ELCOME TO THE2002 Dry Season editionof Australia’s TropicalRainforests World Heritage

Magazine. Over 130,000 copies ofthe magazine are distributed toresidents and visitors to the WorldHeritage Area, from Townsville to Cooktown.

The magazine is packed withstories about the animals, plantsand people that live in and aroundAustralia’s Tropical Rainforests.These forests were placed on theWorld Heritage list in recognitionof their importance as the oldestcontinuously surviving tropicalrainforests on earth.

Management of the World Heritage Area is theresponsibility of the Wet Tropics ManagementAuthority, a Cairns-based agency funded by theQueensland and Commonwealth Governments.

Opinions expressed in the magazine are notnecessarily those of the Authority and, while everyeffort has been made to check the accuracy of thearticles, the Authority can not accept anyresponsibility for any errors and omissions.

Any comments or ideas for future issues arewelcome.

Please send them to:

The EditorAustralia’s Tropical Rainforests World Heritage MagazineWet Tropics Management AuthorityPO Box 2050 Cairns 4870

Ph: (07) 4052 0555Fax: (07) 4031 1364

Email: deanna.belbin@env.qld.gov.au

EACH year conservationists enthusiasticallyobserve the annual migration of the majesticPied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolour) from

Papua New Guinea to the northern tropics ofAustralia. Commencing in August, this migrationheralds the start to another breeding season.

The pigeons return coincides with the fruitingof our various tropical plants when the supply offruits in Papua New Guinea is low. Pigeons preferto roost on islands as there are fewer predatorspresent. Males and females form breeding pairsand take turns to fly to the mainland and feedeach day. The respective 'spouse' stays at home tolook after the nest. Pigeons commence theirjourney back to Papua New Guinea in February.

Following a decline in numbers earlier thiscentury, the population of Pied Imperial Pigeons isnow on the increase. Last year pigeon countersrecorded 35 000 pigeons returning from themainland to North Brook Island off Cardwell at theend of the day. This figure represents approximatelyhalf the breeding population on the island.

The pigeons are alsoplaying an indirect role inrainforest conservation.Seed traps are placed undertrees where the birds roostand, once the fruit flesh isdigested, the hard innerseeds are passed unharmed.These are then sent toconservation groups forgermination and use inrevegetation programsaround Australia’sTropical Rainforests.

CLEAN off those hiking boots – planning is underway for an extensive new walkingtrack system.

Approximately 100 km of tracks have beenproposed in previously isolated rainforest boundedby the towns of Ravenshoe, Tully, Innisfail andMillaa Millaa.

The tracks will build on thenorth’s current reputation as amecca for outdoor enthusiasts.

They follow extensive riversystems, cross mountainranges, and provide views ofsome of Australia’s spectacularwaterfalls. Walkers will be ableto stroll for several hours orspend seven days walking thenetwork, depending on theirfitness levels and holidayschedules.

It is envisaged the trackdevelopment will not onlycreate jobs during trackconstruction, but will generate

opportunities for Rainforest Aboriginal people andlocal businesses who will be providing transport,accommodation, food and guiding services. Thetracks are expected to be finished in 2003.

LEFT: The Pied Imperial Pigeon alsoknown as the TorresianImperial Pigeon

ABOVE: A PiedImperial Pigeon egg

in its nest

W Tally Ho- here come the Pigeons!

TracksThrough

MistyMountains

2

On North Brook Island off Mission BeachQueensland Parks and Wildlife Service(QPWS) staff and volunteers record pigeonnumbers once a month throughout theSeptember to February breeding season.Theytravel to the island in the early morning anduse their time cleaning the beach, taking noteof other bird life inhabiting the island andchecking on pigeon nests.

The birds startto return to thenest in the lateafternoon and thisis when countersand theirassistants take uptheir positions onthe western mosttip of the island.The pigeonsusually start toreturn in groups ofthree to four birdsbut as duskapproaches, more

birds head for home and flocks can bombardthe island from all directions.

At this time, novice counters are replacedby experienced hands and it can become afrenzy of number calling and hurriedscribbling by assistants as the “time-keeper”alerts counters to start a new page for thenext fifteen minute segment. Counting endswhen the last of the light is gone, and theweary counters make their way back to themainland. By Fiona Barron

ABOVE: Seedscollected under treeswhere the birds roost

A Day in the Life of a Pigeon Counter

D R Y S E A S O N 2 0 0 2

WORLD HERITAGELOGGERSENTENCED TO 12 MONTHS INPRISON

A man who cut down 23trees in the World HeritageArea will spend 12 months inprison.

Brett Dempsey pleadedguilty to “destroying forest products” on theHerberton Range, an area managed by theQueensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

The illegal logging affected one hectare of forest,and scientific reports indicate it will take morethan a century to fully recover. The largest treeremoved was estimated to be over 300 years old.

The Wet Tropics Management Authority’sexecutive director, Russell Watkinson, said hehoped the sentencing would send a strong messagethat deliberate logging would not be tolerated.

“Going to prison isn’t pleasant and I feel sorryfor Brett Dempsey’s family,” Mr Watkinson said.“However, this was a serious offence and I hopethe judge’s decision will deter any other would-beoffenders.

“Australia’s Tropical Rainforests are like anatural savings bank for our children. People whosteal from the World Heritage Area are stealingthis precious legacy from future generations fortheir own personal gain.”

VISITORS HELP RESEARCHERS

Visitors to the World Heritage Area areproviding important information to rainforestresearchers.

Ten selected visitor sites between the Daintreeand Paluma are being surveyed as part of a long-term monitoring program.

Researchers will be asking visitors how theyheard about the site, why they chose it, and itsgood and bad points.

The results will help the Wet TropicsManagement Authority to manage the WorldHeritage Area better by understanding the needsof visitors and matching them to suitable sites.

GREEN LIGHT FOR FOREST INSTITUTE

A new Australian Tropical Forest Institutewould establish Cairns as a world leader intropical forest research and management and

diversify the regional economy, an independentreport has found.

A feasibility study by Gibsons Consultingestimates the Institute will bring long-termeconomic flows to the region and provide a bestpractice model for integrating science,management, commercial and Aboriginal expertise.

Government funding is now needed for the firststage - a two-floor circular building withconference and lecture rooms, theatre,laboratories and public displays.

The building will provide a hub for satellitebuildings encouraging commercial operators andgovernment departments to co-locate to the site,beside James Cook University at Smithfield,Cairns. The Institute hopes to attract funding so itcan open its doors for business in 2004.

ABORIGINAL NEGOTIATIONSBEGIN

The World Heritage Area is made up of thetraditional lands of over 20 different RainforestAboriginal groups, who have customaryobligations to manage their country according totheir cultures.

In recognition of Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’rights and interests, negotiations have begun todevelop a regional agreement between RainforestAboriginal people and government managementagencies.

The process is expected to take more than 12months. The intent is to develop arrangements forbetter involvement of Rainforest Aboriginalpeople in management of the World HeritageArea, recognising their native title rights andobligations to the land.

Nigel Hedgcock at The Wet TropicsManagement Authority on (07) 4052 0555 orJim Petrich at The Cape York PeninsulaDevelopment Association on (07) 4031 3432.

WALKING STRATEGY

A total of 148 existing tracks and 53 potentialnew walks have been identified in the WetTropics Walking Strategy released late last year.

The strategy aims to provide a new,coordinated approach for bushwalking in the WetTropics bio-region.

The strategy highlights a need for more longdistance walking track networks, overnight walks,heritage walks and Aboriginal guided walks.

It also tackles issues such as developingstandards for track construction andmaintenance, monitoring environmental impactsand promotion of tracks.

The 90-page document or a 12-page summarybrochure and map are available from the WetTropics Management Authority.

Contact Campbell Clarke at the Wet TropicsManagement Authority on (07) 4052 0542 orwww.wettropics.gov.au/mlr//managingtourism.htm

CHECK IT OUT

CONTACT

The Australian Rainforest Foundation saysinstead of buying flowers or gifts to mark a specialoccasion, people can purchase a rainforest seedlingwhich will be planted in Australia’s TropicalRainforest World Heritage Area.

Foundation President, George Mansford, said theopportunity of marking the birth of a newbornchild, celebrating an anniversary or birthday orsimply remembering a loved one - by giving a giftof life to the rainforest - was becoming a populargift alternative.

