Currawinya National Park · Currawinya National Park is one of Queensland’s largest national...

July 2020

Currawinya National ParkDraft Resource Information

Prepared by: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Science

© State of Queensland, 2020

RI207. July 2020

Front cover photo: Budjiti lookout, Mulga woodlands © Robert Ashdown 2018

Artwork by Shanon Spies © 2019

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People should be aware that this document may contain images or names of deceased persons in photographs and printed material that some people may find distressing.

The Queensland Government supports and encourages the dissemination and exchange of its information. The copyright in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY) licence.

Under this licence you are free, without having to seek our permission, to use this publication in accordance with the licence terms.

You must keep intact the copyright notice and attribute the State of Queensland as the source of the publication and Budjiti Aboriginal Corporation as the copyright owner in relation to traditional cultural knowledge sections of the publication, as well as acknowledging the Budjiti People as the source of that traditional cultural knowledge and site identification information contained in the publication.

The Budjiti Aboriginal Corporation approves the current Currawinya National Park Management Plan as a framework document for the Budjiti and QPWS&P to undertake our custodial obligations under the Commonwealth Government, Queensland Government, local government and Budjiti law.

For more information on this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en

Disclaimer

This document has been prepared with all due diligence and care, based on the best available information at the time of publication. The department holds no responsibility for any errors or omissions within this document. Any decisions made by other parties based on this document are solely the responsibility of those parties.

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Figure 1. Hierarchy of planning documents and their purpose

Public consultation on planning documentsGood planning is an important part of effective park management: it helps us understand where we are now, where we want to

be, and how we are going to get there. It is the first step in the Values-Based Management Framework, an adaptive management

cycle used by the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWS&P) for setting the goals, strategic direction and

priorities for park management. The cycle incorporates phases of monitoring, evaluating and reporting to inform how we are

tracking and where we need to adapt management to achieve our goals and good outcomes for Queensland’s parks, forests and

reserves.

Planning for each park is brought together and communicated through a number of planning documents—management plans

and statements; resource information; thematic strategies and action plans. The hierarchy and purpose of these planning

documents is shown in Figure 1.

For Currawinya National Park, the following planning

documents are available:

• draft management plan

• draft resource information

• draft visitor strategy.

An invitation to comment

Budjiti native title holders, organisations and members

of the public are encouraged to have a say on the

management of Currawinya National Park: you are

invited to review the management plan, resource

information document and visitor strategy and put

forward a submission.

Written submissions on the draft management plan

can be made via the Queensland Government’s Get

Involved website at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au.

The Minister will consider all submissions when

finalising the management plan.

For further information on the draft management plan

or the planning process, please visit the Department

of Environment and Science at website www.des.qld.

gov.au.

Contents1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................................................1

2. Currawinya National Park ................................................................................................................................................................2

2.1 Budjiti People ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

2.2 Ecosystems and biodiversity ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2.1 Regional ecosystems ......................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2.2 Ramsar wetlands .............................................................................................................................................................. 5

2.2.3 Important wetlands ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2.4 Wetlands ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2.5 Catchment ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2.6 Artesian springs ................................................................................................................................................................ 9

2.3 Ecosystems services ................................................................................................................................................................... 9

2.3.1 Aesthetic values ................................................................................................................................................................ 9

2.4 Species .................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

2.4.1 Native animals ................................................................................................................................................................ 10

2.4.2 Native plants ................................................................................................................................................................... 11

2.5 Geophysical features ................................................................................................................................................................ 12

2.5.1 Rangeland landscapes ..................................................................................................................................................... 12

2.5.2 Soils ................................................................................................................................................................................ 12

2.6 Recreational opportunities ....................................................................................................................................................... 13

2.6.1 Camping .......................................................................................................................................................................... 13

2.6.2 Day-use areas .................................................................................................................................................................. 13

2.7 Ecotourism ............................................................................................................................................................................... 13

2.7.1 Tourism and visitor opportunities ..................................................................................................................................... 13

2.8 Historic cultural heritage........................................................................................................................................................... 14

2.8.1 Pastoral history................................................................................................................................................................ 14

2.9 Partnerships ............................................................................................................................................................................. 15

