowaryrehabilitation facility at Garners Beach. Sick and injured birdsare kept for a few weeks at the facility until they can bereturned to the rainforest. Orphaned chicks can have a longerstay - it can take over a year to raise a cassowary chick to theTable 2.3.3b - Recorded Cassowary Deaths Source: C4 (2005)Year No.Notes2004 9 3 adult females - all motor vehicle2 subadults - both motor vehicles4 adult males - 2 motor vehicle, 1 ran into fence/broke spine, 1 unknown/major injuries2003 85 chicks - 1 killed in a dog attack, 3 of naturalcauses, and 1 unknown cause2 sub-adults - both killed in vehicle collisions1 adult female - unknown causes2002 4 1 adult3 sub-adults2001 6 2 adult females - motor vehicles4 adult males - motor vehicles2000 2 1 adult - unknown1 subadult - unknown/emaciated1999 10 1 adult - unknown2 adult females - motor vehicle1 male adult - malnutrition4 subadult - motor vehicle,2 chicks - dog attack/unconfirmed1998 5 1 adult - motor vehicle1 adult female - motor vehicle1 adult male - dog attack1 subadult - motor vehicle1 chick - disease1997 3 1 adult male - motor vehicle2 subadults - 1 motor vehicle, 1 unknown1996 4 1 adult - unknown1 female adult - unknown2 sudadult - dog attacks1995 3 1 adult male - motor vehicle2 subadult - motor vehicles1993 3 1 adult - unknown1 adult male - motor vehicle1 chick - motor vehicleage where it can fend for itself. Four birds passed throughthe facility in 2004 - two orphaned chicks and two sick/injured birds.The facility will receive increased funding in 2005, withcontributions from Australian Geographic and theDepartment of Main Roads. The facility was initiated withhelp from funding by the Cassowary Advisory Group(CAG). Development of the facility over time now meansthat four cassowaries can be housed and managed withminimal risk to the carers, in a revegetated and openenvironment.The community responded tremendously well to QPWS'scampaign to stop the feeding of cassowaries. QPWSconduct this awareness promotion because fed birds canbecome aggressive over time, demanding food fromhumans. Visitor locations and accommodation, shops,schools and individuals were targeted with educationalinformation and signage. Council provided covers for binsat Etty Bay at QPWS's request.As a result, the number of incidents with cassowariesdropped off dramatically from 155 complaints in 2003 toonly one complaint in 2004.No problem birds needed to be relocated, which is downfrom 1 bird in 2003. QPWS avoid relocation where able asit is not a good solution for the bird. Modifying theirbehaviour is the preferred option.QPWS managed temporary road signage during 2004. Thisscheme targets areas where cassowaries have recently beenreported crossing roads, or utilising road edges. Drivers aremore likely to respond to these signs, as permanent signslose their effect over time when drivers become complacentafter a long period of not sighting a bird near or on the road.Unfortunately, many of the temporary signs have beenstolen, most likely as souvenirs. Managing placement of thesigns has proven too time-consuming for QPWS. Furtherplans will be explored in 2005, to potentially involvevolunteers in the communityQPWS will continue to educate the public on roadawareness in cassowary areas, with a focus on public safetyin preventing collisions, as well as to preserve the birds.Department of Main RoadsThe Department of Main Roads completed upgrades of theEl Arish-Mission Beach and Tully-Mission Beach roads in2003. The upgrades have improved visibility and arereported to have reduced collisions with cassowaries. Themanagement plan associated with the road upgrades isgeared to respond to reports of hotspots where cassowariesare being killed regularly. Monitoring is being conducted atcassowary crossing areas.Permanent signs are to be installed at Lacey Creek, wherecassowaries have continued to be killed in road incidents. Awildlife culvert has been installed at Lacey Creek, within anexisting creek road overpass. A cassowary on theTablelands has been recorded utilising a wildlife culvert.Monitoring is occurring to determine whether the cassowaryin the area will utilise this. So far this has not been the caseat Lacey Creek, though the tracks of other wildlife havebeen recorded in sand pits and through motion detectingcameras.54

C4C4 are able champions of habitat preservation and havedemonstrated they are willing to take developers and theCouncil to court, in order to challenge decisions andpreserve the natural values of the Mission Beach area.It is important that C4 are willing to oppose developmentdecisions in this way, as all too often development goesahead with little regard for local community opinion. C4 aredetermined to preserve both the natural environment atMission Beach, in order to maintain the area's character forresidents, to attract sustainable tourism, and to providehabitat for a diverse ecosystem of wildlife.C4 encouraged the developers of the Oasis Resort toachieve better environmental outcomes by incorporatingcassowary management advice from QPWS. These includedwidening of the original planned cassowary corridor,constraints on domestic cats and dogs belonging toresidents, and fencing of the developed area. Councilimproved the connection to the natural habitat corridor.Involvement in the drafting of the Shire Plan resulted ingood outcomes constraining development at Bingil Bay.Block sizes were kept larger, multi-residential blocks andhatchet shape blocks were no longer included in the plan.Bicton Close became a conservation area.C4 are still concerned about Council's support for thedevelopment of more multi-residential blocks along theMission Beach foreshore and have courted the Departmentof Environment and Heritage (DEH) to support them wheredevelopment decisions are contrary to preservation of thearea. This will include lodging for registration of areasunder the EPBC Act, though this will formally be subject tofurther community consultation.The C4 Centre also plays other roles. The Centre itself is aninterpretive centre and gift shop, and includes a nursery fornative plants. C4 maintain the Arboretum adjacent to theCentre, which will be further extended northwards throughto the bridge. C4 would like to continue this park through tothe end of the beach. The Centre and Arboretum receivemost tourists passing through Mission Beach, and schoolgroups regularly visit for education and activities. Thenursery is extending its range, which consists primarily ofcassowary food trees, but also stocks other native plantssuitable for gardens in the new residential areas.CouncilCouncil use critical cassowary habitat mapping to determineconservation covenants and bonus development rights,where cassowary habitat is preserved or restored.Revegetation progresses to re-establish linkages andcorridors. Council also maintains cassowary signage onCouncil roads. A road management strategy for wildlife isin progressRec: Council notify C4 of upcoming developments anddecisions to better involve them as representatives of theMission Beach community, and as a resource to Councilfor community negotiation - CouncilRec: Council provide a number of temporary road signs forCouncil roads in cassowary areas, to be managed bycommunity volunteers to be sourced by QPWS - Council,QPWSLinken is the most recent chick to be rehabilitated at theCassowary Rehabilitation and Relocation Program. Linkenwas separated from his parent, a male bird who was havingtrouble raising his chick. QPWS received numerous callsreporting Linken's father, from residents who were concernedto see this bird limping continually. QPWS rangersinvestigated and found he was having a hard time keeping upwith young Linken, and finding enough food for him. It isthought that he has a form of osteoporosis due to his advancedyears. Neither of the birds was expected to survive.Separating them proved beneficial to both. Linken's father hassince recovered his health well, and Linken is growing at apace under QPWS's care. He will be released to the wild whenhe reaches suitable maturity as a sub-adult. Previous SoEupdates have featured photos of Lucky and Stretch, both ofwhom have been successfully released to the wild afterrehabilitation. Stretch's release was featured in AustralianGeographic (Oct - Dec 2004).Rec: Develop a sustainable tourism strategy for the Shire todefine development limits and maintain the naturalresource - Council, ConsultantRec: Further extend Mission Beach Park from C4 Centrethrough to the end of the beach, and integrate withwalking tracks. Coordinate with C4 to manage includingrevegetation and maintenance - Council, C4Rec: EPA Threatened Species Unit initiate populationmonitoring of cassowary population - EPA ThreatenedSpecies UnitRec: Research into cassowaries be encouraged byuniversity groups; including behaviour, the status ofpopulations, inbreeding vulnerability, and diseases -QPWS, EPA Threatened Species UnitRec: Restrict urban development and place a population capon Mission Beach and other coastal areas wheresignificant cassowary populations exist - CouncilRec: Wildlife road management be prioritised in cassowaryareas - Council55

seagrass and mangroves in the estuarine reaches of theJohnstone River (see aquatic flora - section 3.2).2.3.4 ReptilesThree exclusively terrestrial reptiles in the Shire aresignificant under conservation acts. They include:• The yellow-naped snake Furina barnardi• Two skinks - Coeranoscincus frontalis and EulamprustigrinusThere is no information relating to the distribution of thesespecies within the Shire. It is assumed their populations arereasonably stable within protected areas. No managementactions currently occur. Crocodiles are considered underthe aquatic reptiles described in section 3.3.2.Rec: QPWS develop monitoring for conservation significantfauna in the Shire, and identify potential pressuresoccurring - QPWS3. Aquatic Biodiversity3.1 Aquatic EcosystemsAquatic ecosystems in the Shire are currently affectedmainly by practices on the land, including agriculture andurban development, pollution or water extraction. Fisheryharvests, the risk of spills of pollution from shipping, andtourism all impact directly on the water.3.1.1 Inland WaterwaysBoyd’s Forest Dragon—Hypsilurus boydiiPressureRussell and Hales (1993) identified agricultural chemicalsand soil sediments as non-point source pollutants affectingbiodiversity in the Shire's waterways. Nutrification canalter waterway ecologies by promoting abnormal algalgrowth, which lowers oxygen levels for fish and aquaticinvertebrates. High sediment loads cause turbidity inwaterways, resulting in low light levels, and also cloggingthe gills of aquatic fauna. Nutrients further affect theecology of estuaries and coastal waters.Certain agricultural chemicals can have detrimental effectson species in the aquatic environment, possibly resulting inbehavioural abnormalities or reduced reproductive success.Certain species may be lethally affected if the chemicallevels are too high.There is evidence of negative impacts from herbicides onCondition and ResponseThe condition of waterways is further explored in theWater and Atmosphere chapter section 3, and responses aretypically based upon sound Land Management.No specific information has been collated of any effects onparticular species or ecosystems. However, it is obviousthat some of the Shire's smaller watercourses are little morethan drains and no longer have a natural ecologicalfunction.There is no data yet available to indicate any particularspecies have been adversely affected. Work by AIMS iscurrently ongoing to determine the ecotoxicology ofwaterway pollutants to fish species in the Johnstone River,with a focus on barramundi.3.1.2 The Great Barrier ReefThe Great Barrier Reef (GBR) was declared a WorldHeritage Area in international recognition of theextraordinary biodiversity of this ecological naturalwonder. The reef is the largest natural feature on earth,stretching 2,300 kilometres from the northern tip ofQueensland to just north of Bundaberg.PressuresPressures on the biodiversity of the reef include:FishingOverfishing changes the proportions of fish species presentin the ecosystem. This may shift the balance in the favourof certain prey species that in turn further change thebalance of the ecosystem. The effect of fisheries onindividual species populations is discussed below insection 3.3.3 - aquatic fauna.TourismTourism can impact adversely on the reef when it is badlymanaged, and an excess of visitors is allowed, whichcauses damage over time. At present this is not a problemin the Shire, but increases to tourism need to be managed.Nutrification, Sedimentation and TurbidityIncreased nutrient levels entering coastal waters from poorland management can cause changes to the reef's ecosystemfunction by promoting the growth of algae and marineplants. This results in other aspects of the ecosystembecoming out of balance.Sediments affect coastal waters, particularly during floodplume events. Lowered light levels result from a mix ofsediments in water - this effect is called turbidity. Excesssediments can also impact by burying sessile marineorganisms on the ocean floor. Nutrients such asphosphorous are carried attached to sediment particles.It is currently expected that nutrients and sediments willmost affect the inshore reefs and sea grasses of the GBR,but there is evidence that during flood plume events,sediments can be carried up to 10 kilometres offshore.56

Reef at low tideCrown of Thorns Starfish (COTS)Crown of Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster planci) is the majorfactor affecting coral coverage in the Innisfail sector, aswell as elsewhere on the GBR. The Innisfail sector iscurrently classified as recovering from COTS outbreaks bythe Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS Website2005).Raised nutrient levels in the ocean from human activitieson land have been postulated as a contributor to COTSoutbreaks. Nutrient availability promotes the growth ofoceanic algae known as phytoplankton. Thesephytoplankton are food for many reef species at the earlystages of development, when they are free-floating oceaniclarvae. Increasing the survival rate of larval COTS becauseof more available food results in greatly increased adultstarfish population. Doubling the levels of phytoplankton isestimated to contribute to a tenfold increase in the survivalof the COTS larvae.Conversely, it has been proposed that fishing and shellcollection have reduced numbers of COTS predators.Among these predators are the giant triton shell, thehumphead Maori wrasse and some emperor fish. In thisscenario increased adult survivorship greatly increases thesuccess of the population over time.Coral DiseasesCoral diseases on the GBR are not as great a problem as oncoral reefs elsewhere in the world. Some reefs, such asthose in the Caribbean, have been greatly affected bydiseases. The AIMS conducts continual monitoring ofdiseases throughout the GBR.Coral diseases have been linked to nutrient availability.Studies on Caribbean corals suggest that the infectiousagents of coral diseases can utilise the nutrients available inthe water (New Scientist Website, 2004a). This increasestheir survival and their potential to affect corals.Another effect seen on the Caribbean is the possible effectof sewage as a cause of infectious coral diseases. A studyinto a coral disease discovered the cause was a bacteriumcommonly found in the human gut. However, a conclusivelink to human pollution has not been established.The potential for human activities to contribute negativelyto reef health through diseases may pass a threshold ifsewage pollutants increase in concentration. Sewagetreatment at Innisfail will undergo upgrades in 2008, butthe majority of rural areas have only septic systems.Climate Change and Coral BleachingCoral bleaching is a world-wide phenomenon. It is thoughtthat climate change and increasingly hot temperatures areraising sea temperatures. Corals are affected when thesetemperatures exceed the level the coral can tolerate. Coralsare a symbiotic lifeform, which depend uponphotosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae to keep themsupplied with nutrients. At higher temperatures thesesymbiotic algae can die, resulting in the characteristicbleached coral, which has expelled its algal symbionts.High intensity light levels, low salinity and pollutants canalso exacerbate coral bleaching.Historically however, over the last 220 million years coralshave continued to exist throughout very varied seatemperatures. There is some evidence to date that coralsmay form relationships with new, more thermotolerantstrains of algal symbionts during elevated sea temperatures(New Scientist Website, 2004b). But, as these symbiontschange, there may be radical changes to the composition ofcoral on the reef.Unusually high water temperatures in 1998 and 2003caused bleaching across the GBR. Inshore reefs were themost badly affected.The bleaching phenomenon is currently under investigationto examine the thermo-tolerance and adaptability of coralsto climate change.PollutantsThere is not a great deal of information on the effects ofchemical and heavy metal pollutants upon corals. However,research in 2003 by Clare Bennett of Melbourne University(New Scientist Website, 2003) showed that even low levelsof copper (below that previously recorded around inshorereefs in the GBR) could seriously affect the success ofcoral spawning. Copper levels of only five parts per billionreduced the recruitment of coral larvae maturing intojuveniles by 30%. Sources of copper can be found inantifouling paints as well as in industrial runoff.The effects of other heavy metals on corals have not beenextensively studied. Recent studies of water quality in theJohnstone estuary (WBM Oceanics 2005 - see Water andAtmosphere chapter, section 4.6 - sewage treatment plant)57

did not find significant levels of heavy metals. Aluminiumwas only once recorded out of twenty sample sites.However, zinc was generally present at low levels for mostsites, and exceeded ANZECC 2000 water qualityguidelines at one site. Sediments in the estuary did containtrace amounts of a range of heavy metals, whichoccasionally exceeded ANZECC guidelines for nickel andchromium.Shipping Risks and Introduced OrganismsShipping and mariculture activities cause two potentialproblems. Firstly there is a risk to the aquatic environmentwhen there are shipping accidents causing spills ofpollutants.Secondly, shipping carries ballast water from around theworld - leading to the introduction of exotic species intoAustralian waters when these ships reduce ballast beforeentering port.as coral diseases, and coral bleaching. Whilst the monitoringprogram also examines trends in the presence of differentfish, this work is not conducted in all sections of the reef,and no information is available for the Innisfail section.Since 1986, reefs in the Innisfail sector have been affectedmainly by COTS, and to a minor extent coral bleaching anddiseases. Cyclones have also been a lesser contributor toreduction in coral cover.Flood Plumes and Lowered SalinityFlood plumes are a natural phenomenon. It is thought thatthe lowered salinity in the flood plume could place anadditional pressure on the inshore reefs when they arealready affected by other adverse factors.ConditionReef Coral CoverageThe AIMS long-term Coral Coverage Monitoring Programassesses the health of coral reefs along the length of theGreat Barrier Reef. The program records the amount ofcoral present on different reefs and details the affectingfactors such as Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS), as wellFigure 3.1.2a - Average Percent Cover of Hard Coral (Broadscale survey)for each sector (outer, middle and inner reefscombined) Source: AIMS Website (2005a)Not all reefs in a sector are surveyed each year. 0% 19% 39% 60%At present, coral coverage in the Innisfail sector is low, thelowest for the entire GBR (Figure 3.1.2a). The sector has hadlarge COTS populations, as well as being part of a massbleaching event across the GBR in 1998.COTS, coral bleaching, and coral disease are no longerproblems present in the Innisfail sector. The reefs here arecurrently classified as recovering in 2004 with reduction inCOTS numbers.It is hoped that improvement in land management practiceswill become evident over time through improved coralcoverage. There have been some major steps taken, such asgreen trash blanketing on cane farms. This will beparticularly evident if COTS outbreaks prove to be nutrientrelated.Appendix 6.3 (CD and Web versionsonly) includes descriptions of theindividual reefs surveyed by AIMS(Sweatman et al. 2003) “Long-termMonitoring of the Great BarrierReef – Status Report No 6 2003”.Rec: Lobby Reef CRC to establishresearch in the Shire's coastalwaters, possibly utilising facilities atthe TAFE - Council, JRCMA,FNQNRM, NR&M, QPWS, TAFEMarine Water QualityWater quality varies enormouslyalong the coast during weatherevents such as cyclones. This isdiscussed more fully in the Waterand Atmosphere chapter. Includedare the results of chlorophyllmonitoring, as the phytoplanktondescribed by this indicator form amajor part of the base of the aquaticfood chain. Changes to this trophiclevel may have repercussionsthrough promotion of some species,which further affects the rest of theecological web.58

ResponsesGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park ZoningSignificant changes occurred to the protection of the GreatBarrier Reef in 2003. The Marine Park Zoning Plan wasradically altered to increase the area protected, and toensure that areas representing all types of biodiversity onthe Reef were included. These representative areas includeall the differing habitats and species communities of theReef. A minimum of 20% of each type of representativearea will be protected by ‘no-take’ green zoning whichprevents impacts from fishing or other extractiveutilisation. Overall, approximately one-third of the Reef isnow protected. The zoning plan for the region adjacent tothe Shire can be seen at http://www.reefed.edu.au/rap/pdf/mpz_07.pdf.DPI&F are responsible for patrolling the marine parks, andcontrolling the commercial and recreational fisheries.QPWS are also employing extra staff to manage theoffshore islands, and to help to patrol the Shire's greenzones.Nutrients and SedimentsWork towards reducing impact from nutrients andsediments is based upon land management practiceonshore. These practices are examined in the LandManagement chapter, mainly in section 7.ShippingReef CRC have initiated research into organismsintroduced to marine environments. The primary goal ofthis work will be to identify the distribution of introducedorganisms, and identification of high-risk taxa. The PortsAuthority has response plans in place should there be anyrelease of pollution from a shipping accident.3.1.3 Introduced SpeciesTilapiaTwo species of Tilapia fish have been introduced towaterways in Queensland. The Shire has Tilapia mariae , afish which has achieved extraordinary success in theShire's waterways, being an aggressive species that willchase other fish out of territories it establishes. Thisexacerbates its effect of competing with native fish forfood. Tilapia are omnivorous, mainly eating plants andalgae, but will also eat insects and other food."Tilapia are sexually mature at three years of age or less inFigure 3.1.3 - Black mangrove cichlid (Tilapia mariae)Source DPI&F Website (2005a)favourable conditions. They are able to reach sexualmaturity at small sizes in poor conditions or when they areovercrowded. This is known as 'stunting' and results inlarge populations of mature fish with small body sizes.…Tilapia have successfully invaded and dominated manyaquatic habitats due to their highly efficient reproductivestrategy, simple food requirements and their ability to livein a variety of conditions. Unlike many native freshwaterfishes, tilapia are able to retreat downstream into highlysaline waters during drought and move back upstream whenconditions improve. They affect native species whencompeting for habitat and food, behaving aggressively anddisturbing plant beds when building nests." (DPI&FWebsite, 2005a).Because Tilapia are hardy fish, resistant to low oxygenlevels and salinity, they are often found in cane drainsaround the Shire's waterways.Movement of Tilapia is restricted by the DPI&F. However,this has not stopped the fish from spreading into otherrivers in the region."It is illegal to possess, rear, sell or buy Tilapia. It is also anoffence to release Tilapia into Queensland waterways or touse them as bait, live or dead. Penalties up to $150 000apply" (DPI&F Website, 2005a). The fish cannot be used asbait because of the risk that eggs may infest otherwaterways.ResponseThere is no control response currently formulated to dealwith Tilapia. These fish are an aquaculture fish in othercountries - it has been suggested that placing an economicvalue on the fish may encourage control. However, thismight encourage people to introduce them to un-infestedareas. It is possible for individuals to catch large numbersof the fish with minimal effort in a day. A strategy of thisnature would have to be rigorously licensed and controlled.'Muling' the fish by introducing genetically modified malescapable of fathering only more male offspring, is a potentialsolution requiring research.Rec: DPI&F establish a control and eradication program forTilapia - DPI&F3.2 Aquatic Flora3.2.1 SeagrassesSeagrasses have undergone a worldwide decline, furtheraffecting the species they support and ultimately industriessuch as fisheries. Johnstone Shire has significant seagrassareas, it is important that these areas are conserved andprotected from adverse human impacts.Seagrass is important habitat for juvenile prawns, finfish,turtles, and dugong, and hence are an important primarytrophic layer for the ecosystems they support. Sea grassbeds are considered an important cultural food source areaby the Ma:mu people.59

PressureSeagrass is potentially affected by water quality includingturbidity from sediments, which reduces available lightlevels. This will limit the area seagrass can grow ifturbidity persists for extended periods.Another problem is the potential effect of herbicideconcentrations in water, especially persistent herbicidessuch as Diuron, which can be carried attached to sediments,to settle in river estuaries or further into the GBR lagoon.Research by Haynes et al. (2000) demonstrated that theherbicide Diuron reduces seagrass photosynthesis at levelsof concentration significantly lower than those found in theJohnstone estuary; in samples of estuary sediment(measured at 10.1 µg/kg sediment). Diuron is a herbicideutilised extensively in the agricultural industries. It hasbeen under review by the National Registration Authority(NRA) for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (SeeLand Management chapter, section 3 - pesticides).The levels of herbicides in waterways need to continue tobe monitored in the Shire's waterways. Diuron iscommonly detected by Council's Health Department'smonitoring in some of the Shire's smaller waterways.Trawling is another human activity that can negativelyimpact sea grass meadows. “Most shallow-water seagrasshabitat is protected from this potential impact …and densedeepwater seagrass habitat is usually avoided by trawlersbecause the seagrass fills and clogs the nets. Nevertheless,sparse deepwater seagrass habitat is potentially at risk fromdamage by trawlers” (GBRMPA, 1998).A significant pressure that could affect sea grass meadowsis proposed dredging of river systems. This can directlyaffect sea grass meadows if inappropriately located, butalso creates sediment plumes that block out the light.Dredging is not a good idea where maintenance of dredgedareas requires continual work. Dredging has been proposedfor various reaches of the Johnstone River withoutconsideration of further ecological effects.ConditionSeagrass in the Shire is currently regularly monitored onlyat Mourilyan Harbour by the Ports Corporation ofQueensland (PCQ) as part of the assessment of potentialimpacts from the Mourilyan Port. The monitoring has beenTable 3.2.1 - Estuarine Seagrasses in the ShireSource: Adapted from Zeller (1998)EstuaryJohnstoneRiverMoresbyRiverMariaCreekDominant SeagrassSpeciesZostera capricorniHalophila decipiens,Halophila ovalis andZostera capricorniZostera capricorniJuvenile Commercial PrawnSpecies Sampled– Dependent upon sea grassPenaeus esculentus, Penaeussemisulcatus, Metapenaeusendeavouri, Metapenaeusensis, Penaeus latisulcatus,Penaeus monodonPenaeus esculentus, Penaeussemisulcatus, Metapenaeusendeavouri, MetapenaeusensisPenaeus esculentus, Penaeussemisulcatus, Metapenaeusendeavouri, Metapenaeusensis, Penaeus latisulcatus,Penaeus monodonongoing since 1993. To date there have been no impactsregistered that are attributable to the function of the Port.“The area of seagrass in Mourilyan Harbour typicallyvaries between 65 to 71 ha in summer, and 47 to 68 ha inwinter. Meadows in Mourilyan Harbour are mostly lowbiomass along the shallow banks within the harbour andthe periphery of Armit and Walter Creeks. High biomassmeadows are located along the Seaforth Valley mangrovefringe, the sand banks between Armit and Walter Creekmouths, and adjacent to Lily and Bradshaw Islands.” (PCQWebsite 2005).In December 2002, seagrass monitoring reported asignificant reduction in intertidal Halophila sea grass onSeaforth Bank. The DPI&F considers this to be due toregional climactic conditions, especially low rainfall.Zostera seagrass meadows remained stable and healthy.Results from DPI&F monitoring in 2004 (McKenna et al.2005) showed that the seagrass meadows had recoveredconsiderably. Monitoring has so far shown that the seagrassmeadows are capable of increasing their cover withinrelatively short periods of time. It is considered that theseagrass meadows are capable of rapid recovery whenimpact pressures are removed.Seagrass can be found in patches all along the coast,though only a small percentage has thus far been mapped.Better information currently exists for the estuaries of theJohnstone and Moresby Rivers and Maria Creek, whichalso support sea grass habitat. Seagrass has been reportedas absent from the Liverpool Creek estuarine area (Russelland Hales 1997).Mapping of seagrass conducted between 1984 and 1988 isavailable from DPI&F Website (2005b) on the fisheriesCHRIS website, (http://chrisweb.dpi.qld.gov.au/). Thismapping describes areas of sea grass at Mourilyan and thenearby coast, around the North Barnards, betweenKurrimine and the South Barnards, as well as extensiveareas around Dunk Island.ResponsesCurrent monitoring at Mourilyan will determine if there iscause for concern in the future. Mapping of seagrass areasalong the coast and out at sea is being conducted byDPI&F.Unfortunately, there is no regular testing for Diuron in theShire's major rivers. Council's Health Department domonitor for the herbicide in a number of smallerwaterways. It is hoped that this chemical will be restrictedin its commercial usage, as it is especially persistent in soiltypes common in the west of the Shire. Landholders in theShire should be educated as to better management of thisherbicide.Rec: An Ecological Impact Assessment be conducted intothe proposed dredging of the Johnstone River (or anyother waterways) to determine the manner in which toconduct and the timing of such work to minimise impacton seagrass meadows, and to minimise sediment exportto coastal waters. Any dredging plans should includemapping of seagrass present to determine impacts overtime - Council, consultant60

Rec: Council should support the furtherrestriction of the herbicide Diuron inagricultural usage. Alternately usage in theShire should be better managed, to avoid usearound waterways and drains - Council,CANEGROWERS, Growcom, Landholders3.2.2 MangrovesThe Wet Tropics has a very high diversity ofmangroves, including 39 different species. Areasof the Wet Tropics contain representation of allof mangrove species in Australia. Mangroves areimportant ecologically as fish nursery areas, andfor their role in stabilising waterway banks.It is estimated that 75% of the commerciallycaught fish and prawns in Queensland spend atleast some part of their life cycle living in themangroves (AIMS Website, 2005b). Mangrovesalso provide nesting sites and habitat for avariety of birds and terrestrial species.PressureMangroves are now extremely well protectedfrom clearing under the Queensland FisheriesAct (1994) and any activity involvingmangroves requires a permit from the DPI&F.Clearing mangroves is subsequently verydifficult, other than in exceptionalcircumstances. However, there are still impactsfrom illegal clearing occurring in the Shire;generally where residents are not satisfied withtheir view. This further exacerbates problemswith riverbank erosion.Threats to mangroves are now mainly frompollutants in waterways. Oil spills are a significant risk, asthey prevent mangroves obtaining oxygen through theirpneumatophore root systems. Some species of mangroveshave been determined to be at risk from herbicides includingDiuron. Diuron in mangrove mud sediments was proven tobe the cause of mangrove dieback in Mackay. “Correlativeassessments (at >95% certainty) of mangrove condition andhealth in the field showed there was one likely agent, namelyherbicides (particularly diuron).” (Duke et al. 2003).A similar correlation is apparent in the Johnstone River. In2002, where there were high levels of Diuron in sediments,the distribution of A. marina mangroves ended. Thiscorrelation is not certain, as there is no description of thehistorical distribution of particular mangroves species in theShire upon which to base comparative conclusions.Not all species of mangroves are similarly affected byherbicides, but some have been proved to be at risk.In the long-term mangroves are considered potentially at riskfrom climate change - due to projected rises in sea level of10-80cm by 2100, as well as increasing levels of CO 2 .ConditionThe area of mangrove ecosystems has actually increased incomparison to their historical extent. Changes to theMangroves along the Johnstone Riverhydrology of wetlands in the Shire, including drainage oflarge freshwater areas for agriculture, has resulted inmangroves encroaching further upstream. Sedimentation orreduced flow rates may be reasons that saltwater is reachingfurther and creating favourable conditions for the mangrovesrather than for freshwater species. Maps of the extent ofmangrove encroachment, since 1951, are shown above in theWetlands section, 2.1.3.ResponseAIMS are conducting research into possible climatic changeeffects on mangroves, and from sedimentation or erosion ofmangrove muds.Diuron has recently been under review by the AVPMA (SeeLand Management chapter, section 3 - pesticides). It isproposed that use of the chemical be further restricted.Council conducts monitoring of some of the Shire waterwaysfor herbicides.Rec: Council find and enforce solutions to prevent illegalclearing of riverbank areas by residents for personal scenicamenity. Solutions may include very large signage or anothermanner to block the view until revegetation is re-established -Council, DPI&F61

