Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc.

December 2013

Kapoks frame the sky

Photo: Kim Sellars

Community-based Natural Resource Management for the Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Centre: Suite 1/65 Palmer St, South Townsville Ph: (07)4721 4322 Fax: (07)4772 3077 Email: [email protected] www.cdtli.org.au Page 1

Kapok December 2013

From the Editor Hiya landcarers and readers, this December issue of Kapok will be being brought to you by myself— Kim Sellars, your local reveg coordinator ;) In this edition of Kapok you will find lots of information about what’s been happening with CDTLI this last quarter and also the exciting stuff the future holds for this little organisation! There is most of the normal stuff with another super article from Malcolm's small world as well as another success story for Conservation Volunteers and the answer to last edition’s competition — that no one entered again! Perhaps we need to up the stakes, improve on the prize maybe?? Let me know : -)

As well that you can hear all about our Twentieth Annual General meeting (my third running!) and find out who stepped up for the crucial CDTLI board for 2013 –2014.

Contents: From the Editor

2

CDTLI AGM

3

Meet the Board!

4

Revegetation Report

6

On a final note, there is always more that we can fit in this mag, so Then and Now—some before and after site if you have any articles, photos or photos suggestions feel free to give me an Goondaloo Creek: The New Project email or call at the landcare office. Malcolm’s Small World Merry Christmas, Happy New Year More Success from Conservation and all that Jazz—most all I hope Volunteers! you enjoy this edition of Kapok. Thanks for reading :-)

You will be able to read about CDTLI’s new , massive and super exciting project at Goondaloo Creek on page 11 and meet more of the Mundy Creek landcare group on page 16!

7 11 13 14

Meet the Mundy Creek Landcare Group!

17

Landcare Competition

2

Membership

24

CDTLI Publications

25

Community Landcare Days

25

Bits and Pieces

25

Deadline for the next edition will be 10 February 2014.

... from CDTLI Landcare is our awareness and appreciation of our environment: the way we act at the shops, at home, at the office or workshop, at school and in the garden, to sustain our environment.

Landcare is for everyone — Landcare is for life!

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Kapok December 2013

CDTLI’s 20th Annual General Meeting Annandale Community Hall 2 November 2013 Text by Kim Sellars Photograph by Greg Calvert

Well I have now officially survived three of CDTLI’s Annual General Meetings> Personally my favourite was the first one, but I keep getting told they get better each year, so happy days.

Greg Calvert has stepped up for year number 18 on the board – what a man!!! Thanks Greggles!

Held Saturday 2 November 201 at12:30 pm at the Annandale Community Centre: I have to admit, without a doubt, the food was definitely the best I’ve experienced at any AGM!

An all round good meeting and an even better board

Laurent and Christine stepped up again this year to remain on the board as my ever dependant rocks – Thank all that is good for you two!!!

And so CDTLI shall be, for another year... Bring it on I say!!!

A HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you to Rick Furneaux, the lovely Christine Dalliston's rock and longterm partner, for cooking a divine array of dishes for the meeting!!! Now yummy stuff over, down to the actual business of the day... Greg Calvert did a great job of MCing the meeting, adding his usual quirk and character for the entertainment of all, whilst maintaining professionalism and keeping us all on time. We had a variety of attendees ranging from NQ Dry Tropics staff to volunteers and members, old and new. Our guest speaker, Ross Kapitzke, although threatening the schedule, gave a great talk on our new project for Goondaloo Creek as well as showing us some other interesting engineering solutions to serious issues.

2013–14 Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare board members (from left to right) Christine Dalliston – Acting Secretary, Acting Treasurer, Ordinary Member Steve Guerrato – Ordinary Member Laurent Verpeaux – President Greg Calvert – Ordinary Member Lisa Baynes – Treasurer

Christine Dalliston again did an amazing job of wearing a minimum of two hats – presenting two years worth of minutes as well as the treasurer’s report for 2012-13. The old board stood down and a new one was re-elected as per the legal requirements of an incorporated organisation. A massive thank you to our newest board members Steve Guerrato and Lisa Baynes. Your fresh faces and ideas will give CDTLI the boost it needs to propel into 2014 with gusto!