ABOVE: Bushwalkers will have theopportunity to explore new walks as part ofthe Wet Tropics Walking Strategy

Help Preserve Australia’sTropical Rainforests

for Future Generations

ABOVE: Damagedrainforest on theHerberton Rangewhere the illegal

logging took place

❑ Yes! I would like to become a Foundation Trees for Life supporter by ordering ____ trees @ $55 each (including GST)

or ❑ I would like to join the Rainforest Supporters Program @ $55 per yearor ❑ Please accept my tax-deductible donation of $ ___________________

Payment details:

❑ Cheque (made payable to the Australian Rainforest Foundation)

❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard - Number:___________________________ Expiry date: ____/____ Amount: $________

Name on card: __________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ________________

Contact details: (your receipt and Trees for Life print and card will be sent to this address)

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________ State: _____________________ Postcode:____________

Email:______________________________________ Phone Number: _______________________________

Please mail or fax this coupon to: Australian Rainforest Foundation,PO Box 3006, Cairns QLD, 4870 Ph: 07 4051 2000 Fax: 07 4031 2400

Order a unique Trees for Life gift for a special friend orloved one - or support the foundation in other ways.

RAINFOREST IN REVIEW

3

2. VOLCANIC LAKES

Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine arecrater lakes created 12,000 years agoby high-pressured steam. Despite theirviolent past, these serene lakes are agreat place for a bushwalk, picnic,devonshire tea or boat cruise. WetTropics volunteers are often stationedat Lake Eacham on weekends toanswer questions and lead walksaround the lake. For more informationcontact the Queensland Parks andWildlife Service office at LakeEacham, phone (07) 4095 3768.

1. HEAD FOR THE HILLS

Escape the coastal heat and head up to theTablelands or Paluma for a weekend, but don’tforget your warm clothes - even in summer. Makea bed and breakfast or a classic old pub yourweekend base and explore some of the WorldHeritage Area’s beautiful natural features. You canstart by working your way through the list ofattractions shown on the magazine map on pages 8and 9. Visit the Wet Tropics Visitor Centre atRavenshoe (pictured above) and Malanda for theinside story on what to see and do in the area.

4

Now is the time to take a drive under the cool forest

canopy, swim in clear creeks - and enjoy the natural

beauty of our World Heritage listed rainforests.

Here are five fun activities for the tropics…

A U S T R A L I A ’ S T R O P I C A L R A I N F O R E S T S W O R L D H E R I T A G E

Five must see’sfor the Tropics

ABOVE: Tchupala Falls

ABOVE: Ravenshoe Visitor Centre

ABOVE: Aerial view of Lake BarrineBELOW: Lake Eacham visitor display

LEFT: The pontoonat Lake Eacham

3. WATERFALLS GALORE

When the weather is wet, it’s time to load the camera withfilm and visit the World Heritage Area, the waterfall capital of Australia.

During these periods it’s wise to stay on sealed roads or youmay end up staying longer than you expected.

Luckily, there are fantastic waterfalls of every shape and sizeserviced by bitumen roads. Take a drive along the BruceHighway and visit Murray Falls near Tully and Jourama Fallsnear Ingham. Travel along the Palmerston Highway and visit thepicturesque Nandroya and Tchupala Falls. Then if you’re notwaterfalled-out, tour the Tablelands taking in the Millaa MillaaWaterfall Circuit, Millstream Falls near Ravenshoe and DinnerFalls at Mt Hypipamee.

ABOVE: Stoney Creek is in BarronGorge National Park and is part ofthe traditional lands of theDjabugay Aboriginal people. Walk across the causeway anddrop into the many swimmingholes, or walk up the hill to theold Stoney Creek weir (1km, 20 mins)

4. TAKE THE STING OUT OF SUMMER

Stinging jellyfish make swimming along thecoast from November through to April dangerous.Instead, cool off in a freshwater swimming hole.They are fed by rainforest creeks and the water isrefreshingly clean and cool. But remember –tragedies occur when people are swept overwaterfalls, trapped under submerged logs, ordrowned in floodwaters. Swim only at approvedareas which are properly signposted and managed.

5. WILD WHITE WATER ACTION

Waterways pick up volume and speed when the summer rainscome, creating a roller coaster ride of white water thrills andspills. High water levels and submerged logs can createdangerous conditions, so the best idea is to join a professionalraft or kayak guide who knows the river and can supply safetyequipment. Then hold on to your paddle and get ready for someadrenalin-packed action!

D R Y S E A S O N 2 0 0 2

ABOVE: Nandroya Falls

ABOVE & LEFT: Kayaking and rafting are popular sportsafter the summer rains

Remember to consider the localwildlife and other visitors and:

• stay on tracks and cleared areas soyou don’t accidentally trample theundergrowth

• take plastic, not glass• insect repellent and sun blocks pollute

creeks, so try to wash off any excessbefore you get in the water

• use the local toilet facilities – don’tpollute the water or the forest

• leave your pets at home• carry out all rubbish.

5

6

ABUTTERFLY sharing accommodationwith hundreds of ants may seem a littlestrange to most of us but, to the Apollo

Jewel butterfly and the Golden Ant this peculiarrelationship is normal.

The Apollo Jewel butterfly (Hypochrysops apolloapollo) is an endangered species confined to coastalpaperbark swamps of north-eastern Queenslandbetween Cooktown and Ingham. Their larvae feedexclusively on the bulbous body of the Ant Plant(Myrmecodia beccarii) that grows on the trunks andbranches of melaleuca and other coastal trees.

When the adult butterfly lays an egg on theoutside surface of the Ant Plant, the Golden Ant(Philidris cordatus) carries the larva inside and caresfor it until it has matured. Being the only nativeant that lives in and pollinates the Ant Plant, it isa very important part of the Apollo Jewel butterfly’slife cycle.

The two species co-operate by the larvae eatingthe internal tissues of the Ant Plant, enlargingpathways that the ants use. The feeding larvae also

exude a sugary substance fromtheir backs that the Golden Antsfeed on.

Before the larva matures into abutterfly, it does some forwardplanning and makes an exit holebig enough for its emergence as anadult. Next, it spins a cocoon as part ofits pupation stage-this is where thetransformation from a larva to butterflyoccurs. Once the transformation is complete,the butterfly leaves the plant through the exit holeand flies off into the wide blue yonder.

As an endangered species the Apollo Jewel hasnumerous pressures affecting its survival. Some ofthe threats are from human interference-such asthe extensive clearing and drainage of paperbarkswamps in which the larval host grows. Feral antscan also be a menace when they invade the AntPlant, forcing the Golden Ants to relocate andleave the Apollo Jewel larvae unattended.

A U S T R A L I A ’ S T R O P I C A L R A I N F O R E S T S W O R L D H E R I T A G E

T H R E A T E N E D O R E N D A N G E R E D

JIRRBAL RAINFORESTDREAMTIME STORIES

Maisie Yarrcali Barlow, $18.65Walker’s Bookshop, Cairns

Maisie (Yarrcali) Barlow’s Jirrbal RainforestDreamtime Stories are witty and wise moralfables from the Jirrbal People of Ravenshoe.The stories were told to Maisie when she wasa child growing up in the rainforest of the Far North – a time she remembers fondly inher book.

A Jirrbal Elder and grandmother and great-grandmother, Maisie now tells her people’sstories to the children of Ravenshoe where

she teaches Jirrbal language and culture at theRavenshoe State School.

Whilst nothing can beat hours of story telling aroundthe bushfire, Jirrbal Rainforest Dreamtime Stories is the nextbest thing to listening to an Elder. Maisie’s stories arebrought to life in her first book by the beautiful andcharming illustrations of Michael (Boiyool) Anning. A localartist, Michael was the first Queenslander to win a majorIndigenous arts award in the Northern Territory.

All stories are breathtakingly simple but full of wisdomand insight.Targeting readers from 6 to 10 years old, thisbook is definitely a treat for the entire family.

SHARING CULTURE -RAINFOREST

Denise Ellen Ashman,Photographs by Stanley Breeden $19.95

Walker’s Bookshop, Cairns

This addition to the series of books for young people about AustralianIndigenous cultures is based on the Jumbun community, a group ofAboriginal Rainforest Peoples from neighbouring lands between Cardwelland Innisfail.