2.10 Scientific research .................................................................................................................................................................. 15

2.11 Education ............................................................................................................................................................................... 15

2.12 Fire ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

2.13 Pests ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

2.13.1 Pest plants .................................................................................................................................................................... 16

2.13.2 Pest animals .................................................................................................................................................................. 17

3. Appendices ..................................................................................................................................................................................18

Appendix 1. Legal, policy and management commitments .............................................................................................................. 18

Appendix 2. Regional ecosystems of significance ........................................................................................................................... 19

Appendix 3. Species of conservation significance ........................................................................................................................... 20

Appendix 4. Species listed in international agreements .................................................................................................................. 21

Appendix 5. Places of historical value ............................................................................................................................................. 22

Appendix 6. Pests .......................................................................................................................................................................... 23

Appendix 7. Wetland management ................................................................................................................................................. 25

4. References ....................................................................................................................................................................................26

ivCurrawinya National Park Resource InformationDraft for consultation

1. IntroductionThe Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) management

planning process aligns with the Values-Based Management

Framework (VBMF), an adaptive management cycle that

incorporates planning, prioritising, doing, monitoring, evaluating

and reporting into all areas of our business (Figure 2).

Management plans and statements set the strategic management

direction, guiding the next tier of planning and the development

of thematic strategies, which in turn inform and prioritise our on-

ground operations.

Resource information is a compendium of park information and

a supporting document for management plans and management

statements. It contains background information about a park’s

purpose, values, resources, and legal and administrative

framework.

Information about QPWS’s Values-Based Management

Framework is available on the Department of Environment and

Science (DES) website at www.des.qld.gov.au.

QPWS and Partnerships works with First Nations peoples to ensure the protection of Country and culture. We pay our

respects to all peoples, and to the Elders past, present and future, for land and sea on which we work, live and walk.

Figure 2. Phases of the VBMF cycle for planning and the hierarchy of planning documents

1Currawinya National Park Resource InformationDraft for consultation

Currawinya National Park is one of Queensland’s largest national

parks and is located near Hungerford, about 830 kilometres west

of Brisbane in the state’s south-west (Figure 3). Its lakes, rivers

and wetlands are a striking contrast to the surrounding sandy

plains and rocky ranges and play a critical role for migratory birds.

Currawinya is recognised as being of international importance

under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance

(Ramsar Convention). Lakes Numalla and Wyara, Paroo River

waterholes and the Eulo artesian springs supergroup are also

recognised as being of national significance in the Directory of

Important Wetlands in Australia (DIWA). They support migratory

bird species recognised under the Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC) and international treaties.

The protected area conserves 25 regional ecosystems (REs),

including one listed as ‘endangered’ and 11 ‘of concern’.

Communities of native species dependent on natural discharge

of groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin are listed as

‘endangered’ (EPBC). Currawinya National Park protects two

category 1a spring complexes within a single regional ecosystem

(RE 6.3.23), providing habitat for numerous spring endemic or

disjunct populations. These springs also have important Budjiti

and historic cultural links.

Currawinya protects 90 per cent of the regionally restricted mulga

associated with ‘of concern’ granite outcrops (RE 6.12.1), the

only protected area where this community occurs.

Currawinya protects 11 animal and nine plant species listed

as threatened under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld)

(NCA) and EPBC, as well as examples of both Budjiti and historic

cultural heritage.

A native title consent determination was handed down to the

Budjiti People in June 2015 under the Native Title Act 1993

(Cwlth). An Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the

Budjiti Aboriginal Corporation (QCD2015/007) details the

responsibilities of the state and the Traditional Owners. The

continued connection to country and the protection of significant

Budjiti sites is of great importance to the Traditional Owners of

this Country.

At Currawinya National Park, visitors enjoy the remoteness of

the natural setting and have the opportunity to pursue several

safe, low-key, nature-based recreational activities such as

camping, birdwatching, bushwalking and photography. With

the 2015 expansion, even more recreational opportunities have

become available. This makes Currawinya a regionally important

destination, particularly in the winter months and especially for

keen birdwatchers.