3.3 Aquatic FaunaThe Great Barrier Reef is home tothousands of species of fish, and anumber of mammals and reptiles. Thecorals themselves are actually fauna,being formed from colonies ofunicellular organisms of the animalkingdom, with animalian cellularfeatures. Corals also form symbioticrelationships with marine algae(zooanthellae), in order to benefitfrom these unicellular plants' ability to photosynthesise.The corals are described in the ecosystem section above.The estuaries and freshwater reaches of the Shire alsocontain more fish and feature other impressive fauna suchas the estuarine crocodile.3.3.1 MammalsMarine mammals utilising the Shire's coastal watersinclude whales, dolphins and dugongs. Issues affectingthese animals relate principally to factors affecting thecoastal water quality and the Reef.QPWS are establishing marine officers based in Innisfail.They will respond to reports of marine animal strandingoccurring in the Shire.Dugongs (dugong dugon)PressureNationally, dugongs are under pressure from reductions inand degradation of the seagrass habitat they require tofeed. Other pressures include capture in fishing nets (sharkmeshing, commercial and illegal) and boat strike.Indigenous cultural harvest of dugongs has also become aconcern, because with modern powered boats it is possibleto harvest dugongs at higher levels than was traditional.ConditionDugongs have declined nationally and internationally overthe last 40 years. Dugongs in the Shire have beensurveyed but numbers were too low to provide populationestimates (Reef Research, 2003). Dugongs are highlymigratory so are certain to move through the Shire'scoastal waters and utilise seagrass areas. Knowledge ofdugong populations in other areas is better, but data is notyet sufficient to determine whether the currently lowpopulation level is stable, or whether it is still declining,or the possible rate of decline.ResponseDugongs are not specifically managed by any agencywithin the Shire's coastal waters. Instead, regional, Stateand national management programs are in place. Protectedareas for dugongs exist nearby at Hinchinbrook Island,and there are areas of seagrass protected under GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park zoning.The Federal Department of Environment and Heritage(DEH) has drafted the report "Sustainable and legalIndigenous Harvest of Marine Turtles and Dugongs inAustralia - A national approach".The goal is to develop cooperative management of dugongharvest with Indigenous communities to ensure the survivalof these species. The policy is not to restrict harvestthrough policing. Instead a policy of education andcooperation will aim to improve attitudes over time.There is concern by environmental groups, that given thelack of information on dugong population decline, that thesurvival of these species may require stricter measures inthe immediate short-term (JES, pers comm.).3.3.2 ReptilesClownfish amidst a sea anemoneAquatic reptiles in the Shire coastal waters include turtles,estuarine crocodiles, and sea snakes. Whilst sea snakes arelisted under the Nature Conservation Act, little is knownabout their distribution and pressures that may affect them.They are occasionally caught in commercial fishing nets,but are likely to be well protected within the GBR MarinePark zoning.TurtlesSix species of the world's turtles are found on the GBR.They include:• Green turtles• Hawksbill turtles• Loggerhead turtles• Flatback turtles• Olive Ridley turtles• Leatherback turtlesOf these, the Flatback turtle nests only on Australianbeaches and is found only on the Australian continentalshelf. Australia is also an important area for turtles tobreed, and protection here is better than in many othercountries. However, because turtles return to lay eggs at thebeach they hatched at, regional population losses of anyspecies are not naturally replaced by colonisation fromother areas.PressuresTurtle numbers around the world have declined due tohunting, and from drowning when they are caught incommercial fishing nets. There is evidence thatLoggerhead, Green and Hawksbill turtles are declining inthe GBR. Flatback turtle populations appear to be steady.Indigenous cultural harvest of turtles has also become aconcern, because with modern powered boats it is possibleto harvest turtles at higher rates than was traditional.62

ResponsesIn 1999 the Flatback turtle was listed as 'vulnerable' and theOlive Ridley turtle's listing increased to 'endangered' underthe Endangered Species Protection Act 1992.Some turtle hunting is allowed within the GBR, but it canonly be carried out by Indigenous peoples holding anappropriate permit. Even with a permit, hunting is notallowed in preservation zones of the Marine Park(GBRMPA 2005b).The fishing industry is introducing turtle exclusion devicesto trawling nets, and have guidelines for releasing turtlescaught in nets.QPWS marine officers will be dealing with marinestranding in the Shire, including turtles.The Federal Department of Environment and Heritage(DEH) has drafted the report "Sustainable and legalIndigenous harvest of Marine Turtles and Dugongs inAustralia - A national approach". Comments applicable arethe same as for dugongs above.Estuarine CrocodilesEstuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are a highprofile species where they occur in Queensland. Theybenefit the region through tourism, and are an importantpart of the natural environment as predators at the top endof the aquatic food chain. No freshwater crocodiles arepresent in the Shire.PressureCrocodile populations face pressure from three concerns:• The availability of nesting habitat• Crocodile management tends to target the largeranimals, which are the breeders• Human activities can cause crocodiles to adopt problembehaviour which targets them for removalConditionDespite these pressures the population is breeding and therehas been some small expansion of crocodiles into areas inwhich they have not been seen for a long time. Althoughthe species is listed as 'vulnerable' there is presently nosignificant likelihood of extinction (Read, pers comm.).Crocodiles are removed by QPWS when they create aproblem for people.Crocodile sightings and removals have not varied greatlyover the last four years, though 2004 was an exciting yearwith a number of crocodiles sighted during movementsalong the coast, and one found within a stinger net.Table 3.2.2 - Number of crocodiles sightings andremoval from within the ShireSource: JSCYear Sightings reported Removal2000 - 32001 20 32002 16 62003 13 42004 22 1Note: Not all sightings are reportedEstuarine crocodile - crocodylus porosusSource:WTMAThere is still some pressure from public perception ofcrocodiles as a risk, though killing them is now illegal. Whilstestuarine crocodiles are the most aggressive in the world, since1985 to 2005 there have been a total of 14 attacks, and onlyfour fatalities. Of these few incidents, almost all have involvedalcohol, or swimming in a crocodile inhabited river.Comparatively, more people have been killed in altercationsThe results of radio tracking research in 2003 by QPWSindicate that crocodiles have extensive ranges along a river,and along the coast; including excursions to other riversystems. This dispels the traditional view that crocodilesare limited to defined territories. Crocodiles in the studymoved through one another's foraging ranges daily (Read,pers comm.).Also, crocodiles displaced to other river systems provedable to navigate long stretches of coastline to return to theiroriginal home. One crocodile under study returned from theGulf to its home on the east coast. All translocatedcrocodiles studied returned home.Some unusual results of the tracking showed crocodiletravelling hundreds of kilometres along the coast to visitother river systems, and then to return home. Themotivation for this behaviour is not yet understood.Potentially it is of benefit for maintaining genetic exchangeand breeding success. Considering the crocodile race hasbeen around since the time of the dinosaurs, it is likely thatthe species will show mechanisms that prevent promotegenetic exchanges and prevent inbreeding.ResponseQPWS manage crocodiles in the Shire, with communitystakeholder input through the Shire's Crocodile63

Management Committee.Better understanding of crocodile behaviour has led tochanges in crocodile management. It is no longerconsidered feasible to keep an area of a river clear ofcrocodiles. The presence of crocodiles will prevent certainuses of the river, such as water skiing. The research has alsoindicated that translocation is no longer an option formanagement of problem crocodiles.Crocodile management now focuses on problem animals.Crocodiles are removed only when they adopt behavioursuch as frequenting boat ramps or jetties, or when theycause injury to people, domestic animals or stock.Most problem crocodile behaviour is related to problemhuman behaviour. QPWS continually promote theCrocWise program, which educates people to prevent themattracting crocodiles to human activity areas. Crocodileswon't frequent boat ramps and jetties unless people areirresponsible and feed them, swim, or leave bait or fishscraps at such locations.CrocWise signage is established at public areas where thereare crocodiles, and promotion is carried out to communitygroups and schools.Rec: Investigate potential for local corporate sponsors forradio-tracked crocodiles to increase knowledge ofcrocodiles in the Shire - QPWS, Crocodile ManagementGroupRec: Incorporate improved knowledge of crocodilebehaviour into river management planning - CrocodileManagement Group, Council3.3.3 FishFreshwater FishPressureWater quality is a potential factor affecting the Shire'sfreshwater fish. It is not known to what extent raised levelsof nutrients, sediment and chemicals have affected thenatural biodiversity of the Shire's aquatic ecosystems sinceEuropean settlement. It is likely that the smaller creeks andstreams will have been the most affected.There is some pressure from recreational fishing, but againit is not known whether this is ecologically significant.ConditionA study by Russell and Hayes (1993) identified over 120fish species in the Johnstone River catchment. Freshwaterfish biodiversity is monitored in the Johnstone Rivers bythe DPI&F long-term monitoring program (Jebreen et al.2002, DPI&F 2005). Several sites on the North and SouthJohnstone Rivers are monitored annually. Appendix 6.5shows the Rivers' fish diversity (CD and Web versionsonly).The most common fish caught in the surveys, in order, wereGlassfish (separated into two species in 2004), Rainbowfish, Gudgeon, Sooty Grunter, Narrow-banded Ponyfish,and Silver Biddy. These are averages over the four yearsthat catch per unit effort data was available. There are largevariations between years.In 2004 catch rates for many species were lower than inprevious years. This may be due to conditions in the river atthe time of sampling. There is a possibility that a massivefish kill event earlier in the year contributed to thesereduced numbers.However, the diversity of the number of species hasremained consistent. Continued monitoring will determinewhether there are any species losses over time.Introduced Tilapia are a threat to other freshwater fishspecies in the Shire's rivers as described in the section3.1.3 - introduced species. Tilapia are consistently reportedin the monitoring.ResponseAn ecotoxicology study is presently being conducted by theAIMS. The study is examining freshwater species in theJohnstone River to determine whether there are residues ofchemicals from agriculture. The results of this study willdemonstrate whether there are any long-term effects thatbuild up in the food chain.Stocking of Barramundi occurs into the Johnstone River.This may be reflected in the size classes for barramundishown in the 2001-02 freshwater report (Jebreen et al.2002), in that all fish caught were within a tight range of34 - 54cm. No smaller barramundi were caught. However,only 12 barramundi were caught over the two years so thisis a low sample size. The monitoring sites may not be farenough upstream to catch the barramundi fingerlings,which grow to maturity in the upper reaches of rivers.Barramundi will reach a size exceeding 30cm in their firstyear.Marine FishPressureOverfishing is a pressure that is a worldwide phenomenon,with Australia no exception. Whilst fish populations canrecover given a little time, they are seldom given theopportunity to do so. There are many examples of fisheriesindustries that have destroyed the harvest, thereby ruiningthemselves and facing closure.The harvest of wildlife is an activity that has to bestringently regulated because, when the resource isabundant, additional harvest destroys this abundance. Whenfish populations are high, letting additional fishing boatsjoin the game ruins the industry for all. The fish need a highpopulation to remain abundant, as well as to be profitable togo after. This is due simply to their breeding success.Unfortunately, where independent operators work in acompetitive industry, cooperative management is oftensacrificed in the interest of personal profit. This problem isknown as 'the tragedy of the commons' after Hardin'slandmark essay in 1968 (see box on page 66) discussing theethics of human freedom in a world of finite resources.Other pressures on marine fish include water quality andthe state of their ecosystems, such as reefs and seagrassbeds, as detailed in the sections above (see aquatic flora,section 3.2 ).64

ConditionThe AIMS conducts monitoring of reef fish throughout theGBR, but not specifically within the Innisfail sector. Reefwide fish biodiversity information is available on the AIMSwebsite at http://www.aims.gov.au/monmap/monmap.htm.A number of species of marine fish have been protected onthe GBR with no take policies and annual closures tofishing to protect fish during breeding seasons.ResponseThe rezoning of the GBR with additional protected areaswill assist in protecting marine diversity and fish stocks.CRC reef has demonstrated this in research work - theEffects of Line Fishing (ELF) experiment. The researchalso shows that reduced efforts by commercial fishing willbe even more effective, resulting in both better fishpopulations, and better harvests for fishers.ELF ExperimentThe Effects of Line Fishing (ELF) experiment, conductedby the CRC Reef Research Centre demonstrated thepotential effectiveness of the GBR rezoning over futureyears. The project was conducted on 24 reefs throughoutthe length of the reef, with some reefs normally closed tofishing being opened, and others normally open beingclosed. The results were as follows.“Analysis of information from the ELF Experiment up to2000 shows that reefs closed to fishing can have more andlarger coral trout and red throat emperor than reefs that areopen to fishing, with this pattern most obvious in areassouth of Townsville. There were rapid declines in fishnumbers on reefs opened to fishing, which stronglyindicated that without protection from fishing, these reefswould have fish populations that are similar to the openreefs around them. In contrast, the research found that fishstocks recovered following closure of reefs to fishing. Also,larger fish populations on closed reefs will most likely havegreater spawning capacity than those on surrounding openreefs. This adds support to the argument that green zonesare an effective conservation and fisheries managementtool.The research results also show that reducing the level offishing effort is the strategy most likely to seeimprovements in a number of indicators of fishery health(such as commercial catch rates and size of fish taken onreefs open to fishing). Effort restrictions and area closuresare required to achieve both conservation of fish andsatisfactory fishery performance leading to ecologicalsustainability.” (Reef CRC Website, 2005).Fishing effort describes how easy or difficult it is forcommercial fishers to catch fish. It is basically equivalentto how many hours a trawler would have to spend beforefilling the hold with catch. The ELF experiment shows thatthe current level of closures (~30%) will slightly reducefishermen's returns.But the interesting part of the research is that if commercialfishers started spending less time/effort fishing they wouldstart to make a better profit after only a year.This means that reducing the effort to catch fish results inthe fish population increasing, so that after a short amountof time, more fish are caught for the same amount offishing. The graphs in Figure 3.3.3 show projections forcatch per unit effort.Figure 3.3.3 - Modelling of Reef Closure and Fishing EffortSource: Reef CRC Website (2005)65

It can be seen from the ELF experiment that the mosteffective strategy for the fishing industry in all scenarios isto reduce effort by half. This is because the fish populationsrecover exponentially. If effort is reduced by half, evenclosures of 30% of the reef do not appreciably affect catchreturns. Fifty percent reef closures do have some effect, butthe return at half effort is still slightly higher than for noclosures with normal effort.It is obvious that overfishing will ruin the industry andreduce individual profits. Some fishing licences have beenremoved, but management must ensure fishing effort isrestricted.The fishing industry can only complain about the currentlevel of reef closures if they are determined to continue toconduct poor management of their industry.The Tragedy of the Commons“The tragedy of the commons develops in this way. Picture apasture open to all. It is to be expected that each herdsman willtry to keep as many cattle as possible on the commons. Such anarrangement may work reasonably satisfactorily for centuriesbecause tribal wars, poaching, and disease keep the numbers ofboth man and beast well below the carrying capacity of theland. Finally, however, comes the day of reckoning, that is, theday when the long-desired goal of social stability becomes areality. At this point, the inherent logic of the commonsremorselessly generates tragedy.As a rational being, each herdsman seeks to maximize his gain.Explicitly or implicitly, more or less consciously, he asks,"What is the utility to me of adding one more animal to myherd?" This utility has one negative and one positivecomponent.1. The positive component is a function of the increment ofone animal. Since the herdsman receives all the proceedsfrom the sale of the additional animal, the positive utility isnearly + 1.2. The negative component is a function of the additionalovergrazing created by one more animal. Since, however,the effects of overgrazing are shared by all the herdsmen,the negative utility for any particular decision makingherdsman is only a fraction of -1.Adding together the component partial utilities, the rationalherdsman concludes that the only sensible course for him topursue is to add another animal to his herd. And another....But this is the conclusion reached by each and everyrational herdsman sharing a commons. Therein is thetragedy. Each man is locked into a system that compels himto increase his herd without limit -- in a world that islimited. Ruin is the destination toward which all men rush,each pursuing his own best interest in a society that believesin the freedom of the commons. Freedom in a commonsbrings ruin to all.A simple incident that occurred a few years ago inLeominster, Massachusetts shows how perishable theknowledge is. During the Christmas shopping season theparking meters downtown were covered with plastic bagsthat bore tags reading: "Do not open until after Christmas.Free parking courtesy of the mayor and city council." Inother words, facing the prospect of an increased demand foralready scarce space, the city fathers reinstituted the systemof the commons. (Cynically, we suspect that they gainedmore votes than they lost by this retrogressive act.)…Likewise, the oceans of the world continue to suffer fromthe survival of the philosophy of the commons. Maritimenations still respond automatically to the shibboleth of the"freedom of the seas." Professing to believe in the"inexhaustible resources of the oceans," they bring speciesafter species of fish and whales closer to extinction.”(On managing the commons) “…What shall we do? Wehave several options. We might sell them off as privateproperty. We might keep them as public property, butallocate the right to enter them. The allocation might be onthe basis of wealth, by the use of an auction system. It mightbe on the basis of merit, as defined by some agreed uponstandards. It might be by lottery. Or it might be on a firstcome,first-served basis, administered to long queues.These, I think, are all objectionable. But we must choose --or acquiesce in the destruction of the commons…”Excerpt from "The Tragedy of the Commons," by GarrettHardin (1968)66