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Kapok December 2013

From The 2013-14 Board Members (well most of them...) GREG CALVERT Eighteen of 20 years he has been a board member, most of the time president. twenty of 20 years he has given his heart and soul to preserve biodiversity in Townsville, This man is nothing short of awesome. Thank you Greg CDTLI luck t have you! From Kim Sellars

Although I was born in Broken Hill in New South Wales, I’ve lived nearly all my life in the tropics. After 3 years on Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, our family came to Townsville in 1973 and have seen many changes in the last 40 years. My parents always took us camping and it’s hard to ever remember a time when I wasn’t fascinated by the environment. I joined a Herpetological Society when I was 11, knew the scientific name of every local reptile by the time I was 13. It was my love of snakes that got me into revegetation— to try to restore riparian forest along Ross River to try to preserve habitat for the northern crowned snake. Sadly, this species of snake is now extinct along Ross River but my interest in revegetation continued. In 1990, following a serious accident, I gave up my job as an electrician and did a degree in botany and zoology at James Cook University. In 1993 I was given the opportunity to do some serious revegetation when I helped found a group ‘Tropical Urban Production and Landcare Group” (TUPALG), and the City Council gave us a weed infested sand quarry on Ross River for us to practise on. We named the site the ‘Bush Garden’, and it was originally a mix of permaculture, timber trees, and revegetation. The weeds swamped the site and by 1995, only the hardiest bush regenerators still maintained the fight.

I continued my botanical training – spending a year studying traditional plant use in an Aboriginal community near Cooktown, then a couple of years working on and off as a tour guide on the tip of Cape York before returning to Townsville to marry my wife Tiffany and do my doctorate in botany. The Bush Garden was a huge release for me while doing my PhD and I always made time to hack weeds and plant trees. Even after I graduated and started work full time as a consultant, I worked at the Bush Garden, nursery and on a lot of other revegetation sites – the Stuart Creek Conservation Reserve, Isabella Court, and helped with the initial set up of revegetation sites at Kirrang Court, Mango Avenue and Mundy Creek. TUPALG had outgrown its original charter, and in 2005 we merged with Townsville—Thuringowa Landcare to become Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc. (CDTLI). I had the great honour to be the first chairperson in 2005 before moving to Kakadu for a year in 2006. I returned in 2007 and resumed my volunteer work with CDTLI, including the Bush Garden. Now in 2013 I am still very honoured to be in my 18th year with the Landcare committee, and many of the trees we planted all those years ago have either died of old age or are now towering canopy trees. Through floods, cyclones, fire, vandalism and relentless weed invasion, we’ve learnt a lot of lessons over the years, and it’s one of my greatest pleasures in life to walk and watch the birds and wildlife under the green shady canopies of our revegetation sites. It’s the greatest legacy we can leave our kids and future generation. Greg Calvert

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From The 2013-14 Board Members (well most of them...) (cont’d) CHRISTINE DALLISTON Long-term member, extremely long-term and hard core volunteer, Ordinary Board Member, Acting Secretary and Acting Treasurer, and just a generally amazing lady whose generosity and dedication is nothing short of inspiring! Thank you Christine, CDTLI is lucky to have you. From Kim Sellars

A quick seven-day trip in 1985 from Canberra (and my job as a pay-clerk at the Australian Federal Police!)Brought me via Hobart to start 15 years in the research and monitoring and later the education sections of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. That 1985 trip was also to find me close to mangroves yet again (yes!) and caring for the land at Ross Creek in Hermit Park.

As a small kid growing up in Warwick, I would sit on the dunny with the door wide open and watch and tremble as the muddy brown waters of the Condamine River swirled and twirled as they rushed past, and then race upstairs and pester my dad to tell me how long before the sticks and branches reached Goondiwindi. Later in the year I would swing out into the tiny clear pools, by holding tightly onto the weeping willows, and look for yabbies and boatmen and water spiders. As a Brownie and a Girl Guide, I did every badge on the list that would get me out into the bush to hike, camp and explore ‘my’ environment.

My Introduction to the broader north Queensland environment was via Betsy Jackes’ wonderful rainforest course at Paluma in 1987; several months on Cape York and the Gulf on field trips for the Australian Heritage Commission; and field trips to continental islands with the Australian Littoral Society.

After six years of primary school teaching, I was back to study environmental science and then to the bigger ‘bush’: baseline studies for the new Kakadu National Park; propagator at a wholesale native plant nursery; ethnobotany on an archaeological dig in the Mariana Islands etcetera.

You too can enjoy the wilds of Townsville via Landcare as much as I do: give Kim a call on 0428 428 542 or contact us via our website or Facebook.

I became a member of Landcare (CDTLI) in 2006 and later a Board Member, and then Secretary in 2011. For a few months this year I was also acting Treasurer. My succession planning … (!) began at the recent 2013 AGM when I stood down as Secretary but so far I am continuing as Acting Secretary.