2. Currawinya National Park


Figure 3. Budjiti native title consent determination area, showing the significance of Currawinya National Park


The Budjiti or Paroo River People have a long and strong cultural

connection with Currawinya National Park and the Paroo River

(Akers 2015). Archaeological evidence indicates that the Youlain

Springs area, west of the park, may have been occupied about

13 000 years before present (Robins 1999). Currawinya, its river

and wetland environments were considered very productive,

providing year-round food for the Budjiti Peoples

(McKellar 1984).

The Currawinya area contains a wide range of Budjiti cultural

sites, the densities and size of which vary across the area

and are being progressively recorded. A native title consent

determination was handed down to the Budjiti People on 23

June 2015. The claim area includes around 356 000 hectares

of protected area estate currently managed by QPWS, including

Boorara, Werewilka and Oolamon. A strong working partnership

has been developed between QPWS and the Budjiti Aboriginal

Corporation under a signed Protected Area ILUA. QPWS future

works and activities will be validated under a separate Validation

ILUA.

2.1 Budjiti People

Figure 4. Budjiti People celebrating their native title determination at Currawinya, 3 July 2015 © Sue Akers, Bush Heritage 2015


The concentration and diversity of its wetlands make Currawinya

distinct among Australian desert wetlands (Timms 1997). They

range in size from 3400 hectares (Lake Wyara) to claypans

less than one hectare, from clear to very turbid, saline to fresh,

vegetated to bare, and from ephemeral to permanent (Figure 5).

These wetlands can be divided into four broad groups: saline

lakes, freshwater lakes, claypans and riverine waterholes.

The lakes, ephemeral lakes and claypans conserved within

the park provide major saltwater and freshwater habitats for a

large variety of inland and migratory bird species. While the two

larger lakes, Wyara and Numalla, are separated by only a few

kilometres, they are significantly different chemically and in their

surrounding vegetation. The clear saline water of Lake Wyara

supports dense beds of macrophytes, including the flowering

plants sea tassel Ruppia maritima, widgeon grass Ruppia

sp. aff. Tuberosa, water mat Lepilaena bilocularis, Lepilaena

sp. aff. Cylindrocarpa, and the macro-algae (charophytes)

Lamprothamnium papulosum, Nitella spp. and Chara australis.

The vegetation fringing the shoreline is dominated by low

shrubland of samphire Halosarcia pergranulata, pigface

Sarcozona praecox, red trefoil Lotus cruentus, monkey flower

Mimmulus repens and mulka Eragrostis dielsii. The abundant

macrophytes and large populations of invertebrates are attractive

to waterbirds: Lake Wyara can support more than 85 000

waterbirds (41 species); the smaller Lake Yumberarra, at its peak,

supports the greatest density of birds at 115 birds per hectare

(59 species) (Timms & McDougall 2004; McDougall & Timms

2000; Kingsford 1995). Twenty-two species are listed under

international migratory bird protection agreements (Appendix 4).

Little light penetrates the highly turbid freshwater of Lake

Numalla. These low light levels mean that macrophytes like

the red water milfoil Myriophyllym verrucosum, water mat

Lepilaena bilocularis and charophytes Nitella sp. can only grow

in shallow water at the margin of the lake. Fringing vegetation

includes pinrush Cyperus gymnocaulos, boobialla Myoporum

montanum, sesbania pea Sesbania cannabina, belalie Acacia

stenophylla, lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta and black box

Eucalyptus largiflorens. The lake supports populations of shrimp

Macrobrachium sp. and native fish such as yellowbelly Maquaria

ambigua, bony bream Nematalosa erebi and spangled perch

Leiopotherapon unicolor. These attract fish-eating waterbirds,

including the Australian pelican Pelicanus conspicillatus, great

cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, pied cormorant Phalacrocorax

varius, little black cormorant Phalacrocarax sulcirostrus, little

pied cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoluecos and darter Anhinga

melanogaster.

The acquisition of the Boorara, Werewilka and Oolamon

properties a very significant addition to the reserve system of

the Mulga Lands Bioregion, adding to the comprehensiveness,

representativeness, adequacy and protection of endangered

communities and species. They are a major extension to

Currawinya National Park and are part of a significant wildlife

corridor stretching north to Lake Bindegolly National Park. The

area contains a significant portion of the upper catchments of

Werewilka and Boorara creeks, which flow into the lake systems

of the Ramsar-listed Currawinya National Park.