4. Deficiencies in DataAs noted in the sections dealing with fauna and flora, thereis little reliable information for most species present in theShire. A record of the total diversity of species is not yetcomplete, and there is no real information on thedistribution of species.This should be improved, but given the number of speciesin the Shire priority should be for the endangered species,and towards identifying species that may have locallylimited distributions. This will assist in further conservationefforts.Rec: QPWS work towards recording the diversity of speciesin the Shire - QPWSRec: QPWS compile data and mapping of the distribution ofconservation significant species in the Shire - QPWSRec: Engage university students and other tertiaryinstitutions to conduct research projects on ecosystems,flora and fauna in the Shire - QPWS, Council, TAFERec: Lobby Earthwatch to establish research projects in theShire - Council5. ReferencesAIMS Website (2005a) "Interactive data summaries for the Great BarrierReef" Australian Institute Marine Science, Viewed on 15/1/5, http://www.aims.gov.au/monmap/monmap.htmAIMS Website (2005b) "A mangrove is more than just a tree ..."Australian Institute of Marine Science, Viewed on 22/8/5, http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/research/project-net/mangroves-01/apnetmangroves01.htmlAllanson S. (2005) Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, MissionBeach - Personal Communication, May 2005.ANZECC (2000) "National Water Quality Management Strategy -Australian Guidelines for Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting"Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council/Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and NewZealand, October 2000Australian Greenhouse Office (2004) "Climate change in the Cairns &Great Barrier Reef Region: Scope and Focus for an IntegratedAssessment" Australian Greenhouse Office, Commonwealth ofAustralia. Viewed on 222/8/5, http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/impacts/publications/pubs/gbr.pdfBell, R. (1996) "Johnstone River Catchment Revegetation Strategy"Johnstone River Catchment Management Association, QueenslandBentrupperbaumer J. (1992) "Cassowary monitoring program for thewhole of Cardwell and part of Johnstone Shires, North Queensland."Unpublished report to Queensland National Parks and WildlifeService Grant Scheme for research on Rare and Threatened Species,Wildlife Preservation Society, Tully.Biodiversity Strategy (2003) "Strategy for the Conservation ofBiodiversity in the Johnstone Shire" Dryden, B., Johnstone ShireCouncil, InnisfailC4 (2005) Community for Cassowary and Coastal Conservation Inc,Mission BeachCSIRO Website (2005)"CSIRO cane toad research" CommonwealthScientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia. Viewed on22/8/5, http://www.csiro.au/index.asp?type=faq&id=CaneToadControlDEH (2004) "Draft Sustainable and legal Indigenous harvest of MarineTurtles and Dugongs in Australia - A national approach". MACCTaskforce on Dugong and Marine Turtle Populations, Department ofthe Environment and Heritage, Commonwealth of Australia. Viewedon 22/8/5, http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/species/turtles/pubs/nationalapproach.pdfDEH Website (1999) "Hill acts to protect marine turtles" Department ofEnvironment and Heritage, Commonwealth of Australia. Viewed on22/8/5, http://www.deh.gov.au/minister/env/99/mr12aug99.htmlDEH Website (2005)"Threat Abatement Plan for Predation, HabitatDegradation, Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs"Department of Environement and Heritage, Commonwealth ofAustralia. Viewed on 12/9/2005, http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/tap/pig/DPI&F (2005) "Fisheries Long Term Monitoring Program" Requesteddata reproduced with permission of Queensland Department ofPrimary Industries and Fisheries, Copyright State of Queensland,2005DPI&F Website (2005a) "Tilapia" Queensland Department of PrimaryIndustries: Brisbane, Viewed on 22/8/5, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb/1406.htmlDPI&F Website (2005b) " Coastal Habitat Resources Information System(CHRIS)" Viewed on 18/8/2005, http://chrisweb.dpi.qld.gov.auDuke N.C., Bell A.M., Pederson D.K. Roelfsema C.M., Godson L.M.Zahmel K.N., Mackenzie J. Bengtson-Nash S. (2003) "MackayMangrove Dieback Investigations in 2002 with Recommendations forFurther Research, Monitoring and Management - Report to theQueensland Department of Primary Industries, Northern FisheriesCentre and the Community of Mackay Region" Marine BotanyGroup, Centre for Marine studies. 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http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn4539New Scientist Website (2004b) "Corals adapt to cope with globalwarming" Jeff Hecht in New Scientist, 11 August 2004. Viewed on22/8/5, http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn6275NR&M (2003) "SLATS Land Cover Change in Queensland 1999 - 2001"Statewide Land Cover and Trees Study, Natural Resource Sciences,Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, January2003. Viewed on 22/8/5, http://www.nrm.qld.gov.au/slats/pdf/slats9901.pdfNR&M Website (2005) "Control of Feral Pigs" Queensland Departmentof Natural Resources and Mines, Viewed on 22/8/5, http://www.nrm.qld.gov.au/factsheets/pdf/pest/PA7.pdfPowerlink Website (2005)"Transmission Projects - Kareeya to Innisfail"Powerlink Queensland, Viewed on 22/8/5, http://www.powerlink.com.au/asp/index.asp?page=transmission&sid=5&cid=4711&gid=197PCQ Website (2005) "Port of Mourilyan" Ports Corporation ofQueensland, Viewed on 22/8/5, http://www.pcq.com.au/2004/ports_mourilyan_community.cfmRead, M. (2005) Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, CrocodileManagement - Personal Communication, May 2005.Reef CRC Website (2005) "Effects of Line Fishing (ELF) Project"Cooperative Research Centre for the Great Barrier Reef WorldHeritage Area. Viewed on 18/8/2005, http://www.reef.crc.org.au/research/fishing_fisheries/elf.htmlReef Research (July 2003) "Reef Research Information Sheet No. 2 - TheStatus of Dugongs on the Great Barrier Reef and the Southern Coastof Queensland" The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority,Queensland. Viewed on 22/8/5, http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/publications/newsletters/reef_research_info_sheets/infosheet_2003_07_02.pdfRussell, D.J. & Hales, P.W. (1993) Stream Habitat and FisheriesResources of the Johnstone River Catchment, September 1993. DPIInformation Series QI93056, Department of Primary Industries:BrisbaneRussell, D.J. Hales, P.W. & Helmke S.A. (1996) Fisheries Resources andStream Habitat of the Moresby River Catchment, August 1996. DPIInformation Series QI96061, Department of Primary Industries:BrisbaneRussell, D.J. & Hales, P.W. (1997) Fish Resources and Stream Habitat ofthe Liverpool, Maria & Hull Catchments, July 1997. DPI InformationSeries QI97039, Department of Primary Industries: BrisbaneSweatman, H., Abdo, D., Burgess, S., Cheal, A., Coleman, G., Delean,S., Emslie, M., Miller, I., Osborne, K., Oxley, W., Page, C., &Thompson, A. (2003) “Long-term Monitoring of the Great BarrierReef – Status Report No 6 2003”. Australian Institute Marine Science,Viewed on 22/8/5, http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/research/reefmonitoring/ltm/mon-statrep6/statrep6.htmlVMA (1999) "Vegetation Management Act" Reprinted as in force on 27October 2004 (includes commenced amendments up to 2004 Act No.33) Reprint No. 1F. State of Queensland, October 2004Water Act (2000) "Queensland Water Act 2000" Reprinted as in force on1 July 2005 State of Queensland, July 2005WBM Oceanics (2005) "Ninds Creek STP Environmental Monitoring -Dry Season 2004 Survey" Prepared for Johnstone Shire Council,WBM Oceanics AustraliaWilliams S.E., Pearson R.G., Walsh P.J. (1996) "Distributions andbiodiversity of the terrestrial vertebrates of Australia's Wet tropics: areview of current knowledge", Pacific Conservation Biology, Vol. 2:327-62, Surrey, Beatty & Sons, Sydney.WTMA (2000) "Wet Tropics Coastal Wildlife Corridor" Wet TropicsManagement Authority, QueenslandWTMA (2004) " Annual Report and State of the Wet Tropics Report2003–2004" Wet Tropics Management Authority, Queensland.Viewed on 22/8/5, http://www.wettropics.gov.au/pdf/annual_reports/2004a_report.pdfWTMA Website (2005a) "Pressures on the Rainforest - Fragmentation,fire and exotic species" Wet Tropics Management Authority,Queensland. Viewed on 4/8/5, http://www.wettropics.gov.au/mwha/mwha_exotic.htmlWTMA Website (2005b) "Pressures on the World Heritage Area - CaneToads" Wet Tropics Management Authority, Queensland. Viewed on22/8/5, http://www.wettropics.gov.au/mwha/mwha_canetoads.htmlZeller, B. (1998) "Queensland's Fisheries Habitats - Current condition andrecent trends" DPI Information Series QI98025, Department ofPrimary Industries, Queensland68

6. AppendicesAppendix 6.1 Fauna in the Johnstone ShireSource: Environmental Protection Agency (2005) WildNet. (Database). Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane. 15February 2005Johnstone Shire - Latitude between: -17.4579 and -17.8819, Longitude between: 145.6855 and 146.1438NCA Status - Indicates the conservation status of each taxon under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.NCAThe codes are - Presumed Extinct (PE), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Rare (R), Common (C) or Not Protected ( ).EPBC status: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.The codes are - Conservation Dependent (CD), Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), Extinct (EX), Extinct in theWild (XW), Vulnerable (V) and Threatened (includes taxa listed as CD, CE, E, EX, V and XW).Significant: Indicates whether a taxon is conservation significant by the display of a Y (i.e. Yes). Conservation significantspecies include those that are listed as rare or threatened under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 or threatened under theEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, have a management status of rare or threatened, or arelisted under an international agreement (such as JAMBA, CAMBA and Bonn Convention).Endemicity: Queensland Endemic (Q), Intranational (QA), Regional Endemic (QI), Not Endemic to Australia (QAI),Vagrant (International) (VI), Vagrant (Intranational) (VA), Vagrant (Unknown) (VU), Introduced (International) (II),Introduced (Intranational) (IA), Introduced (Unknown) (IU), Exotic (International) (XI), Exotic (Intranational) (XA), Exotic(Unknown) (XU) or Unknown (U).AmphibiansClass AmphibiansFamily Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC Sig EndBufonidae Bufo marinus cane toad IIHylidae Litoria bicolor northern sedgefrog C QAIHylidae Litoria caerulea common green treefrog C QAIHylidae Litoria dentata bleating treefrog C QAHylidae Litoria fallax eastern sedgefrog C QAHylidae Litoria genimaculata tapping green eyed frog R Y QAIHylidae Litoria gracilenta graceful treefrog C QAHylidae Litoria infrafrenata white lipped treefrog C QAIHylidae Litoria lesueuri sensu lato stony creek frog C QAHylidae Litoria nannotis waterfall frog E E Y QHylidae Litoria nasuta striped rocketfrog C QAIHylidae Litoria nyakalensis mountain mistfrog E E Y QHylidae Litoria rheocola common mistfrog E E Y QHylidae Litoria rothii northern laughing treefrog C QAHylidae Litoria rubella ruddy treefrog C QAIHylidae Litoria xanthomera orange thighed treefrog C QHylidae Nyctimystes dayi Australian lacelid E E Y QMicrohylidae Austrochaperina fryi peeping whistlefrog R Y QMicrohylidae Austrochaperina pluvialis white browed whistlefrog C QMicrohylidae Austrochaperina robusta robust whistlefrog R Y QMicrohylidae Cophixalus infacetus creaking nurseryfrog R Y QMicrohylidae Cophixalus ornatus ornate nurseryfrog C QMyobatrachidae Limnodynastes convexiusculus marbled frog C QAIMyobatrachidae Limnodynastes ornatus ornate burrowing frog C QAMyobatrachidae Limnodynastes peronii striped marshfrog C QAMyobatrachidae Mixophyes schevilli northern barred frog C QMyobatrachidae Taudactylus acutirostris sharp snouted dayfrog E EX Y QRanidae Rana daemeli Australian woodfrog C QAIi

BirdsClass - BirdsFamily Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC Sig EndAccipitridae Accipiter fasciatus brown goshawk C QAIAccipitridae Accipiter novaehollandiae grey goshawk R Y QAIAccipitridae Aquila audax wedge-tailed eagle C QAIAccipitridae Aviceda subcristata Pacific baza C QAIAccipitridae Circus approximans swamp harrier C QAIAccipitridae Circus assimilis spotted harrier C QAAccipitridae Elanus axillaris black-shouldered kite C QAIAccipitridae Erythrotriorchis radiatus red goshawk E V Y QAAccipitridae Haliaeetus leucogaster white-bellied sea-eagle C Y QAIAccipitridae Haliastur indus brahminy kite C QAIAccipitridae Haliastur sphenurus whistling kite C QAIAccipitridae Hamirostra melanosternon black-breasted buzzard C QAAccipitridae Hieraaetus morphnoides little eagle C QAIAccipitridae Lophoictinia isura square-tailed kite R Y QAAccipitridae Milvus migrans black kite C QAIAccipitridae Pandion haliaetus osprey C QAIAegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian owlet-nightjar C QAIAlaudidae Mirafra javanica singing bushlark C QAIAlcedinidae Alcedo azurea azure kingfisher C QAIAlcedinidae Alcedo pusilla little kingfisher C QAIAnatidae Anas castanea chestnut teal C QAAnatidae Anas gracilis grey teal C Y QAIAnatidae Anas superciliosa Pacific black duck C QAIAnatidae Aythya australis hardhead C QAIAnatidae Chenonetta jubata Australian wood duck C QAAnatidae Cygnus atratus black swan C QAAnatidae Dendrocygna arcuata wandering whistling-duck C QAIAnatidae Dendrocygna eytoni plumed whistling-duck C QAAnatidae Malacorhynchus membranaceus pink-eared duck C QAAnatidae Nettapus coromandelianus cotton pygmy-goose R Y QAIAnatidae Nettapus pulchellus green pygmy-goose C QAIAnatidae Oxyura australis blue-billed duck C QAAnatidae Tadorna radjah radjah shelduck R Y QAIAnhingidae Anhinga melanogaster darter C QAIAnseranatidae Anseranas semipalmata magpie goose C QAIApodidae Apus pacificus fork-tailed swift C Y QAIApodidae Collocalia spodiopygius white-rumped swiftlet R Y QApodidae Hirundapus caudacutus white-throated needletail C Y QAIArdeidae Ardea alba great egret C Y QAIArdeidae Ardea ibis cattle egret C Y QAIArdeidae Ardea intermedia intermediate egret C QAIArdeidae Ardea pacifica white-necked heron C QAArdeidae Ardea picata pied heron C QAIArdeidae Ardea sumatrana great-billed heron C QAIArdeidae Butorides striatus striated heron C QAIArdeidae Egretta garzetta little egret C QAIArdeidae Egretta novaehollandiae white-faced heron C QAIArdeidae Egretta sacra eastern reef egret C Y QAIArdeidae Ixobrychus flavicollis black bittern C QAIArdeidae Ixobrychus minutus little bittern C QAIArdeidae Nycticorax caledonicus nankeen night heron C QAIArtamidae Artamus cinereus black-faced woodswallow C QAArtamidae Artamus cyanopterus dusky woodswallow C QAArtamidae Artamus leucorynchus white-breasted woodswallow C QAArtamidae Artamus minor little woodswallow C QAArtamidae Artamus personatus masked woodswallow C QAArtamidae Artamus superciliosus white-browed woodswallow C QAArtamidae Cracticus nigrogularis pied butcherbird C QAArtamidae Cracticus quoyi black butcherbird C QAIii