Sharing Culture - Rainforest introduces members of the Jirrbal, Girramay,Jiru and Gulngay peoples and their traditional habitat, their huntingmethods and food sources in the rainforest. Superb photographs andfactual narratives illustrate amongst many other things how the shell of asnail is used to slice up the poisonous Black Bean, which can cause painfuldiarrhoea if not prepared correctly. It also shows how to make string fromthe inner bark of the fig tree, and how to cut a shield from the buttress ofa rainforest fig.

Whilst the book is designed for young people in theupper primary and lower secondary age range, manyadults will enjoy this beautiful publication andStanley Breeden’s brilliant photographs ofthe natural riches of Far North Queensland.

The book is ideal for studies in society,Indigenous culture, natural history andthe environment. It is the perfect gift forfriends overseas and tourists who are interested in Aboriginal Australia.

ABOVE: One ofthe manybeautifulillustrationsfound in JirrbalRainforestDreamtimeStories

RIGHT: Stanley Breeden’s photographs in Sharing Culture – Rainforest are outstanding

ABOVE: The unusual ant plant

ButterflyAnt-ics

ABOVE: The Apollo Jewel Butterfly

BOOK REVIEWS

7

D R Y S E A S O N 2 0 0 2

LITTLE SUCKERS

IT’S hard to think of what useful purposeleeches serve in the rainforest – except ofcourse as the basis of horror stories to be

told by bushwalkers.In Australia’s Tropical Rainforests you’re

most likely to meet land-dwelling jawed leeches(Gnatbobdellida), who sink their teeth into warmblooded creatures and keep the victim’s bloodflowing with an anti-clotting secretion called hirudin.

Leeches are annelids, or segmentedworms, and are closely related toearthworms. They have 34 segments, with apowerful sucker at the end. Australianleeches can vary in size from around 7 mmup to an impressive 200 mm when extended.

Leeches breathe through their body wallsand use sensory organs on their heads andbody surface to detect changes in light, vibrationand temperature. A hungry leech will wave itshead and body around, looking for signals thatfood is nearby. Rainforest bushwalkers are a veryconvenient food source, brushing against lowfoliage or sitting on damp logs or rockswhere a waiting leech can easily hitch aride and grab a snack.

Leeches canconsume several

times their own weightin just one bloody meal,

before dropping off andfinding a dark spot to restand digest. After a good

meal, a leech can surviveseveral months before

feeding again.Everyone has their

favourite theory on how tokeep leeches from biting them. Probably the

best idea is to cover up your legs andavoid brushing against lower

vegetation when you’re indamp or wet places.

To detach a leech,carefully expose it to a flame,or sprinkle it with salt, tea

tree or eucalyptus oil orrubbing alcohol. If you just want

to move the leech on, try sliding afingernail under the biting end. The

hirudin might cause the bite to bleed forsome time, and the bites are often itchy.

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is Australia’s best knownscience commentator and author. His latestbook is “Q&A with Dr K - Why It Is So.”Dr Karl’s popular science talkback show onTriple J radio recently featured a famousnorth Queensland local – our stinging tree.

DR KARL TALKS ABOUT…STINGING TREES

AUSTRALIA is well known for itsvenomous snakes and spiders, butwhat a lot of people don’t know is

that we also have the world’s most painfulplant – the aptly named stinging tree.

There are six species of stinging tree inAustralia. They live along the east coast ofAustralia from Cape York in the north toVictoria in the south. You’ll see them alongtracks, the banks of creeks, and where therainforest canopy has been broken by afalling branch or tree. They also pop up aftera cyclone has ripped through a forest, or afteran area has been cleared for development.

Stinging trees play an important part inthe ecology of a rainforest. Many nativeAustralian animals, including birds andinsects are not bothered by the sting, andhappily devour the leaves and fruit. But theyare very nasty to introduced species such ashumans, horses and dogs.

Even though they don’t hunt in packs,these stinging trees are pretty vicious. Thesting is delivered through tiny silicon hairsthat cover the leaves and fruit. You can thinkof the silicon hairs as tiny fibres of non-transparent glass which penetrate your skin,and then break off. They’re so tiny that oftenthe skin closes over the hairs and you can’tremove them.

The silicon hairs cause pain because theycarry a neurotoxin. You can release theneurotoxin from the hairs by heating orcooling your skin, or just touching it.

The pain comes immediately aftertouching the plant, and it gradually increasesto a peak after about 20-30 minutes.

What is really weird is that the pain is realand intense, but your body does not sufferany damage. Fire and snake bites cause pain,AND they damage you as well. But it seemsthat the pain from this tree could be the onlypain that is not related to any damage. If welook at the neurotoxin involved, we mightlearn a lot about the mechanism of pain.

So what’s the best way to get the hairs outof you, once you’ve accidentally got stuck ona stinging tree? The best method is toremove the hairs with a hair-removal waxstrip. It might sound like a good way to get afree leg wax - but the pain is certainly notworth it.

©Copyright Karl S. Kruszelnicki Pty Ltd

MARCH FLIES

MARCH flies (or Tabanids) are mediumto large biting flies with broadtriangular heads and a long,

horny proboscis.Widespread throughout warmer parts of

Australia, they will attack humans, livestockand domestic pets to obtain blood. Adults

are more abundant in moist rainforestsand woodlands and are a particular

nuisance near water.It’s the females of the species

that usually cause havoc atyour family picnic. They are

responsible for seeking outblood for their supper while

the males feed on nectarand plant juices.

The females arevoracious feeders,

often hoveringpersistently

before landing.

They have twolarge blade-likemouthparts, used toslash the skin, and aproboscis that pierces theskin, inflicting a painful puncturewound that will continue to oozeblood long after the fly has departed.

As the blood flows the fly gorges itselfunless it is disturbed.

March flies sometimes hover somuch before landing that they are easytargets for a good swatting. Because the

flies see in ultra violet, studies haveshown that they are attracted to darker colours,such as dark blue, so if you’re planning an outingin an area known for its march flies wear lightcoloured clothing! Insect repellent containingDEET will generally deter most biting flies - lookfor it on the label.

A small consolation is that the average life spanfor an adult march fly is only three to four weeks.

Things that Bite and StingThings that Bite and Sting

Cooktown

Helenvale

Rossville

AytonLakeland

Daintree

Cape Tribulation

Cow BayCape Kimberly

Snapper Island

LowIsles

Double Island

Port DouglasMossman

GreenIsland

FitzroyIsland

Cape Grafton

Yarrabah

Gordonvale

Mareeba

Babinda

High Island

FranklandIslands

Bramston Beach

Etty BayMourilyan Harbour

Mourilyan

Herberton

Atherton

Cairns

SouthedgeLake

Miriwinni

Innisfail

Malanda

Ravenshoe SouthJohnstone

SEE INSET

MountCarbine

MountMolloy

Chillagoe

Almaden

Petford

Irvinebank

Dimbulah

Innot HotSprings

Mount Garnet

KoombooloombaDam

KurrimineSilkwoodEl Arish

Bilyana

Kennedy

Tully

Cardwell HinchinbrookIsland

LucindaHalifax

Abergowrie

ForrestBeach

Ingham

Trebonne

HiddenValley

OrpheusIsland

PalmIslands

Goold Island

Dunk Island

HeraldIsland

MagneticIsland

Cape Cleveland Pallarenda

SaundersBeach

PalumaRollingstone

Mission Beach

Townsville

Millaa Millaa

WallamanFalls

Valley ofLagoons

Lava Lodge

Kuranda

Tarzali

Distance in Kilometres

0 km 8020 40 60 100

En

d ea v o u r R i v e r

Annan

Ri v

er

No

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n b yR

i ve

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P a l me r R i v e r

Ho

dg k i n s o n R i v e r

M i t c h e l l R i v er

Mc L e o d R i v e r

D

a i n t r e eR i v e r

Bl o

omf i e l d

Ri v

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Ba r

r on

R i v e r

M u l g r av e

Ri v e r

Nor thJ o h n s t o n

eR

i v e r

Ru

s se l

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iver

T u l l y R i v e r

M

u rr a

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R

Wa l s h R i v e r

Her b

e r tR

i ve

r

B u r de k i n

R i v e r

B u r d i k i n

Ri v e r

S t ar

R i ve r

Rivers Main Roads Secondary Roads

Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

Oasis Roadhouse

Julatten

Mena CreekCowley Beach

Tate

R

i v e r

L y n d

Ri v e r

S t Geo r g e R i v e r

Laur a

R i ver

D e i g h t o n R i v e r

Pe n i n sula

De

vel op

me

nt

Roa

d

L i tt l eM

u l g r a v eR i v

e r

Tolga

Atherton

Herberton

Yungaburra

Malanda

Kairi

Mareeba

Redlynch

Gordonvale

Tinaroo

Walkamin

Smithfield Heights

Edmonton

Cairns

0 km 5 10 15 20

Kuranda

Tarzali

L a ke E a c h a m

CopperlodeDam

A t he r t

o n

He r

b e rt o

nRd

Mu l g r a v e

Ri v e r

Bar ro n R i v e r

C l ohe s yR

i v e r

8

Barron FallsThe Barron River drops dramatically from the

Tablelands to the coast at the Barron Falls on the out-skirts of Kuranda.Ask local rangers about the networkof historic trails. QPWS Cairns ☎ (07) 4053 4533

