Maroochy Waterwatch Inc

Are you needing revegetation works, weed control or environmental monitoringt?  Take a look at Maroochy Catchment Services new e-capability statement.

https://www.maroochycatchmentcentre.org.au/catchment/catchment/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/MCS-Capability-Statement-Final-Feb-11.pdf

Take a look at our new e-brochure that outlines our activities in a nutshell.

https://www.maroochycatchmentcentre.org.au/catchment/catchment/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/MWW-Brochure-Final-Feb-11.pdf

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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Media Release

18^th 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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Click here to see Sunshine Coast Daily article.

SEQ Healthy Waterways has complied a good summary on the effects of the flooding on our waterways.  Click here to view article.

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