In this April 2008 my.Wildlife eBulletin we look to the future: the future management of Australia’s environment stemming from the 2020 Summit; the future of National Parks in Queensland; and a welcome future without gamba grass in Queensland.

photo © Wildlife Queensland2020 Summit environmental outcomes

‘Australia faces an unprecedented challenge from climate change. We risk losing our natural heritage, our rivers, landscapes and biodiversity. We have a brief opportunity to act now to safeguard and shape our future prosperity,’ says the introduction to the ‘Population, Sustainability, Climate change, Water and the Future of our Cities’ section of the 2020 Summit initial report.

Read how the Summit says we can manage our environment.

Gamba grass declared a weed

Wildlife Queensland has welcomed the announcement by the Queensland Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries that gamba grass has been declared a Class 2 Weed under the Queensland Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Read more

National Parks in peril

As Queensland celebrates the centenary of its National Parks system, Wildlife Queensland is actively questioning the future of National Parks in the state.

‘National Parks are the cornerstone of biodiversity protection. Let us hope that in 50 years' time our children’s children are not challenged with the task of rescuing our National Parks from Parks in Peril status…’ we said.
Do Queensland's National Parks have a future? Find out what Wildlife Queensland says.

At the same time that other states are working to exclude all recreational horse riders from their national parks, Queensland is working to allow them in for the first time. Find out why this is a bad idea for National Parks.

Three new funding initiatives for National Parks and the National Reserve System have been welcomed – with reservations – by Wildlife Queensland. Some of the funding is controversial. Find out why.

WAM Autumn 2008

Out now - another spectacular edition of Wildlife Australia Magazine featuring articles and research from leading experts across the conservation landscape.

Read our new regular column ‘Six Species’ – in this issue we look at gliders. Download your glider wallchart here.

Subscribe online now and get the new Autumn 2008 issue.

Welcome wave of EchidnaWatchers

We had a wonderful response to our last ebulletin item on EchidnaWatch from people throughout Queensland. Thank you for your sightings and keen observations, especially those would-be watchers around Cairns. All your input is going into our database and a summary will appear on our website soon.

Don’t forget, you have till 30 April to send in your concepts/sketches for a new EchidnaWatch logo.

Find out more about EchidnaWatch

For your diary

Free EDO Environmental Law Workshops: A series of community workshops in Queensland’s regions. Topics include urban development, information access, coastal protection and pollution. Venues across Queensland.

Ants in the mist and global warming: How the humble ant can monitor the effects of global warming on the rainforests of Lamington National Park. Queensland Museum, Wednesday 4 June 1pm

Hays Inlet Boat Cruise along the beautiful Pine Rivers estuary. Learn about the plants, animals and ecology of this special and unique area. Wednesday 4 June, 10am–2pm.

Shifting Sands: Organisers of 3rd Biennial Fraser Island Conference have extended the deadline for abstracts to 9 May. Email your abstract or enquiries. Conference dates 2–3 August 2008.

You can find out more about these events in our diary.

Wildlife Queensland Newsletter

You can download a full colour copy of the new and redesigned Wildlife Queensland Autumn 2008 newsletter (~1.1MB). If you also receive a hardcopy of the newsletter, but would rather just download the pdf format file, please cancel your hardcopy by email with your name, address and reference number (if known).

Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland.
95 William St, Brisbane Qld 4000 Australia
Ph: +61 7 3221 0194 Fax: +61 7 3221 0701

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