Class - BirdsFamily Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC Sig EndArtamidae Cracticus torquatus grey butcherbird C QAArtamidae Gymnorhina tibicen Australian magpie C QAIArtamidae Strepera graculina pied currawong C QABurhinidae Burhinus grallarius bush stone-curlew C QAIBurhinidae Esacus neglectus beach stone-curlew V Y QAICacatuidae Cacatua galerita sulphur-crested cockatoo C QAICacatuidae Cacatua roseicapilla galah C QACacatuidae Calyptorhynchus banksii red-tailed black-cockatoo C QACacatuidae Nymphicus hollandicus cockatiel C QACampephagidae Coracina lineata barred cuckoo-shrike C QACampephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae black-faced cuckoo-shrike C QAICampephagidae Coracina papuensis white-bellied cuckoo-shrike C QAICampephagidae Coracina tenuirostris cicadabird C QAICampephagidae Lalage leucomela varied triller C QAICampephagidae Lalage sueurii white-winged triller C QAICaprimulgidae Caprimulgus macrurus large-tailed nightjar C QAICaprimulgidae Eurostopodus argus spotted nightjar C QACaprimulgidae Eurostopodus mystacalis white-throated nightjar C QAICasuariidae Casuarius casuarius johnsonii southern cassowary (southern population) E E Y QCentropodidae Centropus phasianinus pheasant coucal C QACharadriidae Charadrius leschenaultii greater sand plover C Y QAICharadriidae Charadrius mongolus lesser sand plover C Y QAICharadriidae Charadrius ruficapillus red-capped plover C QAICharadriidae Charadrius veredus oriental plover C Y QAICharadriidae Elseyornis melanops black-fronted dotterel C QAICharadriidae Erythrogonys cinctus red-kneed dotterel C QACharadriidae Pluvialis fulva Pacific golden plover C Y QAICharadriidae Pluvialis squatarola grey plover C Y QAICharadriidae Vanellus miles masked lapwing C QAICiconiidae Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus black-necked stork R Y QAICinclosomatidae Psophodes olivaceus eastern whipbird C QAClimacteridae Climacteris picumnus brown treecreeper C QAColumbidae Chalcophaps indica emerald dove C QAColumbidae Columba leucomela white-headed pigeon C QAColumbidae Columba livia rock dove IIColumbidae Ducula bicolor pied imperial-pigeon C QAIColumbidae Geopelia cuneata diamond dove C QAColumbidae Geopelia humeralis bar-shouldered dove C QAIColumbidae Geopelia striata peaceful dove C QAIColumbidae Lopholaimus antarcticus topknot pigeon C QAColumbidae Macropygia amboinensis brown cuckoo-dove C QAIColumbidae Ptilinopus magnificus wompoo fruit-dove C QAIColumbidae Ptilinopus regina rose-crowned fruit-dove C QAIColumbidae Ptilinopus superbus superb fruit-dove C QAIColumbidae Streptopelia chinensis spotted turtle-dove IICoraciidae Eurystomus orientalis dollarbird C QAICorvidae Corvus orru Torresian crow C QAICuculidae Cacomantis castaneiventris chestnut-breasted cuckoo C QAICuculidae Cacomantis flabelliformis fan-tailed cuckoo C QAICuculidae Cacomantis variolosus brush cuckoo C QAICuculidae Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's bronze-cuckoo C QAICuculidae Chrysococcyx lucidus shining bronze-cuckoo C QAICuculidae Chrysococcyx minutillus little bronze-cuckoo C QAICuculidae Chrysococcyx osculans black-eared cuckoo C QAICuculidae Chrysococcyx russatus Gould's bronze-cuckoo C QAICuculidae Cuculus pallidus pallid cuckoo C QAICuculidae Cuculus saturatus oriental cuckoo C Y QAICuculidae Eudynamys scolopacea common koel C QAICuculidae Scythrops novaehollandiae channel-billed cuckoo C QAIDicaeidae Dicaeum hirundinaceum mistletoebird C QAIDicruridae Arses kaupi pied monarch C QDicruridae Dicrurus bracteatus spangled drongo C QAIDicruridae Grallina cyanoleuca magpie-lark C QAIiii

Class - BirdsFamily Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC Sig EndDicruridae Machaerirhynchus flaviventer yellow-breasted boatbill C QIDicruridae Monarcha leucotis white-eared monarch C QADicruridae Monarcha melanopsis black-faced monarch C QAIDicruridae Monarcha trivirgatus spectacled monarch C QAIDicruridae Myiagra alecto shining flycatcher C QAIDicruridae Myiagra cyanoleuca satin flycatcher C QAIDicruridae Myiagra inquieta restless flycatcher C QADicruridae Myiagra rubecula leaden flycatcher C QAIDicruridae Rhipidura fuliginosa grey fantail C QAIDicruridae Rhipidura leucophrys willie wagtail C QAIDicruridae Rhipidura rufifrons rufous fantail C QAIDicruridae Rhipidura rufiventris northern fantail C QAIFalconidae Falco berigora brown falcon C QAIFalconidae Falco cenchroides nankeen kestrel C Y QAIFalconidae Falco longipennis Australian hobby C Y QAIFalconidae Falco peregrinus peregrine falcon C QAIFregatidae Fregata ariel lesser frigatebird C Y QAIGlareolidae Glareola maldivarum oriental pratincole C Y QAIGlareolidae Stiltia isabella Australian pratincole C QAGruidae Grus antigone sarus crane C Y QAIGruidae Grus rubicunda brolga C QAIHaematopodidae Haematopus fuliginosus sooty oystercatcher R Y QAHalcyonidae Dacelo leachii blue-winged kookaburra C QAIHalcyonidae Dacelo novaeguineae laughing kookaburra C QAHalcyonidae Syma torotoro yellow-billed kingfisher C QAIHalcyonidae Tanysiptera sylvia buff-breasted paradise-kingfisher C QAIHalcyonidae Todiramphus chloris collared kingfisher C QAIHalcyonidae Todiramphus macleayii forest kingfisher C QAIHalcyonidae Todiramphus pyrrhopygia red-backed kingfisher C QAHalcyonidae Todiramphus sanctus sacred kingfisher C QAIHirundinidae Hirundo ariel fairy martin C QAHirundinidae Hirundo daurica red-rumped swallow C QAIHirundinidae Hirundo neoxena welcome swallow C QAIHirundinidae Hirundo nigricans tree martin C QAIHirundinidae Hirundo rustica barn swallow C Y QAIJacanidae Irediparra gallinacea comb-crested jacana C QAILaridae Anous stolidus common noddy C Y QALaridae Chlidonias hybridus whiskered tern C QAILaridae Chlidonias leucopterus white-winged black tern C Y QAILaridae Larus novaehollandiae silver gull C QAILaridae Stercorarius pomarinus pomarine jaeger C Y QAILaridae Sterna albifrons little tern E Y QAILaridae Sterna anaethetus bridled tern C Y QAILaridae Sterna bengalensis lesser crested tern C Y QAILaridae Sterna bergii crested tern C QAILaridae Sterna caspia Caspian tern C QAILaridae Sterna fuscata sooty tern C QAILaridae Sterna hirundo common tern C Y QAILaridae Sterna nilotica gull-billed tern C QAILaridae Sterna sumatrana black-naped tern C Y QAIMaluridae Malurus amabilis lovely fairy-wren C QMaluridae Malurus lamberti variegated fairy-wren C QAMaluridae Malurus melanocephalus red-backed fairy-wren C QAMegapodiidae Alectura lathami Australian brush-turkey C QAMegapodiidae Megapodius reinwardt orange-footed scrubfowl C QAMeliphagidae Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris eastern spinebill C QAMeliphagidae Certhionyx pectoralis banded honeyeater C QAMeliphagidae Entomyzon cyanotis blue-faced honeyeater C QAIMeliphagidae Lichenostomus chrysops yellow-faced honeyeater C QAMeliphagidae Lichenostomus flavescens yellow-tinted honeyeater C QAIMeliphagidae Lichenostomus flavus yellow honeyeater C QMeliphagidae Lichenostomus frenatus bridled honeyeater C QAMeliphagidae Lichenostomus fuscus fuscous honeyeater C QAiv

Class - BirdsFamily Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC Sig EndMeliphagidae Lichenostomus unicolor white-gaped honeyeater C QAMeliphagidae Lichenostomus versicolor varied honeyeater C QAIMeliphagidae Lichmera indistincta brown honeyeater C QAMeliphagidae Manorina melanocephala noisy miner C QAMeliphagidae Meliphaga gracilis graceful honeyeater C QAIMeliphagidae Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's honeyeater C QAMeliphagidae Meliphaga notata yellow-spotted honeyeater C QMeliphagidae Melithreptus albogularis white-throated honeyeater C QAIMeliphagidae Melithreptus brevirostris brown-headed honeyeater C QAMeliphagidae Melithreptus gularis black-chinned honeyeater R Y QAMeliphagidae Melithreptus lunatus white-naped honeyeater C QAMeliphagidae Myzomela obscura dusky honeyeater C QAIMeliphagidae Myzomela sanguinolenta scarlet honeyeater C QAMeliphagidae Philemon argenticeps silver-crowned friarbird C QAMeliphagidae Philemon buceroides helmeted friarbird C QAIMeliphagidae Philemon citreogularis little friarbird C QAIMeliphagidae Philemon corniculatus noisy friarbird C QAIMeliphagidae Phylidonyris nigra white-cheeked honeyeater C QAMeliphagidae Ramsayornis fasciatus bar-breasted honeyeater C QAMeliphagidae Ramsayornis modestus brown-backed honeyeater C QAIMeliphagidae Xanthotis macleayana Macleay's honeyeater C QAMeropidae Merops ornatus rainbow bee-eater C Y QAIMotacillidae Anthus novaeseelandiae Richard's pipit C QAIMotacillidae Motacilla cinerea grey wagtail C Y VUMotacillidae Motacilla flava yellow wagtail C Y QAIMuscicapidae Zoothera sp. UNectariniidae Nectarinia jugularis yellow-bellied sunbird C QAINeosittidae Daphoenositta chrysoptera varied sittella C QAIOriolidae Oriolus flavocinctus yellow oriole C QAIOriolidae Oriolus sagittatus olive-backed oriole C QAIOriolidae Sphecotheres viridis figbird C QAIOrthonychidae Orthonyx spaldingii chowchilla C QPachycephalidae Colluricincla boweri Bower's shrike-thrush C QPachycephalidae Colluricincla harmonica grey shrike-thrush C QAIPachycephalidae Colluricincla megarhyncha little shrike-thrush C QAIPachycephalidae Falcunculus frontatus crested shrike-tit C QAPachycephalidae Pachycephala pectoralis golden whistler C QAIPachycephalidae Pachycephala rufiventris rufous whistler C QAIPachycephalidae Pachycephala simplex peninsulae grey whistler C QParadisaeidae Ptiloris victoriae Victoria's riflebird C QPardalotidae Acanthiza katherina mountain thornbill C QPardalotidae Acanthiza nana yellow thornbill C QAPardalotidae Acanthiza reguloides buff-rumped thornbill C QAPardalotidae Gerygone levigaster mangrove gerygone C QAIPardalotidae Gerygone magnirostris large-billed gerygone C QAIPardalotidae Gerygone mouki brown gerygone C QAPardalotidae Gerygone olivacea white-throated gerygone C QAIPardalotidae Gerygone palpebrosa fairy gerygone C QAIPardalotidae Oreoscopus gutturalis fernwren C QPardalotidae Pardalotus punctatus spotted pardalote C QAPardalotidae Pardalotus striatus striated pardalote C QAPardalotidae Sericornis citreogularis yellow-throated scrubwren C QAPardalotidae Sericornis frontalis white-browed scrubwren C QAPardalotidae Sericornis keri Atherton scrubwren C QPardalotidae Sericornis magnirostris large-billed scrubwren C QAPardalotidae Smicrornis brevirostris weebill C QAPasseridae Erythrura trichroa blue-faced parrot-finch R Y QAIPasseridae Lonchura castaneothorax chestnut-breasted mannikin C QAIPasseridae Lonchura punctulata nutmeg mannikin IIPasseridae Neochmia phaeton crimson finch V Y UPasseridae Neochmia phaeton iredalei crimson finch (eastern form) V Y QPasseridae Neochmia temporalis red-browed finch C QAPasseridae Passer domesticus house sparrow IIv

Class - BirdsFamily Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC Sig EndPasseridae Poephila cincta black-throated finch C QAPasseridae Taeniopygia bichenovii double-barred finch C QAPasseridae Taeniopygia guttata zebra finch C QAPelecanidae Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian pelican C QAIPetroicidae Drymodes superciliaris northern scrub-robin C QAIPetroicidae Eopsaltria australis eastern yellow robin C QAPetroicidae Eopsaltria pulverulenta mangrove robin C QAPetroicidae Heteromyias albispecularis grey-headed robin C QPetroicidae Microeca flavigaster lemon-bellied flycatcher C QAIPetroicidae Tregellasia capito pale-yellow robin C QAPhalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax carbo great cormorant C QAIPhalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax melanoleucos little pied cormorant C QAIPhalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax sulcirostris little black cormorant C QAPhalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax varius pied cormorant C QAIPhasianidae Coturnix chinensis king quail C QAIPhasianidae Coturnix pectoralis stubble quail C QAPhasianidae Coturnix ypsilophora brown quail C QAIPhasianidae Gallus gallus red junglefowl IIPhasianidae Pavo cristatus Indian peafowl IIPittidae Pitta versicolor noisy pitta C QAIPodargidae Podargus papuensis Papuan frogmouth C QAIPodargidae Podargus strigoides tawny frogmouth C QAPodicipedidae Podiceps cristatus great crested grebe C QAIPodicipedidae Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian grebe C QAIProcellariidae Puffinus tenuirostris short-tailed shearwater C Y QAIPsittacidae Alisterus scapularis Australian king-parrot C QAPsittacidae Aprosmictus erythropterus red-winged parrot C QAIPsittacidae Cyclopsitta diophthalma macleayana Macleay's fig-parrot V Y QPsittacidae Glossopsitta pusilla little lorikeet C QAPsittacidae Platycercus adscitus pale-headed rosella C QAPsittacidae Platycercus elegans crimson rosella C QAPsittacidae Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus scaly-breasted lorikeet C QAPsittacidae Trichoglossus haematodus haematodus rainbow lorikeet C QAIPtilonorhynchidae Ailuroedus melanotis spotted catbird C QAIPtilonorhynchidae Chlamydera nuchalis great bowerbird C QAPtilonorhynchidae Prionodura newtoniana golden bowerbird C QPtilonorhynchidae Ptilonorhynchus violaceus satin bowerbird C QAPtilonorhynchidae Scenopoeetes dentirostris tooth-billed bowerbird C QRallidae Amaurornis olivaceus bush-hen C QAIRallidae Fulica atra Eurasian coot C QAIRallidae Gallinula tenebrosa dusky moorhen C QAIRallidae Gallinula ventralis black-tailed native-hen C QARallidae Gallirallus philippensis buff-banded rail C QAIRallidae Porphyrio porphyrio purple swamphen C QAIRallidae Porzana cinerea white-browed crake C QAIRallidae Porzana fluminea Australian spotted crake C QARallidae Rallina tricolor red-necked crake C QAIRecurvirostridae Himantopus himantopus black-winged stilt C QAIScolopacidae Actitis hypoleucos common sandpiper C Y QAIScolopacidae Arenaria interpres ruddy turnstone C Y QAIScolopacidae Calidris acuminata sharp-tailed sandpiper C Y QAIScolopacidae Calidris canutus red knot C Y QAIScolopacidae Calidris ferruginea curlew sandpiper C Y QAIScolopacidae Calidris ruficollis red-necked stint C Y QAIScolopacidae Calidris tenuirostris great knot C Y QAIScolopacidae Gallinago hardwickii Latham's snipe C Y QAIScolopacidae Heteroscelus brevipes grey-tailed tattler C Y QAIScolopacidae Heteroscelus incanus wandering tattler C Y QAIScolopacidae Limicola falcinellus broad-billed sandpiper C Y QAIScolopacidae Limosa lapponica bar-tailed godwit C Y QAIScolopacidae Limosa limosa black-tailed godwit C Y QAIScolopacidae Numenius madagascariensis eastern curlew R Y QAIScolopacidae Numenius minutus little curlew C Y QAIvi

