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New e-Brochure
Take a look at our new e-brochure that outlines our activities in a nutshell.
Caution Needed on 10 000 Toads Project
Media Release
20 February 2011
Media Release
19 February 2011
Caution Needed on 10 000 Toads Project
Maroochy Waterwatch is calling for caution from residents who are wanting to be involved in councils 10 000 Toads Project on March 18.
Whilst the aim is to collect and kill 10 000 toads on the night, local frogs could also be at risk if people don’t know how to correctly identify the difference between certain species of frogs and toads.
Cerran Fawns from Maroochy Waterwatch says, “We have a number of frog species that are easily confused with toads and a couple of those species are listed as endangered or vulnerable”.
The Giant Barred Frog was thought to be locally extinct but it has been found in the area during recent frog surveys.
She says, ”The Giant Barred Frog is big and brown like a cane toad but it has golden eyes which makes it easy it distinguish the difference”.
The Tusked Frog is fairly common in the area even though listed as vulnerable. It can look very similar to the cane toad as it has a ‘bumpy’ texture.
“We don’t need people collecting and killing frogs on the night. They are already under extreme pressure from development, poor water quality, a killing fungus and the competition from toads ”, she added.
There has been a bumper breeding season of both frogs and toads with the wet season and people need to know the difference between them.
She also added, ”The local wildlife are adapting to the cane toads. Crows will turn the cane toads upside down and eat them and avoid the poison. Some snakes are also able to eat them”.
Sometimes cane toads do get their revenge though. A cane toad has been seen eating a keel back snake.
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Liquid Land in the Blackall Ranges
Media Release
18th January 2011
Blackall Ranges Liquid Land
The flood impact of the recent flooding rain is leaving behind an environmental nightmare for landowners on the escarpment of the Blackall Range.
Landslides are now a common sight particularly along the Dulong escarpment.
Cerran Fawns from Maroochy Waterwatch says, “The ground is super saturated and in steep areas with few trees we are witnessing some major landslips”.
She added, “When you look to the Blackall Ranges you can see patches of brown earth where landslips have occurred even with the naked eye”.
With more rain predicted for the region there is concern that these slips will get bigger and already this summer has been the worst for landslips for a decade.
“I hiked up one landslide yesterday and was blown away by the amount of soil and rock that has washed down the hill. It stretches 20m wide by 6m deep and extends for over 150m, Who knows how many swimming pools worth of mud was lost”.
All the rock and soil from this slip has filled up neighbouring dams and has eventually ended up in Petrie Creek.
Landslips do occur naturally, but when land has been cleared of vegetation there are no roots holding it together and it is more prone to slippage when the soil profile of waterlogged.
The Petrie Creek catchment seems to be the hardest hit so far with 2 major slips so far. She added, “We have been working with both these landowners for many years in rehabilitating their land. We had yet to tackle the landslip prone areas so we haven’t lost too much hard work, but now these areas will become a matter of priority”.
Landslip poses a serious risk to the water quality of the creek and rivers and can also pose a threat to houses and road infrastructure.
Maroochy Waterwatch is asking landowners affected by landslips to contact them on 54764777.
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Qld Floods and the Effects on Our Waterways
SEQ Healthy Waterways has complied a good summary on the effects of the flooding on our waterways. Click here to view article.
Clean up Australia Day
Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday, 6 March 2011
Business Clean Up Day – Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Schools Clean Up Day – Friday, 4 March 2011
Backyard Explorer Workshop – Biodiveristy ID and Assessments
BIODIVERSITY IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENTS with Backyard Explorer. Community members are invited to attend a FREE Workshop with Queensland Museum Curator of Entomology, Christine Lambkin and Museum Magnet Schools, Allan Morrison as they present Backyard Explorer, an online learning resource allowing schools and communities to assess backyard biodiveristy and the effects of human impact using data from insect trapping. The workshop will be presented at Buderim Mountain State School from 8:45am – 11:30am, March 10th 2011. Please Register through Maroochy Waterwatch early in 2011.
What do people value about our wateways?
Some interesting information. Click here: http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2010/11/15/survey-shows-we-value-healthy-waterways-more/
Click here for more details: http://www.healthywaterways.org/HealthyWaterways/Onlinesurvey.aspx
Movie Night – End of the Line 24th November
Whether you are a fisherman, a seafood connoisseur, or a global citizen concerned with the plight of the oceans and social justice, you will find this movie compelling and informative.
Noosa River Agrichemical Info Session 15th Nov
This information evening will detail the latest international scientific findings as they relate to the Noosa Fish Health Investigation Taskforce and outline simple steps that should be taken to reduce ecosystem damage.