Christine Dalliston

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Kapok December 2013

From The 2013-14 Board Members (well most of them...) (cont’d) Laurent Verpeaux Lived in Australia for six years. Involved in CDTLI for Four of these, as volunteer, project manager, site leader, Ordinary Member and now President. Youngest Board member three years running, dedicated forward thinker and all round great guy!!! Thank You Laurent, CDTLI is lucky to have you! From Kim Sellars

As usual CDTLI will carry on its mission to educate the community and to find more volunteers who want to make a difference, plant trees but also maintain our sites which need attention. Planting trees isn't a one night stand! I am looking forward to the year coming and to seeing many of you turn up to our events and working bees, we need you, and so does the Earth, whether it is in Townsville or whether it is elsewhere around the globe, we share the same fight against weeds, unsustainable development and public ignorance of these issues. So stand up landcarer, join Kim and site leaders in the Bush around Townsville, share your stories, discuss ideas, get involved and of course take the time to enjoy the beautiful bush and its wildlife in a functioning ecosystem for the sake of us all and future generations. Laurent Verpeaux

Revegetation Report

Text by Kim Sellars

WOW! What a year! It started off as a huge one with so many projects that needed to be completed by financial year, plus the reporting all due around the same time. On top of this there were many applications in the pipe line for new projects and still more applications required my attention— plus all the usual!! As time went on (fast) and deadlines passed (even faster) CDTLI had still received no successful notification of any grant applications. It turned out this was the case for most parts of our area of Aus... But still! I really thought that by the end of the year CDTLI would be really struggling for stuff to do- how WRONG I was!!!!! Hi, I am Laurent Verpeaux and have taken the role of Chair of CDTLI for the year to come. I am French and arrived in Australia in 2007 to complete a few master degrees. I have been involved with CDTLI since early 2011 doing all the working bees and later on I was employed as a project manager for the Goondaloo Creek site near the University. I ended up taking a full-time position at NQ Dry Tropics as a Field Officer in Sugar Cane and Horticulture in 2012. I have a background in GIS technologies (mapping) which hopefully CDTLI will be able to use. But further than that I am looking forward to involve members in on-ground activities and reach the broader public so our key messages are understood. There are many threats to our native ecosystems and I have seen the incredible work and results that volunteers and a coordinator have achieved to put the bush back. I have seen a forest grow in front of my eyes in the span of two years which is very rewarding.

Between the working bees, National and local events (Landcare week, Weed Busters, Eco Fietsta, Celebrate the Sea etc.) and we still haven't stopped! There was also our legally required Annual General Meeting that you can read about in another article and a brilliant project with the Stagpole Street Rehabilitaiton Unit, and then there is the super exciting Goondaloo Creek Project!!! An awesome Year!!! I know that everyone gets busy but is not even 3 hours a month of your time and makes the world of difference!!! Thank you so much to the people involved that do this and so much more! Although few, you still achieve pretty amazing stuff, anyone who sticks around long enough will see and experience that – for those that don’t, here are some photos. For those that have and do—hope you enjoy the fruits of your labour :-) See you all in the New Year for another great year! Page 6

Kapok December 2013

Then and Now Kim Sellars

Lou Litster Park: October 2012

Lou Litster Park: July 2013

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Kapok December 2013

Then and Now (cont’d) Kim Sellars

Goondaloo Creek: October 2012

Goondaloo Creek: July 2013

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Kapok December 2013

Then and Now (Cont’d) Kim Sellars

Upper Ross: January 2009

Upper Ross July 2013

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Kapok December 2013

Then and Now (Cont’d) Kim Sellars

Turtle Bridge: August 2011

Turtle Bridge: November 2013

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Kapok December 2013

Goondaloo Creek– An introduction to the new project… Receiving a long and interesting, if not slightly confusing phone call, from an environmental engineer in June this year, Christine was very excited to have me promptly call this man back and hear what he had to say – Boy was I glad I did...

tributaries to Ross River and a key habitat corridor for many native species including Plotosid catfish, Rainbow fish and Purple spotted gudgeon , had been getting a very raw deal.

Ross Kapitzke, environmental engineer with James Cook University School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, currently based in Brisbane and with a 20 year documented interest in one of our landcare sites – Goondaloo Creek [see http://www.jcu.edu.au/fishpassagedesign/; http://walaman.com.au/]. Was looking for us!

In fact, after 20 years the Creek has now been affected to the point that it no longer flows where it used to on a long meandering low lying path at this site, ensuring the native fish could migrate up stream for more times of the year and the water was able to slowly make its way along, penetrating the soils and creating habitat in its path.