Class - BirdsFamily Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC Sig EndScolopacidae Numenius phaeopus whimbrel C Y QAIScolopacidae Tringa glareola wood sandpiper C Y QAIScolopacidae Tringa nebularia common greenshank C Y QAIScolopacidae Tringa stagnatilis marsh sandpiper C Y QAIScolopacidae Xenus cinereus terek sandpiper C Y QAIStrigidae Ninox connivens barking owl C QAIStrigidae Ninox novaeseelandiae southern boobook C QAIStrigidae Ninox rufa queenslandica rufous owl (southern subspecies) V Y QSturnidae Acridotheres tristis common myna IISturnidae Aplonis metallica metallic starling C QAISturnidae Sturnus vulgaris common starling IISylviidae Acrocephalus stentoreus clamorous reed-warbler C QAISylviidae Cincloramphus cruralis brown songlark C QASylviidae Cisticola exilis golden-headed cisticola C QAISylviidae Megalurus timoriensis tawny grassbird C QAIThreskiornithidae Platalea flavipes yellow-billed spoonbill C QAThreskiornithidae Platalea regia royal spoonbill C QAIThreskiornithidae Plegadis falcinellus glossy ibis C Y QAIThreskiornithidae Threskiornis molucca Australian white ibis C QAIThreskiornithidae Threskiornis spinicollis straw-necked ibis C QAITurnicidae Turnix maculosa red-backed button-quail C QAITurnicidae Turnix varia painted button-quail C QATytonidae Tyto alba barn owl C QAITytonidae Tyto multipunctata lesser sooty owl C QTytonidae Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli masked owl (northern subspecies) V V Y QATytonidae Tyto tenebricosa sooty owl R Y QAZosteropidae Zosterops citrinellus pale white-eye C QZosteropidae Zosterops lateralis silvereye C QAIFishClass - FishFamily Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC Sig EndAnguillidae Anguilla obscura Pacific short-finned eel QIEleotridae Hypseleotris compressa empire gudgeon QAIGobiidae Glossogobius species 1 false celebes goby QIGobiidae Schismatogobius species scaleless goby QLutjanidae Lutjanus argentimaculatus mangrove jack QAIMelanotaeniidae Cairnsichthys rhombosomoides Cairns rainbowfish QMelanotaeniidae Melanotaenia maccullochi McCulloch's rainbowfish QAIMelanotaeniidae Melanotaenia splendida splendida eastern rainbowfish QPseudomugilidae Pseudomugil gertrudae spotted blue-eye QAIPseudomugilidae Pseudomugil signifer Pacific blue-eye QASoleidae Brachirus selheimi freshwater sole QASynbranchidae Ophisternon gutturale swamp eel QAITerapontidae Hephaestus fuliginosus sooty grunter QAToxotidae Toxotes chatareus seven-spot archerfish QAIInsectsClass - InsectsFamily Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC Sig EndHesperiidae Chaetocneme porphyropis purple dusk-flat QLycaenidae Hypochrysops apollo apollo Apollo jewel (Wet Tropics subspecies) V Y QLycaenidae Philiris diana diana large moonbeam (Wet Tropics subspecies) Qvii

MammalsClass - MammalsFamily Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC Sig EndCanidae Canis familiaris dog IIDasyuridae Antechinus flavipes yellow-footed antechinus C QAHipposideridae Hipposideros ater aruensis eastern dusky leaf-nosed bat C QAIHipposideridae Hipposideros diadema reginae diadem leaf-nosed bat R Y QAIMacropodidae Thylogale stigmatica red-legged pademelon C QAIMolossidae Mormopterus beccarii Beccari's freetail bat C QAIMolossidae Mormopterus loriae ridei little north-eastern freetail bat C QAIMuridae Hydromys chrysogaster water rat C QAIMuridae Melomys burtoni grassland melomys C QAMuridae Melomys cervinipes fawn-footed melomys C QAMuridae Mus musculus house mouse IIMuridae Rattus fuscipes bush rat C QAMuridae Rattus leucopus Cape York rat C QAIMuridae Rattus norvegicus brown rat IIMuridae Rattus rattus black rat IIMuridae Rattus sordidus canefield rat C QAIMuridae Uromys caudimaculatus giant white-tailed rat C QAIPeramelidae Isoodon macrourus northern brown bandicoot C QAIPeramelidae Perameles nasuta long-nosed bandicoot C QAPetauridae Dactylopsila trivirgata striped possum C QAIPotoroidae Hypsiprymnodon moschatus musky rat-kangaroo C QPteropodidae Macroglossus minimus northern blossom bat C QAIPteropodidae Nyctimene robinsoni eastern tube-nosed bat C QAPteropodidae Pteropus alecto black flying-fox C QAIPteropodidae Pteropus conspicillatus spectacled flying-fox C V Y QAIPteropodidae Syconycteris australis eastern blossom bat C QAIRhinolophidae Rhinolophus megaphyllus eastern horseshoe-bat C QAISuidae Sus scrofa pig IIVespertilionidae Miniopterus australis little bent-wing bat C QAIVespertilionidae Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis eastern bent-wing bat C CD Y QAIVespertilionidae Myotis macropus southern myotis C QAVespertilionidae Nyctophilus bifax bifax northern long-eared bat C QAIVespertilionidae Scotorepens sanborni northern broad-nosed bat C QAIVespertilionidae Vespadelus pumilus eastern forest bat C QAOther Mammals in the Shire—positively identified by QPWSFamily Scientific Name Common NameBurramyidae Cercartetus caudatus long-tailed pygmy possumCanidae Canis familarus dingo dingoDasyuridae Antechinus stuartii brown antechinusDasyuridae Dasyurus maculatus spotted-tailed quollEmballonuridae Taphozous georgianus common sheathtail batFelidae Felis catus feral catMacropodidae Thylogale stigmatica red-legged pademelonMacropodidae Macropus agilis agile wallabyMacropodidae Dendrolagus lumholtzi Lumholtz's tree kangarooOrnithorhynchidae Ornithorhynchus anatinusplatypusPseudocheiridae Psuedocheirus herbertensis Herbert river ringtail possumPseudocheiridae Psuedocheirus archeri green ringtail possumPseudocheiridae Hemibelideus lemuroides lemuroid ringtail possumRhinolophidae Rhinolophus philippensis large-eared horseshoe batTachyglossidae Tachyglossus aculeatus short-beaked echidnaviii

ReptilesClass - ReptilesFamily Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC Sig EndAgamidae Hypsilurus boydii Boyd's forest dragon C QAgamidae Physignathus lesueurii eastern water dragon C QABoidae Antaresia maculosus C QABoidae Liasis mackloti water python C QAIBoidae Morelia kinghorni amethystine python (Australian form) C QBoidae Morelia spilota carpet python C QAChelidae Elseya dentata northern snapping turtle C QAChelidae Elseya latisternum saw-shelled turtle C QACheloniidae Natator depressus flatback turtle V V Y QAIColubridae Boiga irregularis brown tree snake C QAColubridae Dendrelaphis punctulata common tree snake C QAColubridae Enhydris polylepis Macleay's water snake C QAColubridae Tropidonophis mairii freshwater snake C QACrocodylidae Crocodylus porosus estuarine crocodile V Y QAIElapidae Cacophis churchilli C QElapidae Furina barnardi yellow-naped snake R Y QElapidae Hemiaspis signata black-bellied swamp snake C QAElapidae Oxyuranus scutellatus taipan C QAElapidae Rhinoplocephalus nigrescens eastern small-eyed snake C QAElapidae Tropidechis carinatus rough-scaled snake C QAElapidae Vermicella annulata bandy-bandy C QAGekkonidae Carphodactylus laevis chameleon gecko C QGekkonidae Hemidactylus frenatus house gecko IIGekkonidae Lepidodactylus lugubris mourning gecko C QAIGekkonidae Saltuarius cornutus northern leaf-tailed gecko C QScincidae Carlia rubrigularis C QScincidae Coeranoscincus frontalis R Y QScincidae Cryptoblepharus litoralis C QAIScincidae Cryptoblepharus virgatus C QAScincidae Ctenotus robustus C QAScincidae Cyclodomorphus gerrardii pink-tongued lizard C QAScincidae Egernia frerei major skink C QAScincidae Eulamprus quoyii eastern water skink C QAScincidae Eulamprus tigrinus R Y QScincidae Glaphyromorphus pardalis C QScincidae Gnypetoscincus queenslandiae C QScincidae Lampropholis coggeri C QScincidae Lampropholis delicata C QAScincidae Saproscincus basiliscus C QScincidae Saproscincus czechurai C QTyphlopidae Ramphotyphlops polygrammicus C QVaranidae Varanus gouldii sand monitor C QAVaranidae Varanus scalaris spotted tree monitor C QAIix

Appendix 6.2—FloraRare and Threatened Species List for the Johnstone Shire (1996)Source: Queensland Biodiversity Network as cited in Bell R., 1996, ‘Johnstone River Catchment Revegetation StrategyAppendix 2’, Johnstone River Catchment Management Association Inc.Family Scientific Name Common Name Status (QLDLegislation)Status (FederalLegislation)Alseuosmiacee Crispiloba disperma Rare Not ClassifiedAnnonaceae Ancana hirsuta Meiogyne sp. Rare Not ClassifiedAnnonaceae Haplostichanthus sp. Rare Not ClassifiedAnnonaceae Polyalthia michaelii Rare Not ClassifiedAnnonaceae Polylathia sp. Rare Not ClassifiedAnnonaceae Pseuduvaria hylandii Rare Not ClassifiedAnnonaceae Pseuduvaria mulgraveana Rare Not ClassifiedAnnonaceae Pseuduvaria villosa Rare Not ClassifiedAnonaceae Haplostichanthus johnsonii t Rare Not ClassifiedAnonaceaeHaplostichanthus sp.Apiaceae Oenanthe javanica Rare Not ClassifiedApocynaceae Alyxia orophila Rare Not ClassifiedApocynaceae Cerbera inflata Rare Not ClassifiedApocynaceae Melodinus baccellianus Rare Not ClassifiedAponogetonaceae Aponogeton bullosus Endangered Not ClassifiedAponogetonaceae Aponogeton elongatus Rare Not ClassifiedAponogetonaceae Aponogeton sp. (Innisfail-live bearing) Endangered Not ClassifiedAquifoliaceae Ilex sp. Rare Not ClassifiedAraceae Pothos brassii Rare Not ClassifiedAraceae Pothos brownii Rare Not ClassifiedAraceae Remusatia vivipara Rare Not ClassifiedAraceae Rhaphidophora pachyphylla Rare Not ClassifiedAraliaceae Aralia macdowallii Rare Not ClassifiedAraliaceae Polyscias bellendenkerensis Vulnerable VulnerableAraliaceae Polyscias willmottii Rare Not ClassifiedAraucariaceae Agathis atropurpurea Rare Not ClassifiedAraucariaceae Agathis microstachya Rare Not ClassifiedAreaceae Arenga australasica Vulnerable Not ClassifiedArecaceae Lindospadix palmeriana Rare Not ClassifiedArecaceae Linospadix microcarya Rare Not ClassifiedArecaceae Livistona drudei Vulnerable VulnerableAsclepiadaceae Cryptolepis grayi Rare Not ClassifiedAsclepiadaceae Tylophora rupicola Endangered EndangeredAsclepiadaceae Tylophora williamsii Vulnerable VulnerableAspleniaceae Asplenium atheronense Rare Not ClassifiedAspleniaceae Asplenium australiasicum Crows Nest or Birds Nest Fern Common Not ClassifiedAspleniaceae Asplenium excisum Rare Not ClassifiedAspleniaceae Asplenium normale Rare Not ClassifiedAspleniaceae Asplenium pellucidum Vulnerable VulnerableAspleniaceae Asplenium unilaterale Rare Not ClassifiedAsteraceaePeripleura scabraAsteraceaePeripleura sericeaAsteraceae Vittadinia scabra Rare Not ClassifiedAsteraceae Vittadinia sericea Rare Not ClassifiedAthyriaceae Diplazium cordifolium Vulnerable VulnerableAthyriaceae Diplazium pallidum Endangered Not ClassifiedBurseraceae Canarium acutifolium var. acutifolium Vulnerable VulnerableCabombaceae Brasenia schreberi Rare Not ClassifiedCelastraceae Denhamia viridissima Rare Not ClassifiedCelastraceae Hexaspora pubescens Vulnerable VulnerableCelastraceae Hypsophila halleyana Rare Not Classifiedx

Family Scientific Name Common Name Status (QLD Legislation) Status (FederalLegislation)Euphorbiaceae Glochidion pruinosum Rare Not ClassifiedEuphorbiaceae Omphalea queenslandiae Rare Not ClassifiedEuphorbiaceae Phyllanthus hyposporidius Rare Not ClassifiedEuphorbiaceae Rockinghamia brevipes Rare Not ClassifiedEuphorbiaceae Sauropus macranthus Vulnerable VulnerableEuphorbiaceae Whyanbeelia terraereginae Rare Not ClassifiedFabaceae Cajanus mareebensis Endangered EndangeredFabaceae Dioclea reflexa Vulnerable VulnerableFabaceaeDioclea hexandraFabaceae Milletia pilipes Rare Not ClassifiedFabaceae Strongylodon lucidus Rare Not ClassifiedFabaceae Tephrosia savannicola Rare Not ClassifiedFlacourtiaceae Baileyoxylon lanceolatum Rare Not ClassifiedFlacourtiaceae Casearia grayi Rare Not ClassifiedGesneriaceae Boea kinneariiGesneriaceae Didymocarpus kinnearii Rare Not ClassifiedGesneriaceae Lenbrassia australiana Rare Not ClassifiedGleicheniaceae Diplopterygium longissimum Rare Not ClassifiedGrammitidaceae Ctenopteris walleri Vulnerable VulnerableGrammitidaceae Grammitis albosetosa Rare Not ClassifiedGrossulariaceae Argophyllum cryptophlebu, Rare Not ClassifiedGrossulariaceae Polyosma rigidiuscula Rare Not ClassifiedGrossulariaceae Quintinia quatrefagesii Rare Not ClassifiedHamamelidaceae Ostrearia australiana Rare Not ClassifiedHamemilidaceae Neostrearia fleckeri Rare Not ClassifiedHernandiaceae Hernandia albiflora Rare Not ClassifiedHydrocharitaceae Vallisneria gracilis Rare Not ClassifiedHymenophyllaceae Crepidomanes majoriae Rare Not ClassifiedHymenophyllaceae Didymoglossum exiguum Presumed Extinct Not ClassifiedHymenophyllaceae Hymenophyllum gracilescens Rare Not ClassifiedHymenophyllaceae Hymenophyllum kerianum Rare Not Classifiedhymenophyllaceae Hymenophyllum lobbii Presumed Extinct Not ClassifiedHymenophyllaceae Microgonium mindorense Rare Not ClassifiedHymenophyllaceae Microtrichomanes digitatum Rare Not ClassifiedHymenophyllaceae Pleuromanes pallidum Rare Not ClassifiedHymenophyllaceae Reediella endlicheriana Rare Not ClassifiedIdiospermaceae Idiospermum australiense Idiot Fruit Rare VulnerableLamiaceae Hemigenia clotteniana Presumed Extinct Not ClassifiedLamiaceae Plectranthus gratus Vulnerable VulnerableLamiaceae Prostanthera atroviolaceae Rare Not ClassifiedLauraceae Beilschmiedia oligandra Rare Not ClassifiedLauraceae Beilschmiedia volckii Rare Not ClassifiedLauraceae Cinnamomum propinquum Rare Not ClassifiedLauraceae Cryptocarya bellendenkerana Rare Not ClassifiedLauraceae Cryptocarya pleurosperma Rare Not ClassifiedLauraceae Endiandra anthropophagorum Rare Not ClassifiedLauraceae Endiandra bellendenkerana Rare Not ClassifiedLauraceae Endiandra dichrophylla Rare Not ClassifiedLauraceae Endiandra globosa Rare Not ClassifiedLauraceae Endiandra sideroxylon Rare Not ClassifiedLauraceae Endiandra xanthocarpa Rare Not ClassifiedLauraceae Litsea bennettii Rare Not ClassifiedLiliaceae Kuntheria pedunculata Rare Not ClassifiedLindsaeaceae Lindsea repens var. lingulate lindsea repens Presumed Extinct Not ClassifiedLindsaeceae Lindsea reprens var. marquesensis lindsea Rare Not ClassifiedLomariopsidaceae Elaphoglossum callifolium Rare Not Classifiedxii