2.2.1 Regional ecosystems

Currawinya contains 25 REs, including one ‘endangered’ and 11

‘of concern’ (Appendix 2). About 50 per cent of the park supports

mulga Acacia aneura and poplar box Eucalyptus populnea

low open shrublands on sandplains. Dunefields covered in

shrublands form a mosaic with numerous small claypans and

saltpans. Dissected tablelands, ranges, low hills and associated

undulating plains occur in the central north and western sections

of the park. These support bastard mulga Acacia stowardii and

turpentine mulga Acacia brachystachya communities.

The channels and flood plains of the Paroo River form the south-

eastern boundary of the park and support yapunyah Eucalyptus

ochrophloia and alluvial gidgee Acacia cambagei communities

(Queensland Government 1999). One of the most significant

communities is scattered mulga A. aneura around granite

bounders (RE 6.12.1): this is listed as ‘of concern’. The park

protects 90 per cent of the state target of the mulga community

(RE 6.12.1 – ‘of concern’) and is the only protected area where

this regional ecosystem is found. The granite outcrops associated

with this community have been dated between 230 and 310

million years old (Dawson 1974) and are of geological interest.

2.2.2 Ramsar wetlands

Currawinya Lakes was listed under the Convention on Wetlands

of International Importance on 11 March 1996. The Ramsar-

nominated area of national park includes the 1991 gazettal

(147 730 ha) and 1992 gazettal (3570 ha), a total area of

151 300 hectares (Appendix 7). At the time of listing, Currawinya

National Park fulfilled all six of the nomination criteria,

reinforcing the significance and diversity of Currawinya’s

wetlands (NPRSR 2014).

2.2.3 Important wetlands

2.2 Ecosystems and biodiversity


Currawinya National Park contains four inland (B) wetland types

listed on the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia: Lake

Numalla Aggregation, QLD123 (10 715 ha); Lake Wyara, QLD124

(6015 ha); Paroo River Waterholes – Caiwarro Area, QLD176

(25 ha); and Eulo Artesian Springs Supergroup, QLD177 (30 ha).

2.2.4 Wetlands

At Currawinya, wind erosion (deflation) is the most important

process influencing the formation of all wetlands, except riverine

waterholes, which are formed by vertical erosion during floods.

Beaches and spits are common features in many of the wetlands,

their formation promoted by wind, sediment supply and water

presence (Timms 1997).

The variable influence of riverine floodwater adds to the diversity

and relative permanence of Currawinya’s wetlands. Although,

Paroo River floods in most years, the timing and height will vary:

minor floods affect only the riverine waterholes, while the largest

inundations may reach Lake Wyara and even a few of the pans

on the outer floodplain. This irregular supply of floodwater is

important for the functioning of the wetlands. It lengthens the

time each lake or pan contains water and alters the quality (i.e.

freshness, acidity and turbidity) of water in the system; these

changes, ultimately, have biological ramifications (Timms 1997).

Timms (1997) has documented basic yet detailed information

on the geomorphology and hydrology of Currawinya’s

wetlands together with an assessment of the physicochemical

characteristics of the waters and their invertebrate populations.

The major threats to the long-term viability of the wetland

systems within the park are briefly outlined: sedimentation,

introduced fish, feral pigs and visitor use.

Sedimentation of the wetlands is the issue of most concern. Lake

Karatta, the worst affected, has shallowed by 42 centimetres in

the last few decades due to sediment deposits of about

200 000 m3 (Timms 1997). This causes increased turbidity and

could lower the lake’s productivity and impact the foraging,

drinking and breeding patterns of waterbirds and other wildlife.

At Currawinya, sedimentation is occurring as a result of erosion

within local catchments and from table drains from nearby roads

being directed into wetlands.

