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Platypus Plateau
Platypus numbers appear to be on the rise following improved weather conditions in the Border Rivers region. Landholders along the Macintyre Brook had noticed dwindling platypus numbers in recent years due to drought (and possibly carp) which destroyed their habitat and limited food supplies and resources. Sightings of platypus were few and far between.
With access to Commonwealth Government funding through the Northern Basin Fencing Program, SQ Landscapes has been working with landholders to install riparian fencing along the Macintyre Brook to improve the environment for platypuses.
Recent good weather has seen sightings on the rise in and near the areas that have been fenced.
Currently, platypus are under threat from habitat loss due to drought. Data suggests that 22% of the platypuses’ habitat in Australia has declined in the last thirty years. Calls are being made for the Government to protect these animals by listing them as vulnerable.
These calls followed reports that the 2019/20 bushfires had killed an estimated 2% of Australia’s total population of platypuses.
Due to the fact platypus are not considered vulnerable or endangered, money is not readily available to invest in projects that help the platypus population in Southern Queensland to prosper.
The platypuses' unique biology makes them a special part of our biodiversity in Australia. Platypuses are not found natively in any other part of the world. The iconic Australian animal is a very rare type of mammal called a monotreme. There are only two species of monotreme in the world, the platypus and echidna (the latter is also known as a spiny anteater).
The origin story of the platypus in the Aboriginal dreaming nods to their uniqueness.
According to Aboriginal legend, the platypus originated when a young female duck mated with a lonely and persuasive water-rat. The duck’s babies had their mother’s bill and webbed feet and their father’s four legs and handsome brown fur.
(Australian Platypus Conservancy)
Further habitat loss is feared for the monotremes if action is not taken.
For more information about the protection of platypuses, visit: https://platypus.asn.au/
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Southern Queensland Landscapes is seeking an experienced and influential Board Chair to lead a multi-skilled Board in managing natural resources across Southern Queensland. This is a 3-year remunerated role based in Toowoomba, QLD, with the flexibility to manage from anywhere in Southern QLD. The ideal candidate will bring: • Substantial experience leading diverse Boards • Strong relationship-building and leadership skills • Expertise in environmental and agricultural matters This role is an opportunity to shape the future of natural resource management, working closely with land managers, community leaders, and industry professionals. Are you ready to make an enduring impact? For more details and to apply, visit www.windsor-group.com.au/job/board-chair-natural-resources-peak-body or contact Mike Conroy at apply@windsor-group.com.au.
This week marked the final Board meeting for retiring Southern Queensland Landscape Chair, The Hon Bruce Scott AM. The Southern Queensland Landscapes Board hosted a function at Gip’s restaurant in Toowoomba, joined by past Directors, industry stakeholders and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Management team, where Bruce was warmly acknowledged and thanked. Bruce offered special thanks to his dear wife Joan for her support during his period of service to Southern Queensland Landscapes, in particular the warm country hospitality she has offered to many visitors to Roma. Bruce also recognised and thanked Southern Queensland Landscapes Company Secretary Pam Murphy, who has supported Bruce in his service to Southern Queensland Landscapes since the organisation’s inception.
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The Condamine Headwaters, a critical ecosystem in Southern Queensland, has long faced threats from sedimentation, habitat degradation, and thermal regime changes. The Blackfish Project, dedicated to reversing these impacts, unites scientists, landowners, and the community in a shared mission to restore and protect this vital environment. At its core lies the river blackfish, a sensitive indicator of the overall ecosystem health. Central to the project's success is the unwavering commitment of landowners like Paul Graham. Inspired by the project's vision, Paul reached out to SQ Landscapes seeking support for a solar pump and tank to divert his cattle away from waterways on his property. Paul's deep-rooted love for his land, captured in his humorous quip "I love my land more than I love my wife," is a testament to the powerful connection between people and place that drives conservation efforts.
The Board of Southern Queensland Landscapes recently met in Toowoomba. In addition to the Board meeting, Board and Executive worked through updating SQ Landscapes’ strategy. Company Secretary Pam Murphy highlighted the importance of the latest Board meeting and what it means for the company’s future. “The updated strategy will help SQ Landscapes deliver sustainable natural resource management (NRM) outcomes that improve the lives of people in regional communities now and for the future,” Pam Murphy said. “We’re excited to continue delivering value for our region and build Flourishing Landscapes and Healthy Communities across Southern Queensland under the guidance of the Board,” Mrs Murphy said.