Family Scientific Name Common Name Status (QLD Legislation) Status (FederalLegislation)Loranthaceae Lysiana filifolia Rare Not ClassifiedLycopodeaceae Huperzia squarrosa Endangered EndangeredLycopodiaceae Huperzia dalhousieana Endangered EndangeredLycopodiaceae Huperzia lockyeri Vulnerable VulnerableLycopodiaceae Huperzia marsupiiformis Vulnerable VulnerableLycopodiaceae Huperzia phlegmaria Common Tassell Fern Rare Not ClassifiedLycopodiaceae Huperzia phlegmarioides Vulnerable VulnerableLycopodiaceae Huperzia prolifera Square Tassell Fern Vulnerable VulnerableLycopodiaceae Huperzia serrata Presumed Extinct Not ClassifiedLycopodiaceae Lycopodium volubile Presumed Extinct Not ClassifiedMelastomataceae Medinilla ballsheadleyi Rare Not ClassifiedMeliaceae Dysoxylum setosum Rare Not ClassifiedMenispermaceae Carronia pedicellata Vulnerable EndangeredMenispermaceae Hypserpa smilacifolia Rare Not ClassifiedMimosaceae Acacia albizioides Rare Not ClassifiedMimosaceae Acacia guymeri Vulnerable VulnerableMimosaceae Acacia hylonoma Rare Not ClassifiedMimosaceae Acacia longipedunculata Rare Not ClassifiedMimosaceae Acacia purpureipetala Vulnerable VulnerableMimosaceae Archidendron lucyi Rare Not ClassifiedMimosaceae Archidendron whitei Rare Not ClassifiedMonimiaceae Palmeria hypotephra Rare Not ClassifiedMonimiaceae Steganthera australiana Rare Not ClassifiedMonimiaceae Wilkiea wardellii Rare Not ClassifiedMusaceae Musa jackeyi Rare Not ClassifiedMyrsinaceae Ardisia bifaria Rare Not ClassifiedMyrsinaceae Embelia grayi Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Acmena divaricata Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Austromyrtus lasioclada Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Backhousia bancroftii Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Barongia lophandra Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Eucalyptus lockyeri Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Eucalyptus pachycalyx Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Eucalyptus rhodops Vulnerable VulnerableMyrtaceae Gen.No. Vulnerable Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Homoranthus porteri Vulnerable VulnerableMyrtaceae Leptospermum wooroonooran Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Ristantia gouldii Vulnerable VulnerableMyrtaceae Ristantia pachysperma Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Syzygium alatoramulum Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Syzygium alliiligneum Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Syzygium boonjee Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Syzygium sharoniae Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Syzygium xerampelinum Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Thaleropia queenslandica Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Uromyrtus metrosideros Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Waterhousea hedraiophylla Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Waterhousea mulgraveana Rare Not ClassifiedMyrtaceae Xanthostemon whitei Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Acianthus sublestus Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Acriopsis javanica Vulnerable Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Appendicula austaliensis Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Bulbophyllum boonjee Vulnerable Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Calanthe triplicata Christmas Orchid Common Not Classifiedxiii

Family Scientific Name Common Name Status (QLD Legislation) Status (FederalLegislation)Orchidaceae Chiloglottis longiclavata Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Corybas abellianus Nodding Helmet Orchid Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Dendrobium callitrophilum Vulnerable VulnerableOrchidaceae Dendrobium mirbelianum Mangrove Endangered EndangeredOrchidaceae Dendrobium nindii Blue Orchid Endangered EndangeredOrchidaceae Dendrobium toressae Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Dipodium ensifolium Leafy Hyacinth Orchid Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Diurus oporina Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Eria dischorensis Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Eria irukandjiana Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Gastrodia queenslandica Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Genoplesium alticola Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Goodyera grandis Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Goodyera viridoflora Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Habenaria divaricata Endangered Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Malaxis xanthochila Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Peristylus banfieldii Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Phaiius tancarvilleae Swamp Orchid, Swamp Lily Endangered VulnerableOrchidaceae Phaius pictus Vulnerable Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Pomatocalpa macphersonii Common Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Sarcochilus serrulatus Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Trachoma papuanum Rare Not ClassifiedOrchidaceae Zeuxine polygonoides Vulnerable VulnerablePandanaceae Freycinetia marginata Rare Not ClassifiedPanandaceae Pandanus gemmifer Rare Not ClassifiedPiperaceae Peperomia bellendenkerensis Endangered Not ClassifiedPiperaceae Piper mestonii Rare Not ClassifiedPodocarpaceae Podocarpus dispermus Rare Not ClassifiedPolypodiaceae Lemmaphyllum accedens Presumed Extinct Not ClassifiedPolypodiaceae Microsorum membranifolium Rare Not ClassifiedProteaceae Alloxylon flammeum Vulnerable VulnerableProteaceae Austromuellera trinervia Rare Not ClassifiedProteaceae Darlingia ferruginea Rare Not ClassifiedProteaceae Grevillea glossadenia Vulnerable VulnerableProteaceae Helicia blakei Rare Not ClassifiedProteaceae Helicia lamingtoniana Rare Not ClassifiedProteaceae Hollandaea sayeriana Rare Not ClassifiedProteaceae Macadamia grandis Endangered Not ClassifiedProteaceae Macadamia heyana Rare Not ClassifiedProteaceaeCatalepidia heyanaProteaceae Orites sp.megahertsia amplexicaulis Rare Not ClassifiedProteaceae Orites sp.Orites Magacarpa Rare Not ClassifiedProteaceae Stenocarpus cryptocarpus Rare Not ClassifiedProteaceae Triunia montana Rare Not ClassifiedRestionaceae Restio tetraphyllus Foxtails Common Not ClassifiedRhamnaceae Gouania australiana Rare Not ClassifiedRubiaceae Bobea myrtoides Rare Not ClassifiedRubiaceae Hydnophytum papuanum Ant Plant Common Not ClassifiedRubiaceaeHydnophytum moseleyanum var.Rubiaceae Ixora baileyana Rare Not ClassifiedRubiaceae Myrmecodia beccarii Ant Plant, Ant house Plant Vulnerable Not ClassifiedRubiaceae Oldenlandia polyclada Rare Not ClassifiedRubiaceae Psychatria submontana Rare Not ClassifiedRubiaceae Psychotria coelospermum Rare Not ClassifiedRubiaceae Uncaria cordata var. cordata Rare Not ClassifiedRubiaceae Wendlandia basistaminea Rare Not ClassifiedRubiacese Hodgkinsonia frutescens Vulnerable VulnerableRutaceae Acronychia aberrans Rare Not Classifiedxiv

Family Scientific Name Common Name Status (QLD Legislation) Status (FederalLegislation)Rutaceae Acronychia chooreechillum Rare Not ClassifiedRutaceae Acronychia crassipetala Rare VulnerableRutaceae Flindersia oppositifolia Mountain Silkwood Rare Not ClassifiedRutaceae Microcitrus indora Rare Not ClassifiedRutaceae Zieria aspalathoides var. obovata Vulnerable Not ClassifiedSapindaceae Alectryon semicinereus Rare Not ClassifiedSapindaceae Dimocarpus liechhardtii Presumed Extinct Not ClassifiedSapindaceae Diploglottis bracteata Rare Not ClassifiedSapindaceae Diploglottis harpullioides Rare Not ClassifiedSapindaceae Diploglottis pedleyi Rare Not ClassifiedSapindaceae Jagera javanica subsp. australiana Vulnerable VulnerableSapindaceae Lepiderma largiflorens Rare Not ClassifiedSapindaceae Sarcopteryx acuminata Rare Not ClassifiedSapindaceae Sarcotoechia serrata Fern-leaved Tamarind Rare Not ClassifiedSapindaceae Toechima monticola Rare Not ClassifiedSapotaceae Chrysophyllum spl Rare Not ClassifiedSapotaceae Planchonella macrocarpa Rare Not ClassifiedSapotaceae Planchonella singuliflora Rare Not ClassifiedSimaroubaceae Quassia baileyana Rare Not ClassifiedSolanaceae Solanum dimorphispinum Rare Not ClassifiedSolanaceae Solanum hamulosum Rare Not ClassifiedSterculiaceae Argyrodendron sp. Rare Not ClassifiedSterculiaceae Brachychiton vitifolius Rare VulnerableSterculiaceae Firmiana papuana Rare Not ClassifiedSymplocaceae Symplocos hayesii Rare Not ClassifiedSymplocaceae Symplocos hylandii Rare Not ClassifiedSymplocaceae Symplocos sp. Rare Not ClassifiedSymplocaceae Symplocos stawellii var. montana Rare Not ClassifiedThelypteridaceae Chingia australis Endangered Not ClassifiedThelypteridaceae Pneumatopteris costata Rare Not ClassifiedTmesipteridaceae Tmesipteris lanceolata Presumed Extinct Not ClassifiedVittaraceaea Antrophyum subfalcatum Rare Not ClassifiedVittariacae Antrophyum plantagineum Rare Not ClassifiedVittariaceae Monogramma dareicarpa Grass Fern Presumed Extinct Not ClassifiedWinteraceae Bubbis queenslandiana Rare Not ClassifiedXanthophyllaceae Xanthophyllum fragrans Fragrant Boxwood Rare Not ClassifiedZamiaceae Bowenia apecabilis Zamia Fern Common Not ClassifiedZamiaceae Bowenia serrulata Byfield Fern Common Not ClassifiedZamiaceae Lepidozamia hopei Common Not ClassifiedZingiberaceae Alpinia hylandii Rare Not ClassifiedZingiberaceae Amomum dallachyi Rare Not Classifiedxv

Appendix 6.3—Status of the Shire'sCoral ReefsThe following descriptions of reef status are entirely from -Sweatman et al. (2003) “Long-term Monitoring of the GreatBarrier Reef – Status Report No 6 2003” Updatedinformation can be viewed directly from the AIMS website(link).They are presented here as a baseline indicator forcomparison in future SoE reports. The reefs described do notcorrespond exactly to the Shire's boundaries.Figure 6.3 - Reefs surveyed by AIMS in the InnisfailSectorSource: AIMS Website 2005Inner Shelf ReefsMore monitoring of the inshore reefs is planned for thefuture.Jessie and Kent Islands- An inner shelf fringing reefThis reef has been surveyed four times since 1986. Over thistime reef-wide live coral cover has remained low (1-10%)with little or no change between survey years. The reef iscurrently classified as No Outbreak. Records of bleachingand coral disease on this reef in 2002 are not available.Normanby and Mabel Islands- An inner shelf submerged reef with an area of 0.4 sq. km.This reef has been sampled regularly since 1986. No COTShave been recorded in any surveys. Reef-wide live coralcover was initially high (30-50%) before a major declinebetween 1990 and 1992. The reasons for this drop in coralcover were uncertain but flooding from Cyclone Ivor (March1990) may have been a factor. There was some recovery ofreef-wide live coral up to 1996 before another period ofdecline. Reef-wide live coral cover was low (1-10%) in 2002and the reef was classified as No Outbreak. No bleachingwas observed and white syndrome disease was restricted to asmall number of scattered coral colonies.Middle Shelf ReefsBeaver Cay- A middle shelf reef patches reef with an area of 12.6 sq.km.Beaver cay has been sampled five times 1988. Whenoriginally surveyed, reef-wide live coral cover was low (1-10%) and the reef was classified as Recovering fromprevious COTS activity. Reef-wide live coral cover thenincreased to high levels (30-50%) in 1997. Surveys in 2000found an Active Outbreak with numbers of COTS well inexcess of those expected to reduce coral cover. There was amarked decline in reef-wide coral cover to a low level (1-10%) in 2003. No COTS were recorded and there was nocoral disease or bleaching. The reef was reclassified asrecovering.Ellison- A middle shelf crescentic reef with an area of 13.1 sq km.This reef has been surveyed seven times since 1986. COTShave been seen on this reef in most survey years. Lownumbers of COTS were recorded in 1986. The reef widecoral cover was moderate (10-30%) and the reef wasclassified as Recovering. Small numbers of COTS were seenagain in the following year and reef-wide coral cover hadcontinued to decline to a low level (1-10%). Although theCOTS density was below that generally expected to causesignificant mortality, COTS were the most likely cause ofthe continued decline. Reef-wide live coral cover increasedfrom 1987, peaking in 1997. Surveys in 2000 showeddramatic increase in COTS activity and the reef wasreclassified Active Outbreak. Reef-wide live coral coverdeclined again to a low level in 2003 due to COTS feedingactivity. No COTS were seen in 2003 and the reef wasreclassified as Recovering. No bleaching or coral diseasewas recorded.Feather- A middle shelf crescentic reef with an area of 14.1 sq. km.This reef has been surveyed extensively since 1986. it wasinitially classified as recovering from previous COTSactivity. There was a gradual increase in reef-wide live coralcover to a moderate level during the late 1980’s and early1990’s. The recovery of coral cover stalled in the mid1990’s, possibly due to the effects of cyclones (CyclonesGillian, Ita and Justin were active in the area) and remainedat moderate levels (10-30%) through the late 1990’s. By2000, reef-wide coral cover had declined to a low level (1-10%) and there were large numbers of COTS. The reef wasreclassified as Active Outbreak. By 2002 COTS numbershad declined and the reef was reclassified as Recovering.Reef-wide coral cover was low in 2003 and the reefremained listed as Recovering. No bleaching or coral diseasewas observed.Flora- A middle shelf crescentic reef with an area of 8.79 sq. km.This reef has been surveyed eight times since 1986 when itwas classified as Recovering from prior COTS activity.Reef-wide live coral cover was initially low (1-10%) andincreased gradually to a moderate level (10-30%) by 1996.Surveys in 1999 found a decline in reef-wide live coral coverxvi

to a low level (1-10%). Large numbers of COTS werepresent and the reef was reclassified as an Active Outbreak.Although COTS certainly played an important role in thedecline of live coral cover, bleaching, which was extensiveon the GBR in 1998, may have also contributed. Smallnumbers of COTS were present in 2002. Reef-wide livecoral cover was low and the reef was classified asRecovering. No bleaching was observed in 2002 and whitesyndrome disease was restricted to small numbers ofscatted coral colonies.Outer Shelf ReefsGilbey- An outer shelf crescentic reef with an area of 6.6 sq. km.This reef has been surveyed five times since 1986 when itwas classified as Recovering from COTS activity. Reefwidecoral cover declined and then recovered to a moderatelevel (10-30%) in 1996. Small numbers of COTS wererecorded during surveys in 1996 and 1999. In 2002 therewere large numbers of COTS and the reef has beenreclassified as an Incipient Outbreak. Reef-wide live coralcover has declined to low levels (1-10%). No bleachingwas observed in 2002 and white syndrome disease wasrestricted to a small number of scattered coral colonies.remain, but below outbreak levels and the reef wasclassified as Recovering in 2002. No bleaching wasobserved and white syndrome disease was restricted tosmall numbers of scattered coral colonies.Wardle- An outer shelf crescentic reef with an area of 11.8 sq. km.This reef has been surveyed eleven times since 1986, whenit was classified as recovering from COTS activity. Therewas a gradual recovery of reef-wide live coral cover to amoderate level (10-30%) in 1997. Incipient Outbreak levelsof COTS were then recorded in 1998 and by 1999 coralcover had declined to a low level (1-10%). COTS numbershad also declined and the reef was reclassified asRecovering. Reef-wide live coral cover was low in 2003and no COTS were recorded. No bleaching was seen andwhite syndrome disease was restricted to a small number ofscattered coral colonies.Moss- An outer shelf ribbon reef with an area of 6.2 sq. km.This reef has been surveyed five times since 1998 when itwas classified as No Outbreak. There has been little changein reef-wide live coral cover which has remained atmoderate levels (10-30%). No COTS have been observedon this reef during any survey and the reef remainedclassified as No Outbreak in 2002. No bleaching wasobserved and white syndrome disease and black banddisease were restricted to a small number of scattered coralcolonies.Noggin- An outer shelf crescentic reef with an area of 9.2 sq. km.This reef has been surveyed by manta tow seven timessince 1986. Reef-wide coral cover has remained moderate(10-30%) with a slight increase in recent years. COTS havebeen observed on this reef during two surveys. In bothinstances they were at low densities that should not havecaused significant coral mortality. Reef-wide live coralcover was moderate (10-30%) in 2002 and the reef isclassified as No Outbreak. No bleaching was observed in2002 and white syndrome disease was restricted to a smallnumber of scattered coral colonies.Potter (A)- An outer shelf submerged reef with an area of 15.7 sq.km.This reef has been surveyed seven times since 1986 when itwas classified as No Outbreak. Reef-wide live coral coverrecovered from low to a moderate levels (10-30%) up until1995, when small numbers of COTS were observed.Surveys in 2000 indicated large numbers of COTS and thereef was reclassified to an Active Outbreak. As a result ofCOTS activity reef-wide coral cover has declined to thecurrent low level (1-10%). Small numbers of COTSxvii