A few phone calls and emails later, Ross and I had a project proposed, and it was going to be awesome! (Massive and so much work!!!) But awesome! For 20 years, what with the hospital and the university development, Goondaloo Creek, one of the major

Due to “progress”, the Creek has now been forced along a shorter straighter path causing barriers to upstream fish migration, leaving little habitat in its wake and enabling less water penetration of the soil and increased erosion due to the water’s changed velocity and pathway. (Cont’d...)

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Kapok December 2013

Goondaloo Creek: An introduction to the new project…(cont’d) Text by Kim Sellars

Picture from Ross Kapitzke

For 20 years Ross had followed the Creek’s changes and encouraged adjoining landholders (JCU and Townsville Hospital) to mitigate further impacts on Goondaloo. As developments continued however, the general creek condition deteriorated further. When the fish passage facilities that Ross had established in the Creek also came under threat, he saw an increasingly urgent need for intervention. But how? Frustration was indeed setting in. The answer came through engaging other stakeholders in the battle. If anyone would like to see the presentation, or find out more about this project, just shoot me an email [email protected] Ross came again to Goondaloo this year – 2013. It was then he saw some seedlings had been planted and that Also, thank you to our project partners and sponsors, something was happening here. So he poked around for whom without this project wouldn’t be possible: a bit, heard about the good work of CDTLI, and then he Townsville City Council, Queensland Health, James Cook found us. University, Landcare Australia, fifteen trees, Spicers and So far the project is still pending, however most aspects G.J. Gardiner Homes. of the project have been confirmed and we are confiAnd an even BIGGER thank you to all the volunteers that dent we will have the go ahead ready to proceed once contributed time and effort to the site BEFORE this prothe wet retreats (if it arrives at all!). ject was initiated, in particular Laurent Verpeaux and The project is a combination of project partners as well Ben Dalton. Although I haven’t seen Benny boy for a as activities and is set achieve to revitalise and reconwhile, he has certainly paid his dues. Laurent and Ben struct the functioning aspects of the creek including its are the only long term volunteers of the site and, with connectivity with Mount Stuart and Ross River, its ability the exception of the board (of which Laurent is a memto provide habitat for the native species that depend, as ber) are most responsible for Goondaloo’s existence as a well as its resilience – its ability to hold its own through landcare site. Without them the initial ground work structural reinforcement and, of course, revegetation. would not have been started let alone completed A huge thank you to Ross Kapitzke for his enthusiasm rendering Goondaloo Creek pretty much useless in every and determination that got this project started. Ross also sense of the word and probably rendering Ross even came to our annual general meeting this year and premore frustrated today ;) sented a power point including aspects of the project as well as other interesting things regarding fishways etc. Thanks guys!!! :-D :-D :-D Page 12

Kapok December 2013

Malcolm’s Small World Firefly Season

Photos and Text by Malcolm Tattersall

Fireflies are rare visitors to our Mundingburra house at any time of year and we don’t get any at all through the Dry season; they are always magical, but the one we saw on 9 December was unexpected as well as magical because we were still just on the brink of the Wet at the time. But let’s look at the science. They are beetles – technically a family, Lampyridae in the order Coleoptera. There are about 2000 species worldwide, in temperate and tropical climates, and Australia has 25 of them. Most of them are small (about 6 – 10mm) and dark coloured. Wikipedia says: “Many live in marshes or in wet, wooded areas where their larvae have abundant sources of food. … Fireflies hibernate over winter during the larval stage, some species for several years. Some do this by burrowing underground, while others find places on or under the bark of trees. They emerge in the spring. After several weeks of feeding, they pupate for 1.0 to 2.5 weeks and emerge as adults. The larvae of most species are specialized predators and feed on other larvae, terrestrial snails, and slugs,” all of which accounts for why we rarely see them around the garden and never see them in the Dry. Atlas of Living Australia adds: “Males fly just after dusk and emit a series of controlled flashes from the light organs as

Firefly, about 8mm long, on vinyl flooring part of the mating sequence; females also flash but have not been observed to fly with the males. Synchronised flashing, well known in some New Guinea species, has been observed in North Queensland.” They are so small that you don’t notice them except in very dim light, when their flashing gives them away, and they never settle for very long, so getting any photos at all is quite difficult. I managed to catch one on my kitchen floor two years ago, for long enough to take photos. Graeme Cocks (Insects of Townsville) has identified three species around Townsville; mine seems to be Luciola nigra. They are very pretty to see along the river bank in the early evening – often ten or more slowly blinking as they move around. The nearest location I know I’m likely to see them is along the bank of Ross River, looking down into the vegetation from the bike path between Bowen Road and the Nathan Street bridge. This or any similar location should be worth an evening visit in the next few months. More information: Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefly and Insects of Townsville – http://gvcocks.homeip.net/Coleoptera/Lampyridae Malcolm Tattersall blogs on natural history and the environment at http://malcolmtattersall.com.au/wp/