Davies Creek National ParkSwimming pools and stunning waterfalls surrounded by

eucalypt forests.The 6km unsealed road can be rough. Bringcharcoal for the fireplaces. Camping fees apply. Past thenational park is restricted access. QPWS Atherton ☎ (07) 4091 1844, QPWS Cairns ☎ (07) 4053 4533

Danbulla Forest DriveA 30km drive around Lake Tinaroo between the dam wall

and Gillies Highway. Day use areas: Platypus Rock, Kauri Creek,The Chimneys and School Point. Camping: Platypus Rock, Kauriand Downfall creeks, School Point and Fong-on Bay.Walkingtracks: Lake Euramoo, Mobo Crater, Kauri and Downfall creeksand Cathedral Fig Tree.Water skiing allowed in some areas.QPWS Atherton ☎ (07) 4091 1844, ☎ (07) 4095 8459

Lake BarrineVisit the giant Kauri trees at the beginning of the 5.1km circuit

walk near this crater lake, or take a boat cruise across the water.Wet Tropics displays at the kiosk. QPWS ☎ (07) 4095 3768

Hasties Swamp National ParkNyleta Bird Hide at Hastie’s Swamp near Atherton, has a bird list

of over 220 species. Bird numbers peak between July andSeptember and many vagrant birds visit this area. Amenities atPlatypus Park 2km away. QPWS Lake Eacham on ☎ (07) 4095 3768or Birds Australia North Queensland Group on ☎ (07) 4096 8230

Curtain Fig TreeThis is one of the best-known tourist attractions on

the Atherton Tableland, 3 km from Yungaburra.The figtree has a curtain of aerial roots which drop 15 metresto the ground. QPWS Atherton ☎ (07) 4091 1844

Lake EachamSimilar to Lake Barrine, this is a lake in an extinct volcanic crater.

Wet Tropics volunteers often lead guided walks on weekends. 700mself-guided walk from the picnic area or 3km circuit walk. Followthe signs to the ranger station which is a short walk from the picnicarea for more information. QPWS ☎ (07) 4095 3768

Malanda Environmental CentreThis volunteer-run centre at Malanda Falls takes visitors

on a journey of discovery. Learn how the Tablelands wasformed and how animals, plants and people have survivedand adapted. Several short walks. ☎ (07) 4096 6957

Mt Hypipamee (The Crater)Look out over this geological curiosity caused by a

build-up of underground gases. Easy walking track leadsto picturesque Dinner Falls at the headwaters of theBarron River. QPWS Lake Eacham ☎ (07) 4095 3768

Waterfall Circuit Don’t miss this short drive which takes in Millaa Millaa,

Zillie and Elinjaa waterfalls.The circuit begins on theoutskirts of Millaa Millaa township and loops around tofinish 2km away. Johnstone Shire Council ☎ (07) 4030 2222

Ravenshoe Visitor CentreVolunteers run the centre from 9am to 4pm daily. Other local

attractions include a steam train on weekends & public holidays& markets every fourth Sunday of the month. ☎ (07) 4097 7700

Millstream FallsSpilling over a basalt lava flow, these falls are the widest in Australia.

Open eucalypt forest is dominated by stringybarks, bloodwoods andironbarks. Bottlebrushes border the creek. QPWS Gulf Savannah☎ (07) 4097 6721, Lake Eacham ☎ (07) 4095 3768

Tully Gorge National ParkA lookout 25km from Ravenshoe provides awe-inspiring

views of the deep gorge below.Walking track leads tomore views. QPWS Lake Eacham ☎ (07) 4095 3768

Koombooloomba DamThis artificial lake supplies Kareeya Power Station. Popular amongcampers and canoeists. QPWS Atherton ☎ (07) 4091 1844

Captain Cook HighwayScenic drive from Cairns to Mossman. Great views and

beaches. Historic Bump Track hike from Mowbray Valley. Commercialcampgrounds at Ellis Beach, Port Douglas and Mossman.

Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary A leader in wildlife exhibits, this award-winning

wildlife sanctuary provides a chance to observe upclose a large range of flora and fauna. Informativeguided tours and displays provide an experience foundnowhere else.Admission charge. ☎ (07) 4099 3235

Mossman GorgeA short track leads to Mossman River or take your

time and explore the rainforest along a 2.4 km walkingtrack.A grassy area for picnics for day use only. QPWSMossman ☎ (07) 4098 2188

Daintree Ferry Crossing & VillageLocated 36km north of Mossman, the 21-car ferry

operates from 6am to midnight seven days a week.TheDaintree village 10km upriver has art and craft shops,coffee shops, timber museum and river cruises.

Daintree Environmental Centre This privately owned visitor centre 11km north of the

Daintree ferry on Tulip Oak Road features a canopytower, theatres, interactive computers, boardwalk andexperienced guides.Admission charge. ☎ (07) 4098 9171

JindalbaStage one is a short boardwalk (700m) winding around a

fern-edged creek.There are some stairs on the walk. Lookout for cassowaries, tree kangaroos and king ferns. Picnictables and toilets near the car park. QPWS ☎ (07) 4098 2188

Thornton Beach & Noah BeachThornton Beach day use area and kiosk is 25km north

of the Daintree ferry. Another 5km north is Maardjaboardwalk through rainforest and mangroves. 1.5 km northof Maardja is the Noah Beach national park campground,closed during extremely wet weather. Beware of marinestingers Oct-May. QPWS Cape Trib ☎ (07) 4098 0052

‘Bat House’ Environment CentreOperated by the Australian Tropical Research

Foundation, this volunteer-run visitor facility at CapeTribulation has information on rainforest, reef andalternative technology. Open 10.30am to 3.30pm.Admission charge. ☎ (07) 4098 0063

Cape TribulationVisit the Dubuji visitor area featuring 1.2km boardwalk

through rare rainforest growing on sand.Access tobeach here or via nearby mangrove boardwalk.Additional carpark and viewing platform at Kulki, 2kmnorth. QPWS Cape Trib ☎ (07) 4098 0052

Black MountainGiant piles of black granite boulders 30km from

Cooktown have been the subject of Aboriginal legendsand European stories for many years. QPWSCooktown ☎ (07) 4069 5777

Keating’s LagoonA boardwalk and walking track built by local

Gungarde Aboriginal rangers follows the edge of thisimportant bird sanctuary 5km from Cooktown.A birdhide provides a perfect spot for watching magpiegeese, black ducks, water whistlers and brolgas.QPWS Cooktown ☎ (07) 4069 5777

Mount Cook National Park A 2km walking track passes through diverse vegetation

communities to the top of Mount Cook.The walk takesabout 90 minutes to the top. For group walks with anAboriginal guide, phone Gungarde Community Centre on☎ (07) 4069 5412. QPWS Cooktown ☎ (07) 4069 5777

Nature’s Powerhouse, Cooktown Nestled in bushland in Cooktown’s historic Botanic

Gardens this centre features wildlife displays curated bythe Queensland Museum. Open from 9am-5pm with cafeopen from 10am-4pm 7 days a week. Admission charge☎ (07) 4069 6004

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One of the reasons the Wet Tropics was listed as a World Heritage Area is its spectacular scenery.

Here are some spots you shouldn’t miss...

We hope you enjoy visiting the World Heritage Area.We recommend this guide be used together with a regular road map. 9

TownsvilleThere is a small Wet Tropics display at the visitor

centre at Stuart on the city’s southern approach. It isstaffed by volunteers daily from 9am to 5pm.☎ (07) 4778 3555

PalumaThis mountaintop village is a great weekend retreat.