2.2.5 Catchment

Currawinya is unique in that the majority of the catchments of

the two major lake systems, Wyara and Numalla, are within the

park boundary. Lake Wyara is situated to the west of the park

and is filled by six creek systems. Werewilka Creek is the most

significant of these, draining from the Willies Range and the

western slopes of the Walters Range. Lake Numalla receives

water primarily from Boorara Creek, draining the eastern slopes

of Willies Range and the western slopes of Hoods Range, and the

Paroo River via Carwarra Creek, which in turn drains the southern

slopes of Hoods Range. Lakes Kaponyee and Yumberarra are fed

by Kaponyee Creek. Lake Karatta is fed by Stinking Well Creek.

Soil destabilisation, resulting from grazing stock denuding

groundcover, has caused some infilling of Lake Karatta (Timms

1997).

Sedimentation build up on the western side of Lake Wyara is

a potential threat as it could allow feral animal access to the

islands used for bird breeding. Rapid sedimentation at the

mouths of Youlaingie and Benegara creeks might eventually

allow terrestrial predators access to bird breeding colonies. The

area needs to be regularly monitored. Siltation of the lakes, and

other water bodies within the park, is occurring, as indicated

by the reddish colour of the water after rainfall. High turbidity,

caused by siltation, prevents light from penetrating the water

and results in less primary production. It is therefore imperative

that the catchments of the park’s water bodies are protected

from impacts that degrade both water quality and quantity

(Timms 1997).

Currawinya National Park occurs within the bounds of the

Murray–Darling Basin. Activities within the park and further up

the catchment have an impact downstream.

The Currawinya lakes arguably represent the most important

wetlands for waterbirds in arid Australia (Kingsford & Porter

1999). Altering the river flows represents a major threatening

process to the park’s ecology. Loss of habitat through changed

flows not only leads to a loss of ecosystem diversity, but may

have a detrimental impact on the genetic and species diversity

as all levels of diversity are inextricably linked (Watts 1999).

Given that the Currawinya wetlands are Wetlands of International

Importance under the Ramsar Conventions, there is an obligation

under national and state agreements to conserve the ecological

integrity of the Currawinya wetlands (Timms 1997).


Figure 5. Currawinya contains a diverse range of wetlands including the large semi-permanent freshwater Lake Numalla (foreground), saline Lake Wyara (top left) and a complex of differing claypans. © Mark Handley 2008

Figure 6. Artesian mound or mud springs. © Stephen Peck 2012


Figure 7. Artesian vegetated water spring (Massey Springs). © Stephen Peck 2012

Figure 8. Artesian un-vegetated water spring (Poached Egg Spring). © Stephen Peck 2012


2.2.6 Artesian springs

Currawinya National Park contains a large number of artesian

springs belonging to the Eulo supergroup (Fensham & Fairfax

2003). These natural discharge springs of the Eulo area (RE

6.3.23) are often associated with granite intrusion, RE 6.12.1

(Queensland Herbarium 2018). Currawinya contains excellent

examples of both mound (mud springs) (Figure 6) and water

springs, vegetated (Figure 7) and un-vegetated (Figure 8).

Artesian springs are listed as an endangered ecological

community under the EPBC and are an important value of this

park. They provide habitat for a number of endemic species

and isolated populations of both flora and fauna (Appendix 3).

Protection of artesian springs and associated endangered and

endemic species are listed as a priority for conservation in the

Mulga Lands (Fensham et al. 2007).

These springs, especially the category 1 and 2 springs, are

of very high state and national priority for their inclusion in

the protected area estate. The northern section of the park

contains areas of active and inactive springs, which are highly

significant for conservation. So too are the vegetated springs

on the 2015 acquisition area that include the Massey Spring

complex (Category 1a), Tunga Springs (Category 1a), Granite

Springs (Category 2/3), Fish Springs complex (Category 2/3) and

Little Granite Springs (Category 2/3). Conservation-significant

species of these spring groups include Eragrostis fenshamii

(endangered), Myriophyllum artesium (endangered), Hydrocotyle

dipleura (vulnerable), Calocephalus glabratus (vulnerable)

(Figure 9) and an endemic snail, Jardinella eulo (no conservation

listing).