Firefly taking off – mid-flash, given how bright the tail looks. Page 13

Kapok December 2013

Something more, from Conservation Volunteers Text by Wendy Wilcox BIODIVERSITY CLASSROOM: A great way to learn: hands on practical and fun!

ceived from NQ Dry Tropics Healthy Habitat Schools Program. “The ground was hard but the children were so enthusiastic and excited that it really was a rewarding experience” explained Conservation Volunteer Jennie Morgan. “The positive outcomes of planting and looking forward to the future were moral boosters for the students and teachers” commented Wendy Willcox, Conservation Volunteers Volunteer Engagement Officer. In October, at Bohlevale State School, the focus was on revamping the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden and teachers are excited about the prospect of providing nutritious snacks and food preparation opportunities for the students as well as gardening skills and a greater understanding of biodiversity.

Students and staff from north Queensland schools were assisted by teams from Conservation Volunteers Australia to help create a variety of outdoor “biodiversity classrooms” ranging from Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Gardens, wildlife corridors providing links between existing stands of trees and shelter, to Bush Tucker and Medicinal Plant gardens. In the Townsville area, Stuart State School, Bohlevale State School, Townsville Flexible Learning Centre and Bluewater State School were all successful in their bid for a Conservation Volunteers team for a day. If you would like more information on how to apply for 2014 Boral Biodiversity Classroom opportunities please contact Wendy Willcox at Conservation Volunteers Townsville [email protected] or (07) 4721 4077.

The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden was started about four years ago with a fabulous kitchen adjacent to a substantial raised garden. Conservation Volunteers assisted students and children to build new wicking beds, move soil and weed the gardens. “It is a fabulous way for our volunteers including University Education Students to gain practical skills improving the biodiversity of the school grounds. I was really impressed with the established gardens and it is Conservation Volunteers privilege to build on this great resource’” commented Wendy Willcox.

In August 2013 Conservation Volunteers assisted the entire Stuart State School, 88 students in total, to replace trees in and around the car park, and to revamp the frog pond. Assistance was rePage 14

Kapok December 2013

Something from Conservation Volunteers (cont’d) On 11 November a team assisted at the Townsville Flexible Learning Centre helping to expand their aquaponics area; extend the chicken coop and build more wicking beds. Bluewater state School received a helping hand in November to spread mulch and plant trees in a Bush Tucker and Cultural Usage Garden. Christine Dalliston, casual team leader, explains “the school children were more adventurous than the adults experimenting by tasting rotten cheese fruit”. Plants were purchased by the school from the Bush Garden Nursery. Children gain skills by learning to participate in diverse teams, become community minded and develop a greater understanding of their natural environment. Families and friends are encouraged to assist by coming along on the day and helping out. Developing Biodiversity Classrooms is Conservation Volunteers Australia current schools program. With Boral’s support, Conservation Volunteers is able to assist school communities to educate and inspire young Australians to take action for the future of their environment. Boral Ltd has been a supporter of Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) for over 20 years and has agreed to support this program for three years.

“Developing school -based Biodiversity Classrooms is a great way of supporting schools to create an ongoing asset which will help to educate and inspire young Australians” said Colin Jackson, CEO Conservation Volunteers Australia. In 2012 the schools receiving assistance through Boral support were in VIC, NSW and SE QLD; with other states and territories being supported in 2013 and 2014. “Boral is delighted to be able to contribute to Australian schools by sponsoring this very worthwhile initiative. CVA is Boral’s longest standing community partner and during our many years working together we have been able to make a sustainable and valued contribution to many of the communities in which the Company operates”, said Ross Batstone, Chief Executive Officer, Boral Limited.

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Kapok December 2013

Meet the Mundy Creek Landcare Group! Text by Kim Sellars This fresh new group is taking the Mundy Creek drainage line and park lands by storm with its amazing transformations and heightened enthusiasm plus a creative arts twist for further reach! Here are some of the beautiful images taken from the Mundy Creek sessions to give you an idea. But we all know the only real way to see feel and have is to get out there and just do it! Thanks to every one who has been involved so far—in particular Bernadette Boscacci, the powerful instigator behind all that greatness! (Pictured top photo LHS) Thanks Bern! Mundy Creek 1st Saturday of each Month 4pm. Facebook MundyCreekNaturewayRegenerationProject