There is camping at Big Crystal Creek at the base ofthe range (bookings essential ☎ (07) 4721 2399) or atPaluma Dam 12 km past the village.Walking tracksrange in distance from 600m to 2km. QPWS ☎ (07) 4776 1700, or NQ Water ☎ (07) 4770 8526

Frosty Mango Visitor CentreThis popular tourist rest stop between Ingham and

Townsville has Wet Tropics displays on local birds.☎ (07) 4770 8184

Jourama FallsCascading falls over salmon-coloured granite make

this a favoured camping and picnic area among locals.A 1.5 km track leads to falls.QPWS Jourama ☎ (07) 4777 3112

Hinchinbrook Visitor Centre, InghamCommunity volunteers staff the centre on the

corner of the Bruce Highway and Lannercost St, Mon-Fri 8.45am to 5pm, weekends 9am to 2pm and mostpublic holidays. ☎ (07) 4776 5211

Wallaman FallsWallaman Falls is the largest single drop waterfall in

Australia, tumbling 257m to a large pool.The falls are 51kmwest of Ingham, 18km of which is unsealed road. Noopen fires. For directions, road conditions and bookingscontact QPWS Ingham ☎ (07) 4776 1700

Broadwater State ForestDay use and camping area, 45km west of Ingham, an

hour’s drive from the highway.QPWS Ingham ☎ (07) 4777 2822

Five Mile Creek This is a great place to take a break from behind

the wheel, just 200m from the Bruce Highway on thesouthern outskirts of Cardwell.QPWS Cardwell ☎ (07) 4766 8779

Rainforest and Reef Centre, CardwellVisit the centre in the main street near the jetty to

make bookings for Hinchinbrook and other coastalislands, and for Wet Tropics information.QPWS Cardwell ☎ (07) 4066 8601

Hinchinbrook IslandHinchinbrook borders two World Heritage areas-

the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef. Ferries leavethe mainland at Cardwell and Lucinda.Thorsborne Trailis a four-day hike - numbers are limited so bookingsare required. QPWS Cardwell ☎ (07) 4066 8601

Edmund Kennedy National ParkMangrove walk through diverse coastal park.

Explorer Edmund Kennedy travelled through hereduring his 1848 expedition to Cape York.QPWS Cardwell ☎ (07) 4066 8850

Blencoe Falls DriveThe 207km drive from Kennedy to Mt Garnet

features coastal views, Blencoe Falls and NorthQueensland cattle country.The road is unsealed andcaravans are not recommended. Make sure you andyour vehicle are prepared.QPWS Cardwell ☎ (07) 4066 8779

Murray FallsExcellent camping facilities in the foothills of the

Kirrama Range between Cardwell and Tully.The 20mfalls is one of the prettiest in north Queensland.QPWS Cardwell ☎ (07) 4066 8779

Tully GorgeThe 42km scenic drive through lower Tully Gorge

begins at the town and offers camping, lookouts,walkways to the river and whitewater rafting.QPWS Cardwell ☎ (07) 4066 8779

Mission Beach Visitor CentreThe Wet Tropics Visitor Centre at Mission Beach is

run by local volunteers from environment and tourismgroups. ☎ (07) 4068 7197 or ☎ (07) 4068 7099

Licuala State Forest Park350m children’s walk, 1.3km rainforest circuit & 7.8km

rainforest walk from the Tully-Mission Beach Road toLacey Creek. QPWS Cardwell ☎ (07) 4066 8779

Lacey CreekLook out for cassowaries on this 1.2km rainforest

walking track off the Mission Beach - El Arish Road.QPWS Cardwell ☎ (07) 4066 8779

Clump PointA 2.5km circuit track winds through rainforest at

Bingil Bay to a spectacular lookout on Bicton Hill.QPWS Mission Beach ☎ (07) 4068 7183

Palmerston HighwayNamed after bushman Christie Palmerston, this

scenic rainforest highway between Innisfail and theAtherton Tableland gives access to short walks,waterfalls, picnic spots and camping.QPWS Palmerston ☎ (07) 4064 5115

Josephine FallsQueensland’s highest mountains, Bellenden Ker and

Bartle Frere, loom above this popular picnic area.Short track to falls.A rough trail leads to the summitof Mt Bartle Frere (1622m) for fit, experiencedwalkers only.QPWS Josephine Falls ☎ (07) 4067 6304

Babinda BouldersThe Boulders, 7km from Babinda, has a reputation

for claiming the lives of unwary visitors. Locals put thisdown to an Aboriginal legend, but it could be acombination of fast water, slippery boulders andcareless behaviour. 19km Goldfields walk leads toGoldsborough Valley. ☎ (07) 4067 1138

Goldsborough Valley This is a popular place for families and school

groups to have a barbecue and enjoy a swim in thehot summer months. Camping sites are also available.Goldsborough is an hour’s drive south-west of Cairns.The road is unsuitable for caravans.QPWS ☎ (07) 4052 3431

Lake MorrisBeautiful artificial lake surrounded by rainforest in

the hills 20km from Cairns. Kiosk and picnic area opendaily from 8am, gates close at 6pm. Great views, noswimming. ☎ (07) 4055 7414

Crystal CascadesEnjoy a picnic at this municipal park and swim in the

clear waters of Freshwater Creek, 24km from Cairns.Secure your valuables. ☎ (07) 4044 3044

Skyrail Cableway Get a treetop view of the rainforest riding a

cableway over Barron Gorge to Kuranda, with stops atlookouts and information centre. Make it a round tripwith the historic Kuranda train. Admission charge.☎ (07) 4038 1555.

Lake PlacidLake Placid is a municipal park on the Barron River

beside the Barron Gorge National Park, 12km fromCairns. Day use facilities, restaurant and kiosk.☎ (07) 4044 3044

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NOTE: this symbol indicates that disabled toiletsare available. It does not indicate that the tracksare accessible to wheelchairs.

Central CoastSouthern Wet TropicsA U S T R A L I A ’ S T R O P I C A L R A I N F O R E S T S W O R L D H E R I T A G E

Northern RegionTablelands RegionD R Y S E A S O N 2 0 0 2

N

(QPWS: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service)

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NEXT time you’re admiring the splendourof our tropical rainforest landscapes,keep in mind not all “visitors” to the

rainforest are welcome.Weeds are quietly creeping their way into our

rainforest habitat and if left unchecked, have thepotential to destroy the integrity of our WorldHeritage Area.

A weed is basically a plant growing in thewrong place. Some weeds can be quite appealingto the eye, however they pose an environmentalthreat to our World Heritage rainforests.

New plants are transported into the foresteither through animal droppings, clinging toanimals’ coats or even in the mud on your cartyres, or hiking boots. Once taken out of theirnatural environment and away from theirpredators, they thrive and compete with nativeplants for nutrients and space and become a weed.

Some weeds are sold at local nurseries as exoticplants and have the potential to be spread bydomestic gardeners.

Weeds are a problem for graziers and farmerstoo. Noxious weeds can poison cattle and infiltrateareas set aside for pastures and crops.

Plants grown for commercial crops inagricultural areas are also common as weeds in theWorld Heritage Area. Animals may spread weedsfurther by eating its fruit and scientists are

investigating the role of cassowaries and feralpigs in the dispersal of Pond Apple (Annonaglabra) one of the major environmental weedsin our tropical rainforests.

A Rainforest Co-operative ResearchCentre project showed feral pigs can retainPond Apple seeds in their digestive system forup to 95 hours, and could potentially depositseeds anywhere within their home range of upto five square kilometres.

Pond Apple seeds may remain in thecassowary digestive system for up to 28 hoursresulting in seed dispersal hundreds of metres,possibly kilometres away.

VISITORS are experiencing Australia’s TropicalRainforests in new ways through the growingnumber of tours owned and operated by local

Aboriginal people. One of the latest ventures is the EchoCreek Falls walking track in the Tully Valley.

If you walk into the forest and see only a mass of trees,you’re not getting the full picture. Take a walk with aRainforest Aboriginal guide and you’ll have a completelydifferent experience.

Echo Creek Falls walking track near Tully was constructed by a team oflocal Rainforest Aboriginal people who are now working as guides.

Team leader Robert Grant has spent 22 years working on nearby bananafarms and is now enjoying working for himself in the bush he loves.

