Welcome to the latest my.Wildlife ebulletin and your chance to win tickets to the preview screening of Cane Toads – The Conquest.

Answer these 3 questions correctly before 30 May and your name will go in the draw to win one of five double passes for Wednesday 1 June at the Dendy Portside Cinema in Brisbane.

Please continue supporting the work of Wildlife Queensland - you can donate anytime through our online store or you can phone us with your donation details on 07 3221 0194.

2011 Federal Budget: what’s in it for biodiversity?

Wildlife Queensland is extremely disappointed at the lack of funding in the 2011 Federal Budget for programs to halt the decline of Australia’s biodiversity.

In October 2010, the Environment Minister, Hon Tony Burke, released Australia’s National Biodiversity Strategy which recognised that we are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis and acclaimed that ‘Business as usual is no longer an option.’

However the first budget after the development of this plan shows that the Government will continue to take a ‘business as usual’ approach rather than ‘upping the anti’ at a time when funding for the environment is needed more than ever. Read more.

Protection needed for marine wildlife

The Federal Environment Minister Hon Tony Burke is due to make a decision on how much of northern Australia’s Commonwealth waters will be protected in marine sanctuaries under the draft Northern Marine Bioregional Plan.

Wildlife Queensland urges you to take action and ask Tony Burke to deliver strong protection for the unique marine life of our northern oceans. See how you can help.

Your Voice for Your Wildlife

Every year Wildlife Queensland recognises the achievements and efforts of our members through our special award ceremony held at the annual dinner in September. There are 3 categories:

• A successful Wildlife Qld campaign in your region
• A new or ongoing Wildlife Qld project involving the community
• The Margaret Thorsborne Award for an outstanding contribution by a member.

 We invite you to send in your nominations before 30 June 2011.

Wildlife Australia on facebook

Our Magazine launched its facebook site last month – we have some great discussions happening! Find out whether humans are causing animals to shrink, how about property rights for wildlife, join in the discussion on declining koala populations, we tell you where to see a sugar glider or you can simply say Howdy to our friends across the world including North Carolina!

Check us out and make friends with WAM.

How ornate are your rainbowfish?

Just think – you might be lucky and you may have ornate rainbowfish in your local creek.

Whether you know for sure, or even if you only suspect your local fish may be ornate rainbowfish, please contact Wildlife Queensland. We can come and check - and if they are, you will have contributed important data about this rare fish and helped us to secure their long-term survival.

Learn more about them by downloading our latest Factsheet on threats.

Myrtle rust: will this invasion ever stop?

Myrtle rust continues its vigorous spread with over 100 known sites in south east Queensland in spite of the efforts of Biosecurity Queensland and QPWS staff. It appears the outbreak in Cairns has been contained, but for how long? More holdings within the Protected Area Estate are impacted.

Find out how you can help stop the spread of Myrtle Rust.

What is the Greentape Reduction Project?

The Department of Environment and Resource Management has introduced this project to streamline and coordinate environmental regulatory requirements without compromising environmental outcomes. There is no doubt since the Environmental Protection Act was introduced in 1994 the legislation and regulation has become increasingly complex with much needed amendment.

It has become more difficult to administer for Government and confusing for business. The thrust of this project is commendable with assurances that environmental standards will not be diminished. A discussion paper is open for comment until 1 July 2011. Read More.

Become a Wildlife Protector

We know everyone loves Australian plants and animals, and wants to know how to contribute something positive to the environment. But how can you fit this into your busy life? If you are too busy to become an active member of Wildlife Queensland, you can still contribute by becoming a Wildlife Protector.

By supporting us with a regular tax-deductible monthly donation, you will be ensuring that we can plan for long-term programs and campaigns to ensure a sustainable future for Australia’s wildlife and its habitat.

For your diary

Redlands Koala Fun Run 2011. Looking for a fun weekend activity for the whole family? Why not come along to the first Redlands Koala Fun Run on Sunday 29 May 2011. Norm Price Park - Redland Show Grounds.

Logan Eco Action Festival (LEAF). The World Environment Day festival will feature wildlife shows, workshops, presentations, environmental exhibitors, organic food stalls, children's activities & live music. Sunday 5 June 201. 10am - 4 pm. Griffith University Logan Campus.

Sunshine Coast Environment Film Festival. 5 June at University of the Sunshine Coast.

Wood density, shoot allometry & mechanical safety; trade-offs in stem design by Dr Don Butler, Principal Botanist, Qld Herbarium. 12 noon Tuesday 14 June 2011, Qld Herbarium.

In search of Monkey-faced Bats and Giant Tree Rats in the Solomon Islands. Wildlife Queensland’s Brisbane Branch invites you to a presentation by Tyrone Lavery. 7.30pm Tuesday 28 June, Royal Geographical Society of Queensland, 237 Milton Rd, Brisbane.

4th Biennial Australian Animal Studies Group Conference 2011: Animals, people – a shared environment. 10-13 July, South Bank Brisbane.

You can find out more about these events in our What's On section.

Wildlife Queensland Newsletter

You can download a full colour copy of the Wildlife Queensland Autumn 2011 [2.0mb]. 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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