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Kapok December 2013

Meet the Mundy Creek Landcare Group! (Cont’d) Text Kim Sellars

Photographs Bernadette Boscacci

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Kapok December 2013

Meet the Mundy Creek Landcare Group! (Cont’d) Text Kim Sellars

Photographs Bernadette Boscacci

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Kapok December 2013

Meet the Mundy Creek Landcare Group! (Cont’d) Text Kim Sellars

Photographs Bernadette Boscacci

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Kapok December 2013

Crocodiles in Ross River Text and Photos by Greg Calvert

As a landcarer, one of my prime motivations is to create habitat for wildlife, and there is no greater pleasure for me than to watch birds, wallabies and other creatures using the landscapes we create. In Townsville, we have generally focussed our revegetation efforts along watercourses, especially Ross River, and several of our landcare sites can lay claim to having some very charismatic wildlife—crocodiles! There are two species of crocodile in Ross River, and I would like to discuss the history of these animals in Ross River. Estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are the world's largest crocodile and were a common inhabitant of estuarine areas in the Townsville region in pre-European times. In those times, Ross River and the connected Ross Creek were under tidal influence, while upper sections had often dried up by the late dry season, save for a few permanent waterholes such as Corveth's waterhole. It would have represented crocodile habitat as good as that seen in many of our other local creeks and rivers. James Morrill who after surviving a shipwreck in 1846 lived with the local Aboriginal tribes for 17 years in the Townsville-Burdekin region noted—There are a great number of Alligators in both the fresh and salt water creeks, and particularly in one large fresh water lagoon. I have seen dozens of natives dragged down and killed by them. I had a scratch from one myself on my knee, the scar of which I will carry to my grave. It has been speculated that complications from this injury finally cost Morrill his life. In 1864, explorer and pioneer John Melton Black noted that Ross Creek was covered in mangroves, which would have to be cleared, and abounded in crocodiles (Gibson-Wilde 1984). As the initial settlement of Townsville grew at the mouth of the Creek, R.B. Howard observed that Ross Creek seemed to be the favourite resort of crocodiles and I estimated that there would be some hundreds of these saurians to the square mile (Gibson-Wilde 1984). As late as 1874, an Aboriginal child was taken by a crocodile on Flinders Street in one of the small lagoons left over by the high tide overflow of Ross Creek (Gibson-Wilde 1984). It is likely that the settlers of Townsville had a low tolerance of crocodiles, and it's fair to speculate the crocodile numbers dropped fairly rapidly. The construction of Gleesons Weir in 1908 created a large area of permanent water, but the impact on crocodiles wasn't recorded. Aplins Weir was constructed as a low weir in 1927, but its upgrade in 1944 established a permanent barrier to Estuarine crocodiles moving upstream. Apparently some individuals still persisted in the upper reaches of the river. One old timer told me of a large croc he'd seen shot near the present site of Ross River Dam in the mid-1960s. No reliable sightings of Estuarine crocodiles have been made in

the upper freshwater part of Ross River since that time. Shooting crocodiles had become a popular sport after WWII, and their numbers were significantly reduced in the broader Townsville area. Though there have been no further attacks on humans since 1874, there have been injuries by zoo animals. On 23 September 1953, a worker at the Mount St John Zoo (near the present Blakey's Crossing) was badly mauled by a captive crocodile and eventually succumbed to his injuries. Another zoo worker suffered a broken arm in a croc attack at Billabong Sanctuary on 28 December 1994. Following their catastrophic decline, Estuarine crocodiles were declared a 'Vulnerable' species in 1974 with the introduction of the new Nature Conservation Act. Estuarine crocodiles have increased in abundance since then and are a common inhabitant of other local estuarine areas such as the Bohle River, Alligator Creek and Haughton River, with larger populations in the Ingham area. Estuarine crocodiles only reappeared on the Townsville Town Common in recent years. They are a significantly under-exploited tourism attraction in this area. There is an annual outburst of hysteria whenever Estuarine crocodiles are seen in Townsville, particularly at Rowes Bay and The Strand. In January 2013, Townsville City Council released their 'Saltwater Crocodile Management Plan' (http:// www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/livingwith/pdf/townsvillecmp.pdf), which declares exclusion zones along Ross River. The management intent for the areas above Aplins Weir is for removal of all Estuarine crocodiles, while in tidal sections below the weir, all crocodiles over 2 metres in length will be removed. An increasing number of estuarine crocodiles are seen in the lower part of Ross River— between January 2010 and January 2013, eight crocodile sightings were reported downstream of Alpins Weir (TCC 2013). For Ross Creek (Including our Lou Litster revegetation site), any crocodile declared as a 'crocodile of concern' will be targeted for removal. We are not aware of any of our Landcare sites having a resident Estuarine Crocodile.

Freshwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus johnsoni) are much smaller than the Estuarine crocodile. Lacking salt glands, they are restricted to permanent freshwater. Considering the original tidal and ephemeral nature of Ross River and other local waterways, this crocodile did not occur naturally in the Townsville area. Distribution maps do not show it occurring naturally anywhere east of the Great Dividing Range.

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Crocodiles in Ross River (cont’d) As well as protecting Estuarine crocodiles, the wildlife legislation introduced in 1974 also made it illegal to catch, keep or kill any other native reptile. There were several people in the Townsville area keeping captive freshwater crocodiles who were incensed by the idea of having to surrender their beloved pets. In what was probably several acts of rebellion, a number of freshwater crocodiles were released into Ross River, creating possibly one of the world's only feral crocodile populations. In recent years, freshwater crocodiles have been turning up in Ross River Dam, the Bohle River (including the Willows Golf Club), Alligator Creek and the upper Haughton River. Presumably the main dispersal agent is humans, however freshwater crocodiles are known to move overland. In 2011, a freshie was killed by a car on Ross River Road. Freshwater crocodiles occur in numerous locations in Ross River. The Council's 2013 Ross River Waterway Management System notes their presence in the river section between Gleesons Weir and Aplins Weir, and there is even an information sign at the Gleesons Weir lookout advising people to look for and appreciate the freshwater crocodiles. An early morning stroll to Gleesons Weir during the cooler months will usually be rewarded by some good observations of sunning crocodiles.

Since their original release, the local 'freshies' have been breeding in Ross River and there is now a small population. Local herpetologist, Jason Schaffer recently spotlighted approximately 25 individuals of different ages at Aplins, Gleesons and Black Weir. They are limited however, in the places they can persist. With the expansion of Annandale, the freshies I used to see sunbaking daily at Aplins Weir in the early mornings, disappeared for many years, and have

only recently returned to the Bush Garden landcare site. With constant disturbance by people and dogs, they tend to seek refuge on islands and other areas open enough for them to sun themselves but difficult for people and dogs to access. Although also present, and presumably abundant in the stretch between Ross River Dam and Black Weir, they have retreated the areas being used for water-skiing. They are present at our Upper Ross landcare site. Considering the hysteria surrounding Estuarine crocodiles, the Freshies in Ross River are viewed very differently. The

exclusion zone is declared under the TCC Saltwater Crocodile Management Plan, and doesn't apply to freshies. In contrast, there is signage in places advising, rather than warning, people of crocodiles and Kayakers appreciate the rare glimpse. While generally considered safe to swim in water with freshies, at 2 metres long and with a mouth full of sharp teeth they are an animal that can cause nasty wounds and should be respected. Generally, bites are the result of mistaken identity, such as the recent case of an eight-year-old girl bitten by a freshie in the Kimberley in November 2013. On 10 September 1935, the Townsville Bulletin reported an incident at the Mount St John Zoo when proprietor Mr St John Robinson was attacked by what he called a harmless ‘Central Queensland crocodile’ . St John believed the Page 21

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Crocodiles in Ross River (cont’d) species was entirely harmless, so you can imagine his surprise when one leapt out of the water “in a leap such as that made by mallet’ and grabbed him, resulting in a painfully mutilated hand. Freshwater crocodiles are generally shy and timid creatures, and are often difficult to approach without them diving into the water. They do, however, sometimes engage in territorial threat displays. The one I watched the other day made several false lunges towards me, using its powerful tail to raise the head and torso out of the water, mouth agape. The territorial display by freshwater crocodiles has often been misinterpreted. In January 2003, a Scottish soldier on secondment to Lavarack Barracks was fishing at Gleesons

Weir. In a front page interview with the local newspaper, he reported that he was attacked by a 3.65 metre 'Rogue Monster' crocodile which came out of the water at him, mouth agape and growling. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers caught the offending crocodile - a 1.8m freshie, and the howls of laughter quickly drowned out any calls for the animal to be removed. As landcarers, we should appreciate these animals that share our patches, and accommodate them as best we can managing weeds and providing open areas of river bank for them to bask, and not annoying them too much. But we should also be respectful of them as a wild animal and let discretion be the guiding force in our interactions with them.

References Bowen Historical Society (1964) The Story of James Morrill. Bowen Historical Society, Bowen. Gibson-Wilde D. (1984) Gateway to a Golden Land: Townsville to 1884. Studies in North Queensland History No.7, James Cook University. Townsville City Council (2013) Ross River Waterway Management System http://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/council/ publications/corporate/Documents/13_07_02_revised_from_feedback_2013_Ross_River_Mgt_of_Use_Plan1.pdf Townsville City Council (2013) Saltwater Crocodile Management Plan Page 22

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Landcare Competition! Photo by Uwe H Mertins This issue we have a new Landcaring Question and the first winning entry will win a fantastic CDTLI prize pack!!!