“We spent our childhood running around and living in the bush,” he says,“so we all really loved getting in here and clearing up the track. We’ve keptit looking very natural, so that people can get close to nature.”

The track follows a traditional Aboriginal trading route from the coastover the coastal range to the Tablelands.

Robert and several other guides take groups for a half-day walk throughthe forest, identifying the many different rainforestspecies by both their Aboriginal and botanical namesand describing their traditional uses as bush tuckerand medicines.

“We help them to look at the bush through oureyes,” explains Robert. “We tell them how Aboriginalpeople used to live and walk around in the rainforest.

“We also explain how there are many Aboriginallanguage groups in the rainforest, and each one isvery different. We all have our own language and culture.”

Phone (07) 4066 7770; Fax (07) 4066 7824Email:elrancho@znet.net.auWebsite: www.elrancho.com.au

CHECK IT OUT

CHARACTERS

RIGHT: The weedguide is a handypocket companionfor weedidentification in thefield

A U S T R A L I A ’ S T R O P I C A L R A I N F O R E S T S W O R L D H E R I T A G E

WeedyLEFT: Pond Apple (Annona glabra);one of the major environmentalweeds in our tropical rainforests

ABOVE: Robert Grant pauses tocontemplate by the creekMAIN PICTURE: Aboriginalguides pick their way throughthe lush rainforest near Tully

Echo Creek- Far Away in Time

A GUIDE TO IDENTIFY WEEDS

If you’d like to know what nasties your gardenmight harbour you can have a look at the WeedPocket Guide for Agricultural and EnvironmentalWeeds in Far North Queensland.

It lists 79 weeds – 47 from the Wet TropicsManagement Authority’s (WTMA) list ofundesirable plants and the 30 worst weedsnominated by local councils.

The guide is a joint project between WTMA,local councils and state government agencies. It wasfunded by the Natural Heritage Trust.

World Heritage Area landholders and neighbourshave been mailed free copies of the weed guide toenlist their help in identifying and removing weeds.

It’s a comprehensive pocket companion withcolour photos, descriptions of the weeds and theirpreferred habitat and seasonal flowering times.

Guides can be purchased from your localcouncil.

If you think you’ve found a weed, takea cutting and obtain positive identificationand the latest control information fromyour local council’s weed inspector orDepartment of Natural Resources andMines (DNRM) land protection officer.

DNRM land protection officers:South Johnstone 40641 155Atherton 40911 844Charters Towers 47870 600

CONTACT

11

MOVE over Sherlock Holmes, northQueensland has its very own rainforestsleuth tracking down a ruthless

rainforest killer.Enter mild mannered botanist Paul Gadek who is

waging a campaign to reveal the truth about a massmurderer. The criminal in question is the soil fungusPhytophthora cinnamomi, and it is responsible for thedeaths of millions of plants in Australia and overseas.

Recent outbreaks in the World Heritage Areakilled every plant in patches of up to two hectares.

“These dieback sites are very eerie places,” saysPaul. “The leaves wither on the trees and branchesdie and fall to the ground. The only sign of thefungus is a chestnut coloured stain under the bark.”

Paul organised a team of investigators at JamesCook University in Cairns to work on the case usingsatellite imagery, high-tech computer maps andgenetic testing.

They have found 12 different phytophthora speciesin the rainforest and at least some are found herenaturally.

Many of the outbreaks are near old roads, so thefungus may have arrived on machinery. Recentdieback patches may have been triggered by people,feral pigs or changes to drainage patterns.

The researchers continue to test the sites, trial

inoculation methods, measure regeneration andlook for new ways to detect outbreaks.

“We’ve still got a long way to go before we solvethe whole phytophthora mystery,” says Paul, “butwe’re on the way to understanding what we’re upagainst.”

If you have been walking or camping, wash yourboots and tent pegs in disinfectant beforeentering the World Heritage Area. If you find adieback patch, contact the Wet TropicsManagement Authority on (07) 4052 0555.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

ABOVE: Elementary, my dear Watson: Assoc.Prof. Paul Gadek points out differences ingenetic profiles to researcher Sandra Abell.

THINK reconciliation and the word“nursery” is not likely to immediatelyspring to mind. But just west of

Cairns on the Atherton Tableland, areconciliation success story is occurring at asmall local nursery.

In a certain nursery at Lake Eacham youare likely to be greeted by young Aboriginal menand women working side by side with elderlyvolunteers, potting and transplanting SilkyOak and Black Bean seedlings. It’s an all toorare sight in rural Australia but one madepossible by the efforts of local Aboriginal andnon-indigenous people, conservationists and theQueensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

It all began in 1982 when a group ofYungaburra residents wanted to plant localnative species on their land but found thatonly exotic plants were available from theForestry Department.Trees for the Evelynand Atherton Tablelands (TREAT) wasformed to encourage the planting of localnative rainforest tree species.

An agreement was reached betweenTREAT and the QPWS and the Centre forTropical Restoration nursery evolved.TREATand the Centre for Tropical Restorationnursery went from strength to strength butwas missing one element - involvement bythe local Aboriginal owners the Dulguburra-Yidinji and the Ngadjon-ji people.AnAboriginal trainee program was establishedand Yidinji woman Syb Bresolin and Ngadjonman Warren Canendo joined the nursery.Thetwo trainees had a lot of cultural knowledgeto share with their fellow workmates.

QPWS Ranger Tania Murphy enjoyslearning language names and the spiritualaspects of looking after country through Syband Warren.

“There is that real “caring-for-country”ethic in Aboriginal culture and getting abetter understanding of this gives us, asconservationists, an extra dimension to ourwork that’s very important,” she said.

After starting her one-year traineeship, Sybcontacted her former teachers in the Caringfor Country program at the Cairns TAFE andinvited the students to the Centre. Sincethen, the students have been taught skills inrestoring country by Aboriginal and non-indigenous trainers who work at the Centre.

“When the students first arrive they’re alittle shy, but by the time they leave thenursery, their heads are up, full of pride andconfidence from all they’ve learnt.There’ssomething positive happening that makes mefeel hopeful for our future. I’ve found sinceI’ve started here that there is a lot of healingfor reconciliation happening,” Syb said.

If you would like to become a volunteerat the nursery you can contact

TREAT on (07) 40953 406.

PLANTthe Seed

D R Y S E A S O N 2 0 0 2

THE soft, green carpets lining creeks and blanketing rainforest logscan be easy to overlook and pass by. But

these miniature forests have a lineage which goesback 360 million years, when the first water plantsevolved to survive on land.

Most people call all these plants “mosses,” butbotanists describe them as “bryophytes” whichincludes a diverse range of mosses, liverworts and hornworts.

Unlike other plants, they don’t have true roots,stems or leaves. They reproduce from spores orfragments of plant. In fact, any part of abryophyte can grow into a new plant identical tothe parent!

In the past, these plants have been used forwound dressings, to burn as fuel, and inmedicines. They are also an important part of therainforest ecosystem, soaking up nutrients,

providing a refuge for insects and protecting soilfrom erosion.

Tropical north Queensland has over 430different species of mosses, and a single rockbeside a stream can be home to over eightdifferent bryophytes.

Take a closer look at these miniature worlds inthe rainforest on your next school excursion orfamily outing.

To help you explore these new worlds, you need a hand lens and a field guide. We recommend“Plants of the Tropics” available from James CookUniversity Bookshop on Cairns (07) 4042 1111or Townsville (07) 4781 4111, Walker’s Bookshopin Cairns and Mary Who in Townsville.

LEFT: Dendroceros

ciliatus is ahornwort that

grows on twigsand branches in

the rainforest.The tiny “horns”

are only 6 mm long!

RainforestDETECTIVE

RIGHT: Plants of the Tropics

Author Andi Cairnssometimes has toresort to climbing

ropes to reachbryophytes high in the

rainforest canopy!

CHECK IT OUT

Miniature worldsin the rainforest

LOSS OF HABITAT

The loss of habitat and lack of links to otherrainforest areas at Mission Beach has resulted inbirds sharing unnaturally small territories.Normally, cassowary territories are large, somemeasuring up to seven kilometres. Being a solitaryanimal, sub-adults are chased from the homerange by their father and go in search of their ownterritory. With fierce competition for habitatalready, it starts to get a little crowded.

Forced to seek food from farming areas,cassowaries are drawn closer to the humancommunity. Many people make the mistake offeeding them, resulting in the association ofpeople with food. This can cause theirbehaviour to become more aggressive as theywander into settlements searching for food. Dog attacks are often common in these situations.