The Eulo springs supergroup is one of the most degraded spring

groups in Queensland. Water drawdown, excavation of springs

to increase water storage, domestic stock and feral animal use

all pose significant threats to these springs (Peck & D’Souza

2016; Fensham et al. 2007). While Silcock et al. (2013) found

that only 57 per cent of the Eulo spring supergroup is currently

active, some of these springs may have become inactive before

European settlement; they are referred to as fossil springs.

A limited amount of survey work has taken place on Werewilka

and Oolamon, mostly in relation to the artesian springs’ work by

the Queensland Herbarium and local Charleville QPWS staff. In

2012, QPWS began monitoring at Boorara to document changes

in vegetation after the property was destocked, and to keep a

record of the property’s transition from a grazing property to a

protected area.

2.3 Ecosystems services

2.3.1 Aesthetic values

The Australian outback is renowned for its open space and

desolate natural beauty. In the midst of a vast harsh semi-arid

environment that’s dominated by extensive sandplains and

rocky residual ranges, the Currawinya’s lakes, river and wetlands

provide areas of stark visual contrast. The area’s tranquillity and

great natural beauty is an aesthetic that is not common in the

region.

Figure 9. Calcephalus glabratus is a vulnerable species endemic to the Eulo springs supergroup. Its only protected area representation is Currawinya National Park and it has been recorded at Fish, Wedgie, Boomerang, Poached Egg and Basin Bore Springs, and several other unnamed spring groups. © Stephen Peck 2013


2.4 Species

2.4.1 Native animals

Currawinya has a rich array of native animals including 16

species of frog, 226 species of bird, 36 species of mammal

(eight introduced species and 28 native species), 12 species

of fish (three introduced species and nine native species) and

56 species of reptile. While many of the recorded species are

typical of the Mulga Lands Biogeographic Region, some species

are partly or totally dependent on the unique habitat types

represented within the park. Eleven of the fauna species are of

conservation significance; six birds, two mammals, two fish and

one reptile (Appendix 3).

As many as 100 000 waterbirds visit (at one time) and rely on the

Currawinya National Park’s wetlands, making it one of Australia’s

most important inland wetland habitats. Some birds migrate

from as far afield as China, Japan and South Korea, and as such

are listed in the Japan–Australia, China–Australia Migratory Bird

and Republic of Korea–Australia Migratory Bird agreements and

the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild

Animals (Appendix 4).

Lakes Wyara and Numalla are of particular importance in the

conservation of waterbirds, as they provide a major breeding

habitat and are an important refuge during drought periods. This

is particularly so for one of Australia’s rarest ducks, the freckled

duck Stictonetta naevosa (Kingsford & Porter 1999).

Flood-produced plant growth is also an important food source

for many species of birds that are not waterbirds. Currawinya

also contains suitable habitat for a number of species that

are uncommonly recorded within Queensland. Banded stilts

Cladorhynchus leucocephalus, white-fronted chats Epthianura

albifrons, bluewinged parrots Neophema chrysostoma and

chestnut teal Anas castanea, all predominantly southern species,

have been recorded in the park.

Through a reintroduction program within a feral animal-proof

fence, QPWS seeks to establish a viable population of the greater

bilby Macrotis lagotis.

Figure 10. Smooth knob-tailed gecko Nephrurus levis, Yarraman Springs. © Stephen Peck 2013


Scientific names Common name Extent of distribution in Queensland

Eucalyptus largiflorens Black box Northern inland continental limit and western limit

Eucalyptus populnea Poplar box Western limit

Acacia petraea Lancewood South-western limit, restricted to the Mulga Lands Biogeographic Region

Flindersia maculosa Leopardwood South-western limit

Geijera parviflora Wilga Extreme western limit

Figure 11. Species that occur at the extreme of their natural distribution

2.4.2 Native plants

More than 500 species of plants have been recorded within

Currawinya National Park, including two species listed as

‘endangered’ and four listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the NCA. A

further four species are listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the EPBC

(Appendix 3). Other noteworthy plant species include mature,

relatively undisturbed communities of yapunyah E. ochrophloia

and turpentine mulga A. brachystachya. These communities are

at the centre of their distribution in Queensland and have been

described by Purdie (1985) as representing the peak development

of these species in the state. Several species are at the extremes

of their natural distribution (Figure 11).