Mystery Object Competition— The prize pack contains: CDTLI water bottle CDTLI calico bag Rare and Threatened Plants Book Seeds to Success Book Snake Poster CDTLI sticker

Mystery Object Competition September 2013 ANSWER: Yes! PULL IT—and quickly before it seed sets!!! (but be careful not to hurt the insect!) Landcare competition December 2013 question: The photo below shows a seedling being planted at one of our landcare sites— Do you know what species it is?? Clue: Just because it looks good doesn't mean it smells good!

What do you think? Send your answer to [email protected] before 25 FEB, 2014. You will find the answer in the next issue of Kapok.

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Membership Joining CDTLI ? or Renewing membership? CDTLI has a $10 annual membership fee. If you are a current member or you would like to become one, please fill in the form below and send it with your fee to the Membership Officer at the address below.

To The Membership Officer: I would like to become a member/renew membership of Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Incorporated (CDTLI). Have you ever been a member of CDTLI? YES / NO (please specify) Name: .................................................................................................................. Address:………………………………Town: …………Postcode ...................... Phone: ………………………………Email: ..................................................... Payment by: ......................................................................................................... Signature:

Date:

OFFICE USE ONLY:

Date Received: ..................................................

Proposer: ..................................... Seconder: .................................. Approved: .......................................................

Landcare Centre Suite 1 / 65 Palmer Street South Townsville PO Box 1390, Townsville Qld 4810 Phone: 4721 4322 Fax: 4772 3077 Email: [email protected]

Benefits of being a member of Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc. include Entitlement to receive a free hard copy of Kapok by post Eligibility to attend special training courses or workshops Ability to have your say in the way CDTLI is operated at meetings Supporting on-ground Landcare activities Page 24

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Publications CDTLI Publications are available from our office. Rare and Threatened Plants ~ $15 From Seeds to Success ~ $15 Snake Poster ~ $2

All proceeds from these publications go back into supporting on-ground conservation works.

Bits and Pieces There is more than one way to help out the land! If you don't like getting dirty there is always the board to join! If any one knows of any local provenance fruiting species please feel free to give CDTLI a call or email the location and species name. The Bush Garden nursery is always in need of more seeds! Did you know you can also request to be put onto a distribution list? That way you’ll be the first to know about all upcoming CDTLI events and landcare days to ensure you never miss a thing!

Community Revegetation Landcare Days Upper Ross, Loam Island Community Facility, Kelso

First Saturday of the month, 8:30 am

Mundy Creek, Behind the PCYC, Garbutt

First Saturday of the month, 8:30 am

Marabou Drive and Turtle Bridge, Annandale

Second Saturday of the month, 3:00pm

Bush Garden, end of Thompson Street, Mundingburra

Third Saturday of the month, 3:00pm

Lou Litster Park, off Queens Road, Hermit Park

Third Sunday of the month, 8:00am

Goondaloo Creek, Discovery Drive, Townsville Hospital, Douglas

Fourth Saturday of the month, 9:00am

3 Mille Creek, 1st bridge heading from Rowes Bay into Pallarenda

Fourth Sunday of the month, 9:00am

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Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc. Suite1/ 65 Palmer Street (enter via Morehead Street) South Townsville, Queensland PO Box 1390 Townsville Qld 4810

Ph: (07) 4721 4322 Fax: (07) 4772 3077 Mobile: 0428 428 542 Email: [email protected]

www.cdtli.org.au

Our community working together to care for our land

Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc (CDTLI). is a non-profit, community Landcare group, dedicated to conservation and revegetation activities in the Townsville Region. CDTLI supports members of the local community who want to understand, protect and improve our unique and beautiful Dry Tropics environment. Getting involved in Landcare, provides a way for everyone to enjoyably, effectively and safely work together to “put the bush back”. CDTLI has community revegetation sites all around Townsville where regular Revegetation Landcare Days are held. Depending on your interest, you can participate in tree planting, weed removal, general site care and monitoring activities. You will learn new skills, have fun, make new friends, and best of all, help your local community and natural environment. Come join us—Everyone is welcome and you can do as much or as little as you like! For further details about CDTLI, volunteering or membership, or to contribute to Kapok, please contact Kim on 0428 428 542

SEE YOU ON SITE!!!

The production of Kapok is supported by Townsville City Council.

Thanks TCC! Page 26

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