ROAD DEATHS

At least four known cassowary-crossing pointsoccur along the stretch of road from El-Arish toMission Beach where protection of the habitat isconsidered vital for the species survival. The Wet Tropics Management Authority workedclosely with the Department of Main Roads duringa road upgrade in 2001 to include cassowary

warning signs and speed reduction areas.The design incorporated

road markings to show knowncassowary-crossing areas,yellow caution signs, rumblestrips and coloured shoulders tocreate the perception of a

narrow road. All of thesemeasures are aimed atencouraging motorists to slowdown.

Regardless of planning saferroads for cassowaries, theirsurvival in Mission Beach and

surrounds depends on the local community. Mostroad kills in the area are by residents driving toand from work. It’s vital to look at the big picture,take a bit of time out of our busy schedules andslow down. By pulling together we can try to saveour “big birds” before its too late!

BELOW: QPWS Ranger CameronAllanson in the recently completed

cassowary holding facility

Cassowaries

Cassowary numbers at Mission Beach are considered to be at a crisis

point. It is estimated that there are now only 45 adult cassowaries in

the area, threatening the viability of the population. Sadly, humans

are implicated in most cassowary deaths, mainly due to land

clearing, dog attacks and vehicle strikes.

A CassowaryHaven

THANKS to a donation of land by Josephand Freda Jorrissen, a CassowaryRehabilitation Centre has been

constructed at the Queensland Parks and WildlifeService (QPWS) Mission Beach office. TheCentre is located at Garner’s Beach, 50km southof Innisfail and 7km north of Mission Beach.

In 1959, Joseph and Freda immigrated toAustralia from Germany and purchased 27ha ofland at Garners Beach. They were both lovers ofnature and became fascinated with wildlife in theMission Beach area. They were particularlyinterested in cassowaries and kept a cassowaryfamily tree. In 1977 the Jorissens donated theirblock of land to the QPWS as a sanctuary forlocal wildlife including the cassowaries.

After Joseph’s death in 1980, Frieda stayed onin their house and continued Joseph’s workmaintaining the cassowary family tree. Friedapassed away in 2000 and late last year, localvolunteers and Innisfail based QPWS staff beganconstruction on the Cassowary RehabilitationCentre.

Ranger in Charge at the Mission BeachManagement Unit, Cameron Allanson said withthe provision of appropriate cassowary handlingequipment, the Centre is now able to deal withany immediate emergencies.

“We are the only hands-on cassowary responseunit in the local area, and the Centre means wecan treat and monitor cassowaries and otherwildlife in a safe, conveniently locatedenvironment,” he said.

A U S T R A L I A ’ S T R O P I C A L R A I N F O R E S T S W O R L D H E R I T A G E

12

ABOVE:A caution sign on the El-Arishto Mission BeachRoad

RIGHT:Loss of

habitat hascaused adecline in

cassowarynumbers

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D R Y S E A S O N 2 0 0 2

inAS REGULAR users of the Mission

Beach Road, tour companies operating in the World Heritage

Area have been enlisted to help save thecassowary by placing yellow “take care”stickers in prominent places on their buses.

The Cassowary Advisory Group (CAG),a community based organisation, receivedfunding from the Natural Heritage Trustfor the project. With vehicle strike being amajor cause of cassowary deaths in theMission Beach area, it is hoped the stickersremind drivers to be on the look out for theendangered species.

CAG Chair, Steve Russell said the grouphas received positive feedback from anumber of diverse groups.

“We’ve had comments from timber haulers andice delivery companies as well as mums and dads,”he said.

As a volunteer for the Mission Beach TourismInformation Centre Mr Russell said touristsconstantly ask him where they can see a cassowary.

“The tourists see all the signs and photos andwant to know where they can see a cassowary inthe wild.

“We see cassowaries here every day, but usuallyit’s the same one or two birds wandering their

home range.“Tourists acknowledge the cassowary is an icon

species here. They are also sympathetic to the factthat the cassowary is an endangered species andare interested in what we are doing to try andprotect them.”

Keep an eye out for the stickers (andcassowaries) on your travels and if you hop on atour bus without a sticker on it ask the driver whyhe doesn’t have one!

Cassowaries in SchoolsNOW kids can get involved in cassowary conservation with the launch of the Wet Tropics

Management Authority’s Cassowary Education Kit.

The kit is a comprehensive teaching tool for primary school grades five to seven and was produced bythe Cassowary Advisory Group.

It was funded by PNG Gas and developed in consultation with Education Queensland and with supportfrom Channel Ten’s Totally Wild television programme and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

It contains an activity book for teachers, an endangered species video produced by Totally Wild andposters and brochures.

It’s hoped the education kit will inspire children to take an activerole in saving the cassowary and encourage their mums and dadsand other family members to get involved as well.

The kit has been distributed to schools in knowncassowary habitat areas, from the Daintree in the north to

Paluma in the south.

If you would like acopy of the kit andattend a school in acassowary habitatarea, call the WetTropics ManagementAuthority on (07) 4052 0555.

Alternatively, theactivities and book areavailable on our websitewww.wettropics.gov.au

CHECK IT OUT

CASSOWARYFACTS

Species - Casuarius casuariusCassowaries were listed as a nationallyendangered species in 1999.

Cassowaries belong to a group of flightlessbirds called “ratites” which includes thecassowaries and emus of Australasia, theostriches of Africa and Asia, the rheas ofSouth America and the kiwis of NewZealand. Ratites also includes the nowextinct elephant birds of Madagascar andthe moas of New Zealand.

Cassowaries stand up to 2 metres tall.Males weigh up to 35 kilograms, females upto 60 kilograms.

Courting occurs during May and June.Females mate with males of their choice.The pair remains together for a few weeksuntil the female lays about 4 large palegreen eggs.

After egg laying the female leaves the maleto incubate the eggs and rear the chicks.She may then take another mate and layanother clutch of eggs.

The male incubates the eggs for about twomonths.He looks after the young for aboutnine months and then chases them away tofend for themselves.Eggs hatch from July toSeptember.

The cassowary has three toes.The insidetoe has a large claw that is used to defenditself.

The large keel shaped helmet on thecassowary’s head is called a casque.

They are the sole disperser of the largerrainforest seeds and are an

important factor in rainforestrevegetation.

Cassowaries are culturallysignificant to

RainforestAboriginalpeople.Cassowaryfeathers, bonesand nails areused inceremonies.

Cassowaries havebeen known to

live for up to 40years.

Stick ‘em Up!

CRISIS

ABOVE: Cassowary stickers are popularwith the majority of local tour operators

ALEXANDRA BAY STATE SCHOOL

This award is in recognition of the school’sdedication to environmental education andcassowary conservation. The staff at AlexandraBay have worked hard to ensure an environmentalfocus in school programs, establishing suchinteresting subjects as “Rainforest Maths.”

Eight years ago the Daintree Cassowary CareGroup set up a community nursery in the schoolgrounds. With the help of the children and theirparents, they have raised and planted manythousands of cassowary food trees throughout thedistrict.

Their tree planting efforts have won the schoolnational and international recognition, butperhaps the highest seal of approval came from awild cassowary which now visits the school’srevegetation plot.

SYB BRESOLIN

Syb is a Yidinji woman who completed a four-year ranger training program at TAFE before going towork on revegetation projects with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Centre for TropicalRestoration at Lake Eacham.

In just a few years, she has enriched the staff’s understanding of the importance of RainforestAboriginal cultural heritage and the spiritual significance of “Caring for Country”. Syb also plays animportant role in teaching Aboriginal students the science and practice of revegetation.

This cross-cultural training is a ground-breaking development for government agencies and adds anew dimension to environmental management.

Syb has not only been busy planting trees, she has also been planting the seeds of reconciliation withthe international dignitaries, community volunteers and students who visit the Centre’s nursery. Theyhave learned from Syb the art of accepting people for who they are, and valuing their cultural differences.See Syb’s story on page 11.

ABOVE: Alexandra Bay State School student Tui Trezise accepts the award on

behalf of her school

ABOVE: George has rallied local communitiesand the State and Federal Governments to

save the cassowary

RIGHT: Peter Stanton

GEORGE MANSFORD

After a military career spanning three wars,most people would be ready to relax. But GeorgeMansford didn’t flinch when it came to leadinglocal people into yet another battle to save thecassowary from extinction.