While mulga-dominated communities prevail, Currawinya National

Park has significant areas of shrubland communities, particularly

samphires Halosarcia spp., budda Eremophila sturtii and belalie

Acacia stenophylla, and sedgeland communities, dominated by

pinrush Cyperus gymnocaulos. These communities are uncommon

in Queensland because of their habitat requirements (Gasteen

1985).

Currawinya’s northern section contains relatively large areas

of regional ecosystem that are either listed as ‘of concern’

or have low protected area representation. This includes an

extensive area of mulga/poplar box tall open shrublands on sand

plains, which supports a population of the ‘vulnerable’ Acacia

ammophila, only known in two other parks. The stony crest and

tops and the slopes support large areas of bastard mulga and

gidgee shrublands, respectively. The major drainage channels

support extensive areas of river red gum woodlands, known for

their high fauna diversity.

Two species, black bluebush Maireana pyramidata and inland

belah Casuarina cristata paupe, are far beyond their current main

ranges of distribution and are extremely rare in Queensland.

These populations may be relic communities or may represent

the rare occurrences in Queensland of habitats suitable for these

plants (Purdie 1985). Belah Casuarina cristata also occurs in

small patches and is at its western limit of distribution.

Swamp paperbark Melaleuca densispicata, an uncommon shrub

whose range is restricted to a small area of southern Queensland

and northern New South Wales, occurs in groves on the lower

slopes of dunes near saltpans and claypans.


2.5 Geophysical features

2.5.1 Rangeland landscapes

Currawinya contains an array of unique semi-arid landscapes

centred on the Hoods and Willies ranges, with dissected

tablelands, rugged hills and scarps that run down to a diverse

wetland system of permanent, semi-permanent and ephemeral

lakes. These lakes drain through an extensive aeolian sandplain

system, dominated by mulga associations, into the channels of

the Paroo River.

The two major lakes, Wyara and Numalla, provide the most

distinctive landscape features associated with the park.

Freshwater Lake Numalla (2904 ha) is mostly surrounded by

sandy beaches, fringed by Cyperus gymnocaulos sedgelands

leading up to black box and belalie low open woodlands. It

is surrounded by extensive dunefields and sandplains, the

tranquillity of the lake’s edge providing a welcome visual and

sensory contrast to the surrounding semi-arid landscapes.

The clear blue-green saline water of Lake Wyara (3813 ha) is

reminiscent of an inland sea. Dense low samphire shrublands

cover relict beaches, with little tall vegetation in sight. This vista

creates a great sense of space and openness, with Mt Roy to the

west the only relief. Currawinya’s other smaller lakes, including

Kaponyee, Yumberrara and Karatta, are surrounded by distinct

vegetation and have their own character.

A significant seam of granite runs north-south through

Currawinya, only reaching the surface at a few localised sites

in south-west Queensland. One such place is north-east of

Hungerford in the upper reaches of Twomanee Creek. Locally

known as The Granites, the view from the summit at the southern

end of Hood Range extends over the park to the horizon, taking

in several different land systems. Several spring complexes

are directly associated with this granite outcropping and

thought to have resulted from the contact between on-lapping

sediments and the outcropping basement structure (Wolhuter

et al. 2014). Being unique features of the arid Australian

landscape, artesian springs are of considerable limnological

and geological significance, providing researchers with an

opportunity to undertake a variety of evolutionary, ecological and

biogeographical studies.

The Paroo River’s waterholes, edged by river red gums and

coolabah, provide scenic and tranquil spots for visitors. The

Paroo River is the largest watercourse flowing through the park.

Its large catchment forms part of the headwaters of the Murray–

Darling Basin. Although the area is usually dry, flooding is not

uncommon and can occur without rain falling in the immediate

area. Major flows in the Paroo back up into Lake Numalla, adding

nutrients to the largely self-sustaining system. Many semi-

permanent waterholes fill en route to the lake.

The landscape of the northern section of the park is very different

to the red earth, soft mulga dominated and wetland landscapes

of the south. There’s extensive areas of hard stony plains, stony

crests and the tops of residual country. These ancient eroded

ranges provide the upper catchment for lakes Wyara and Numalla

and, in good seasons, rapidly respond to provide significant

wildlife corridors in an otherwise waterless landscape. The

visual appeal of the landscape has, to date, been unmarked by

infrastructure development or damaging visitors impacts.