Appendix 6.4—Council Reserves with Remnant VegetationType Location Area (ha) Composition (REs)Rsrv for beach protection McAllister Esplanade Cowley Beach 16.70 7.1.1, 7.2.3, Dist, ClearRsrv for camping & recreation Quondong Road Johnstone 20.20 7.3.22, 7.3.28, ClearRsrv for camping & recreation Robert Johnstone Prde Kurrimine Beach 0.95 7.2.1, ClearRsrv for camping & recreation Murdering Point Road Kurrimine Beach 29.10 7.2.3, 7.2.3rs, 7.2.4Rsrv for camping & water Sandy Pocket Road Moresby 14.00 7.3.5, 7.3.22, 7.11.10, Disturbed, ClearRsrv for camping purposes Robert Johnstone Pde Kurrimine Beach 2.13 7.1.1, Mostly ClearRsrv for drainage Silkwood Japoonvale Rd Silkwood 0.19 Dist, ClearRsrv for drainage Coquette Point Road Webb 1.10 7.3.3, 7.3.3ra, 7.3.5, 7.3.5rs, ClearRsrv for env park Friday Pocket Road Friday Pocket 0.61 7.3.22, Mostly ClearRsrv for env park purposes Flying Fish Point Rd Eaton 8.86 7.1.1, 7.3.5, 7.3.7, 7.3.10, Dist, ClearRsrv for env park purposes Fig Tree Beach road Garners Beach 9.34 7.1.1, 7.2.3, ClearRsrv for env park purposes Fig Tree Beach road Garners Beach 4.73 7.1.1Rsrv for env purposes Banana Island Webb 6.07 7.3.22, DistRsrv for env purposes Gulland Street Mourilyan Harbour 1.01 7.11.1, 7.11.1ra, ClearRsrv for env purposes Gulland Street Mourilyan Harbour 1.47 7.11.1, 7.11.1ra, ClearRsrv for env purposes Coconuts 16.59 7.1.1, 7.3.3, 7.3.6, 7.11.1, ClearRsrv for env purposes Palmerston Hwy Palmerston 0.43 Dist, ClearRsrv for env purposes Bruce Hwy Cowley 101.00 7.11.1, 7.11.1ra, 7.11.16, 7.11.21, Dist, ClrRsrv for env purposes Richards Road Cowley 12.10 7.11.1, 7.11.1ra, ClearRsrv for env purposes Poppi Road Cowley 39.66 7.3.10ra/7.3.17ra, 7.3.5rs, Dist, ClearRsrv for env purposes Innisfail Japoonvale Rd Japoon 3.44 7.3.22, ClearRsrv for env purposes Utchee Creek Road Utchee Creek 25.77 7.11.1ra, 7.11.4ra, 7.8.1, ClearRsrv for gravel Mourilyan Harbour Rd Etty Bay 20.50 7.3.1, 7.3.5, 7.3.6, 7.3.10, ClearRsrv for gravel Kate Boylan Road Boogan 2.08 7.3.28, Dist, Mostly ClearRsrv for gravel Inarlinga Road Cowley Beach 11.60 7.1.1, 7.3.5, ClearRsrv for gravel Stephenson Road Kurrimine Beach 20.23 7.2.4, ClearRsrv for gravel Nyletta Road No. 4 Branch 5.31 7.3.17/7.3.10, DisturbedRsrv for gravel Nyletta Road No. 4 Branch 2.68 7.11.1, 7.3.17/7.3.10, DistRsrv for gravel purposes Kalbo Road Pin Gin Hill 5.72 7.3.28, DistRsrv for landing ground aircraft Murdering Point Road Kurrimine Beach 38.86 7.2.3, 7.2.3rs, 7.2.4, 7.3.5, ClearRsrv for local govt Alice Street Coconuts 2.81 7.1.1, 7.3.7, 7.11.1, ClearRsrv for local govt Flying Fish Point Rd Innisfail Estate 0.12 DistRsrv for local govt (boat harbr) Marine Pde Mission Beach 144.54 7.1.1, 7.2.3, 7.8.1, 7.8.1ra, 7.8.7, Clr, WaterRsrv for local govt (Community) Charles Street Innisfail 0.73 Dist, ClearRsrv for local govt (depot) McAvoy St Daradgee 0.08 7.3.22, ClearRsrv for local govt (depot) Margaret Street Silkwood 0.84 Dist, ClearRsrv for local govt (forestry) Bruce Highway Daveson 11.82 7.3.3, Dist, ClearRsrv for local govt (gravel) Coquette Point Road Coquette Point 9.39 7.11.1, 7.11.1ra, 7.11.18Rsrv for local govt (info) Mission Beach Road Mission Beach 0.34 7.2.3, ClearRsrv for local govt (park) Coconuts 0.31 Dist, Mostly ClearRsrv for local govt (port & hrbr) Fitzgerald Esplanade Innisfail 45.00 7.3.28, Dist, Clear, Mostly WaterRsrv for local govt (refuse disp) Bambarook Road Cowley Beach 1.68 7.2.3, ClearRsrv for local govt (sewerage) The Corso East Innisfail 1.33 7.3.28, Dist, Mostly ClearRsrv for local govt (sewerage) Coquette Point Road Webb 1.75 7.3.10, DistRsrv for local govt (ste emrgcy) Margaret Street Silkwood 0.35 Dist, ClearRsrv for local govt (stck contrl) Palmerston Hwy Palmerston 2.334 DistRsrv for local govt (water strge) Maria Street Flying Fish Point 0.0935 7.11.1, ClearRsrv for local govt (water supp) Experimental Station Rd South Johnstone 0.54 7.3.11, 7.11.5ra, DistRsrv for local govt (water supp) El Arish Mission Bch Rd Djiru 2.08 7.12.1, 7.12.29Rsrv for local govt (water supp) El Arish Mission Bch Rd Maria Creek 0.83 7.3.17, 7.3.10ra/7.3.22ra, ClearRsrv for local govt purposes Clare Street Innisfail 2.64 Dist, Mostly Clearxviii

Type Location Area (ha) Composition (REs)Rsrv for local govt purposes 39 Boyett Road Mission Beach 0.09 7.8.1, ClearRsrv for local govt purposes0.10 7.11.1ra, ClearRsrv for local govt purposes0.10 7.11.1raRsrv for local govt purposes0.10 7.11.1raRsrv for local govt purposes0.10 7.11.1ra, ClearRsrv for local govt purposes0.10 7.11.1ra, ClearRsrv for local govt purposes Bettridge Road Daveson 10.91 7.3.7, Dist, ClearRsrv for park Porter Promenade Mission beach 0.59 7.8.1ra, ClearRsrv for park Dalrymple Esplanade Innisfail Estate 3.88 7.1.1, 7.3.28, DistRsrv for park Southward Street Misison beach 0.32 7.2.1raRsrv for park Rainforest Drive Jubilee Heights 1.01 7.11.1, ClearRsrv for park & recreation Plantation Drive Bingil Bay 1.37 7.12.1, 7.3.10/7.3.17, ClearRsrv for park & recreation Etty Bay Road Etty Bay 3.18 7.11.1, 7.11.10Rsrv for park & recreation Flying Fish Point Rd Innisfail Estate 4.22 7.3.28, DistRsrv for park & recreation 16 McGowan Drive Innisfail 1.62 Dist, ClearRsrv for park & recreation McGowan Drive Innisfail 1.36 Clear DistRsrv for park & recreation Robert Johnstone Pde Kurrimine Beach 12.20 7.2.1, WaterRsrv for park & recreation El Arish Mission Bch Rd Mission Beach 0.27 7.12.1, 7.3.17ra/7.11.1raRsrv for park & recreation Casuarina Crescent Mission Beach 1.25 7.2.1ra, Dist, ClearRsrv for park & recreation Triton Road Mission Beach 0.40 7.2.3rs, ClearRsrv for park & recreation Palmerston Hwy Palmerston 1.01 Dist, ClearRsrv for park & recreation El Arish Mission Bch Rd Maria Creek 1.31 7.3.10ra, ClearRsrv for park & recreation Old Tully Road Maadi 0.63 Dist, ClearRsrv for park & rec & drnge Marty Street East Innisfail 7.10 7.3.6, 7.3.10ra, Dist, ClearRsrv for park & recreation Coronation Drive East Innisfail 0.24 7.3.28, DistRsrv for parks, garden & rec Emily Street Innisfail 17.49 7.3.10, 7.3.5, Mostly ClearRsrv for public boat ramp Bingil Bay Road Garners Beach 13.56 7.1.1, 7.3.5, 7.3.6, ClearRsrv for public purposes Stewart Creek Basilisk 199.90 7.3.10ra/7.3.17ra, 7.3.22ra/7.3.10ra,7.11.1, 7.11.1ra, 7.11.5, 7.11.5ra, 7.11.16,7.11.18, Dist, ClrRsrv for quarry (ballast) Warrabullen road Goolboo 2.46 Dist, ClearRsrv for recreation Alexander Drive Bingil Bay 0.24 7.12.1, 7.3.10/7.3.17Rsrv for recreation Cowley beach 38.80 7.2.3, 7.12.24, ClearRsrv for recreation Cowley beach 4.92 7.2.3, ClearRsrv for recreation Bingil Bay Road Mission beach 0.12 7.8.1, ClearRsrv for recreation Silkwood Japoonvale Rd Silkwood 17.40 7.3.7rs/7.3.10ra/7.3.22ra, ClearRsrv for rec & camping Bambarook Road Cowley beach 3.64 7.2.3, Dist, ClearRsrv for rec & camping Porter Promenade Mission beach 2.41 7.2.3, ClearRsrv for rec & camping Flying Fish Pt East 1.34 7.3.17Rsrv for rec & sports ground McAvoy St Daradgee 2.84 7.3.22, 7.3.28, ClearRsrv for Scenic Jubilee Road Jubilee Heights 7.28 7.3.22, 7.3.28Rsrv for Scenic Patrick Road East Palmerston 74.50 7.8.1, 7.8.1ra, Dist, ClearRsrv for Scenic Patrick Road East Palmerston 4.05 7.8.1, Clear, DistRsrv for Scenic Gregory falls Road East Palmerston 2.47 Dist, ClearRsrv for Scenic Mourilyan Harbour Rd Etty Bay 6.91 7.3.1, 7.3.5, 7.3.6, 7.3.10, ClearRsrv for Scenic & Recreation Camp Creek Road Mena Creek 3.30 Dist, ClearRsrv for Scenic & Recreation Marine Parade Mission beach 5.73 7.8.1ra, 7.8.7, ClearRsrv for Scenic Camping & Rec Murdering Point Road Kurrimine Beach 15.19 7.12.1, 7.12.1ra, ClearRsrv for Scenic Purposes Drew Road Mena Creek 2.84 Clear, DistRsrv for Scenic Purposes Old Tully Road Friday Pocket 22.18 7.11.1, Dist, ClearRsrv for Scenic Purposes Old Tully Road Friday Pocket 15.05 7.11.1, Dist, ClearRsrv for Scenic Purposes Bruce Hwy Friday Pocket 4.31 Clear, DistRsrv for Scenic, Camping & Rec South Johnstone River Johnstone 1.21 7.3.28Rsrv for Water Warrakin Road Japoonvale 8.31 7.11.1, 7.11.10raRsrv for Water Nyletta Road Silkwood 41.48 7.3.17/7.3.10, 7.11.1Rsrv for Water Supply Purposes Murdering Point Road Kurrimine Beach 8.40 7.12.1, Clearixx

Appendix 6.5Results of DPI&F Long-term Monitoring Program - FreshwaterSource: Jebreen et al. 2002, DPI&F 2005 - Base data reproduced with permission of Queensland Department of PrimaryIndustries and Fisheries - Copyright State of Queensland, 2005.Note: This does not represent complete diversity, as some species are not susceptible to the electro-fishing method utilisedby the QFS. The data presented here details diversity each survey year, and for most species the average catch per uniteffort. This is an average of how many fish were caught per half an hour of electro-fishing. Ticks represent speciespresence, but no catch per unit effort data.Species Common Name 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Time spent surveying (minutes) ? ? ? 289.69 308.31Acanthopagrus australis yellowfin bream 1.01 0.1Acanthopagrus berda pikey bream 4.92 1.01 0.62 0.1Ambassis agrammus sail-fin glassfish 1 Ambassis interrupta Glassfish 1.75Ambassis miops Flag-Tailed Glassfish 3.89Ambassis spp. Glassfish 92.62 96.79 13.05Anguilla obscura South Pacific eel 1.01 0.1Anguilla reinhardtii longfin eel 4.45 3.52 2.17 4.28Anguillidae - undifferentiated freshwater eels Arrhamphus sclerolepis snubnose garfish 0.98 3.01 Awaous acritosus roman nosed goby 2.49 6.23Butis butis crimsontipped flathead gudgeon 1 Caranx sexfasciatus bigeye trevally 0.98 2.01 0.1Chaetodontidae Pomacanthidae - undifferentiated 0.93Chanos chanos Milkfish Clupeidae - undifferentiated herrings Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum hardyhead 1 14.6 2.82Eleotris fusca gudgeon 1.01 Eleotris melanosoma gudgeon Eleotris spp gudgeon 0.62 0.68Gerres filamentosus silver biddy 25.35 17.1 7.46 2.24Gerres spp Silver biddy species 23.82 20.92 1.36Glossogobius celebius Celebes Goby 0.29Glossogobius circumspectus Circumspect Goby 1.26Glossogobius giuris goby 3.03 0.49Glossogobius sp 1 Anchovy 2.14Glossogobius sp C Square Blotched Goby 29.72 1.35 0.58Glossogobius spp goby 11.06 7.2 0.1Gobiidae spp. gobies 1.01 Hemiramphidae - undifferentiated garfishes Hephaestus fuliginosus sooty grunter 21.56 16.52 12.94 9.44Herklotsichthys castelnaui southern herring 0.98 1.35Hephaestus tulliensis khaki grunter 4.04 1.07Hephaestus spp. grunter Hippichthys heptagonus Pipefish 0.1Hypseleotris compressa gudgeon 23.61 23.33 27.03 7.59Kuhlia marginata northern jungle perch (spotted flagtail) 1 1.01 Kuhlia rupestris jungle perch 3.2 2.27 0.21 0.68Lates calcarifer barramundi 2.49 2.27 1.04 0.29Leiognathus equulus narrow-banded ponyfish 43.01 6.04 3.21 0.1Leiognathus spp pony fish 1.01 0.41Lutjanus argentimaculatus mangrove jack 1.97 3.52 1.66 2.53Melanotaenia splendida rainbowfish 11.79 21.12 56.23 28.9Melanotaenia trifasciata banded rainbowfish 24.11 Mesopristes argenteus silver grunter 1.5 2.01 0.31 0.78xx

Species Common Name 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Time spent surveying (minutes) ? ? ? 289.69 308.31Microphis brachyurus Pipefish 0.1Monodactylus argenteus diamondfish Mogurnda adspersa northern purple-spotted gudgeon Mugil cephalus sea mullet 5.39 3.02 Mugilidae - undifferentiated mullets 0.1Mugilogobius spp. Goby 1.01 0.1Mugilogobius notospilus Freshwater Mangrove Goby Nematalosa erebi bony bream 8.07 3.31 0.58Neosilurus ater narrow fronted catfish 2.99 4.51 0.93 0.1Neosilurus hyrtlii hytrls tandan Notesthes robusta bullrout 1 1.68 0.31Ophieleotris aporos snakeheaded gudgeon Oxyeleotris gyrinoides eastern sleepy cod 3.94 3.69 0.62 1.75Oxyeleotris lineolata Sleepy Cod 0.19Platycephalus fuscus dusky flathead Plotosidae - undifferentiated eel catfishes Poecilia reticulata livebearer 1 1.01 0.52 0.1Porochilus rendahli catfish 1 Psammogobius biocellatus Estuary Goby 0.72Pseudomugil signifer Pacific blue-eye 16.95 20.84 6.83 1.75Redigobius bikolanus speckled goby 7.07 8.05 16.88 7.98Scatophagus argus spotted butterfish 1 2.01 0.19Scortum spp. Scortum species 10 Tandanus tandanus freshwater catfish 5.15 4.02 0.31 0.29Tilapia mariae tilapia 8.03 2.01 3.52 0.49Toxotes chatareus spotted archerfish 1.01 0.1 0.1Toxotes jaculatrix archerfish 0.98 0.1Toxotidae - undifferentiated archerfishes 0.62Unknown Species Unknown Species 0.1Total Diversity 43 41 42 40 40xxi

Biodiveristy_State of Environment report - Mission Beach Cassowaries

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