George has always led from the front and byexample, and devoted enormous time and effort toencouraging the community to participate inWorld Heritage conservation and management.

He played a pivotal role in knocking on doorsin Brisbane and Canberra and convincing bothState and Federal Governments to support criticalfunding for cassowary conservation.

George was a Wet Tropics Board member andChair of the Landholders and Neighbours Groupfor six years, and continues to play an importantrole in World Heritage conservation as presidentof the Australian Rainforest Foundation.

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A U S T R A L I A ’ S T R O P I C A L R A I N F O R E S T S W O R L D H E R I T A G E

Each Year the Cassowary Awards recognise

individuals who have made outstanding contributions

to Australia’s Tropical Rainforests World Heritage.

2001 CASSOWARY

PETER STANTON

Peter began his working life as a forester on theAtherton Tablelands and for the last 40 years he hastravelled through rugged, inaccessible areas, often on footand for long periods of time.

Peter went on to play an instrumental role in the listingof north Queensland’s national parks and World Heritagelisting of Australia’s Tropical Rainforests.

His expertise in vegetation management combined withhis intuitive understanding of forest communities led toPeter’s outstanding contribution to our understanding oftropical rainforest and its management.

HAZEL DOUGLAS

Over 400,000 people visit the Daintree Coasteach year, and a small percentage of these arelucky enough to have Hazel Douglas as theirguide.

Hazel’s award winning company, Native GuideSafaris, is an excellent role model of Indigenoustourism.

As a traditional owner and member of theYalanji people, Hazel is highly qualified tointroduce visitors to the rainforest and beacheswhere she grew up.

Hazel teaches guests from all over the worldabout customary bush foods and medicines, andgives them an authentic cultural experience in therainforest.

But perhaps her greatest gift to visitors is hergenerosity in sharing her spiritual connection withthe land. It is this generosity of spirit which hasmade Hazel an outstanding ambassador of tourismin Tropical North Queensland.

ABOVE: Dr Rosemary Hill accepts her award from theQueensland Minister for Environment Dean Wells andFederal Parliamentary Secretary Dr Sharman Stone

ABOVE: Sally speaks about her experiencesas an environmental economist

ABOVE: Hazel Douglas during her acceptance speech

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D R Y S E A S O N 2 0 0 2

AWARD Recipients

LEFT: George’s grandson Brodie Clubb,accepted the award on his behalf

GEORGE DAVIS

George is from the Malanbarra-Yidinjy clan group and grew upin the traditional way under the guidance of his grandfather. Hewent on to spend the next 50 years travelling all over northQueensland’s rainforests cutting timber.

Since retiring in Atherton, he has dedicated his time to hiscultural heritage as both an artist and educator.

He is widely respected in the Aboriginal community for hisskill in making traditional artefacts such as shields, dilly bags andboomerangs.

George is committed to community education and visits localschools and other centres to talk about his culture and sharestories about the country he loves. He is also the author of thebook “The Mullunburra People of the Mulgrave River”.

SALLY DRIML

In the early 1980’s Sally graduated as anenvironmental economist. Not long aftergraduation, the Federal Government secondedSally from her job in Townsville to undertake acomprehensive analysis of the future of ourregional economy prior to World Heritage Arealisting.

After assessing the job opportunities fordisplaced workers, Sally needed to convince thepoliticians in Canberra that considerablecompensation should be given to our area.

As a result of her study she had come tounderstand the relationship of our environment,its people and industries. Her dedication to the

area was illustrated when shedecided to research, unpaid, fora number of years the

relationship betweenenvironmental protection and

the economic health of acommunity.

DR ROSEMARY HILL

An outspoken leader of the conservation movement, respected researcher andacademic, Rosemary Hill has an enduring passion for north Queensland’s rainforests.

Back in the 1970’s when most people thought rainforest was only good for its timber,Rosemary was ahead of her time in recognising its global importance.

She and other conservation activists lobbied politicians and the media, ran communityeducation programs and, when necessary, stood in front of bulldozers to stop logging.Rosemary’s determination paid off, playing a major part in World Heritage listing.

Since then, Rosemary has continued her interest in World Heritage management andhas worked tirelessly on many committees to ensure its ongoing protection. She serves asa member of the Board of the Australian Conservation Foundation, Australia’s leadingnational environment group. Her PhD collaboration with Kuku Yalanji people about firemanagement practices shows she’s still one step ahead in recognising the role ofRainforest Aboriginal people in World Heritage management.

A U S T R A L I A ’ S T R O P I C A L R A I N F O R E S T S W O R L D H E R I T A G E

ANEW year and a new symbol for our WorldHeritage Area. Australia’s TropicalRainforests World Heritage frog and leaf logo

now lets you know you are in a WorldHeritage Area.

The new logo is a result ofthe Nature Based TourismStrategy produced by theWet Tropics ManagementAuthority (WTMA).The strategy aims tocreate a partnershipbetween WTMA andthe tourism industry toaccurately reflect WorldHeritage Area values tovisitors. Extensiveconsultation wasundertaken with tourism operators, Queensland Parksand Wildlife Service, the conservation sector andAboriginal groups to decide on the frog logo above.

Around the world, tropical rainforests are underthreat from human pressure. Here in Australia’sTropical Rainforests, our rare animals and plants are noexception. Our frogs – a sign of environmental health –are disappearing. Six species are declining rapidly andanother has disappeared, presumed extinct.

The frog in our logo symbolises more than 100animal species, which are rare or endangered – fromthe giant flightless cassowary to tiny butterflies.

The leaf symbolises over 3,000 plantspecies found here – the greatest diversityof plants on the Australian continent.

Over 460 of these plant species areconsidered rare or threatened. They area living record of the evolution ofplants on earth. The simple ferns, theprimitive cycads and pines which werethe precursors of flowering plants, andthe overwhelming profusion of plants

and trees which can be seen inthese World Heritage listed

forests today.The white keyline around the

frog on our logo design is also intended as a vividreminder of the cultural heritage of more than 20Aboriginal tribal groups who are recognised as thetraditional owners of Australia’s Tropical RainforestsWorld Heritage. The forest forms a diverse set of livingcultural landscapes, their natural featuresinterconnected with Aboriginal religion and spirituality.

The frog and leaf will replace the existing cassowaryand cycad leaf on road signs and tourist brochures inthe World Heritage Area, so keep an eye out for it.WTMA will retain the cassowary and leaf as its

corporate logo.

Welcome to Australia’s TropicalRainforests World Heritage

HAVE you been toa Wet TropicsVisitor Centre or

visited our WorldHeritage listedrainforests? Been there,done that – but have yougot the T-shirt?

Visitors to the WorldHeritage Area canpurchase Wet Tropicsmerchandise as worn bystaff and volunteers of Wet Tropics Visitor Centres throughout Australia’sTropical Rainforests World Heritage Area.

Wet Tropics shirts and caps are made in Cairns by Marlin Sportswear andare now available at up to 30% off at Wet Tropics Visitor Centres.As well asthe shirts pictured above, there are frog T-shirts in adult and child sizes andplatypus T-shirts just for the kids.

While you look good you can also feel good because a percentage of eachsale goes towards the management of our World Heritage Area.

Look Good, Feel GoodIf you find wildlife injured beside the road, who are you going to call?There are dedicated wildlife carers throughout northernQueensland. Before you phone the numbers below, get a preciselocation of the animal. If you are in a remote area and have somewildlife handling experience, you may decide to pick up theanimal and take it to the nearest wildlife carer. Approach injured and distressed animals with caution. Normallyshy wallabies have a nasty kick and bite if they are in pain. Oftenthe best thing to do is approach animals from behind and throwa towel over them. If the animal is cold and wet, the towel willsoak up some moisture and trap their body heat. Many wildlifecarers keep an emergency towel, pillowcase and cardboard box intheir cars for this purpose. Keep the animal in a darkened, quietenvironment (not the boot of the car) and keepchildren and family pets away from the animal.

Phone contacts for wildlife carers

ROADSIDE VICTIMS

• Cairns Area(07) 4053 4467 a/h 0407 962 075

• Tablelands Area(07) 4094 2030(07) 4092 2359

• Daintree Coast Area(07) 4098 9236ph/fax 4098 90790428 736 029

• Townsville Area(07) 0414-717374