2.5.2 Soils

The soils of the Mulga Lands are considered particularly fragile.

Soils are characterised by low levels of nutrients and organic

matter, a large proportion of which is in the immediate topsoil

(Walker & Fogarty 1986). Loss of topsoil through wind and water

erosion may significantly affect the delicate balance of nutrient

cycling in these areas.

Since domestic grazing stock has been removed from the park,

lower stratum vegetation has become more abundant. Vegetation

removal by overgrazing exposes the soil surface to erosion,

leading to soil loss and reduction in soil fertility (Miles 1993).

Wind erosion is potentially worse than water erosion because

wind-eroded sediments are rich in nutrients (Miles 1993). Thus,

wind erosion leads to a greater decline in soil productivity. The

maintenance of groundcover is essential for maintaining the

nutrient-cycling process.

Rehabilitation of degraded sites is being undertaken. Current

and future rehabilitation efforts need to focus on eroded areas,

washouts (e.g. along internal fence lines and roads or tracks),

weed-infested areas and areas disturbed or compacted by feral

animals.


2.6 Recreational opportunities

2.6.1 Camping

Currawinya has four camping areas: Ourimperee Waterhole, Corni

Paroo Waterhole, Caiwarro Waterhole and Pump Hole.

2.6.2 Day-use areas

Several day-use areas provide picnic tables, toilets and

interpretative materials. These are located at Currawinya’s ranger

base, Currawinya Woolshed, Old Caiwarro Homestead site, The

Granites, Lake Numalla and Lake Wyara lookout.

2.7 Ecotourism

2.7.1 Tourism and visitor opportunities

Straddling major roads leading to Cunnamulla, and to Bourke

and Wilcannia in New South Wales, Currawinya National Park

is becoming a major tourist attraction in the Eulo–Hungerford–

Thargomindah area. The remote and arid landscape of south-

western Queensland has contributed to the popularity of

protected areas within the region.

Annually, about 2000 visitors come to Currawinya National Park

to experience an outback setting where they can pursue nature-

based recreation activities such as camping, bushwalking, nature

observation (particularly birdwatching) and nature photography.

The park provides visitors with a sense of adventure in a

reasonably remote area.

Visitor numbers to south-western Queensland are steadily

increasing. In 1994–95, 208 000 Australian visitors were

attracted to the western Queensland area, with 78 000 of

these visiting south-western Queensland. An additional 3000

international visitors were recorded during the same period

(Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation, January 1996).

Outback Queensland tourism data, which includes south-

western Queensland, shows that domestic visitation to the

region increased by 9.7 per cent in 2017, recording 878 000

visitors with an estimated expenditure of $584.8 million (Tourism

& Events Queensland 2017).

Visitation to Currawinya National Park is likely to increase, further

supplementing the economies of local rural centres located

en route to the park, such as Hungerford, Eulo, Thargomindah,

Bourke and Cunnamulla. Expenditure in the local communities is

likely to be for accommodation, transport, food and beverages,

shopping and other incidentals.


2.8 Historic cultural heritage

2.8.1 Pastoral history

Currawinya National Park incorporates the areas of five former

pastoral properties: Currawinya, Caiwarro, Boorara, Werewilka

(Werewilka and Granite Springs) and Oolamon, which was part of

Bingara.

Currawinya was first occupied for pastoral use in 1865, and

Caiwarro in 1864. In 1924, the two properties were amalgamated

under the Paroo Pastoral Company, although they continued

to be managed as separate units. Caiwarro Homestead was

abandoned and demolished in 1971. Management was moved

to Currawinya Homestead, and the two leases were formally

amalgamated as Currawinya in 1974. While little remains of the

homestead complex at Caiwarro, the site offers the opportunity

to examine the layout of the homestead area and surrounding

yards. This reflects past social stratification among managers,

jackeroos, stockmen and servants on properties. The Caiwarro

ruins also present an opportunity to observe construction

techniques of the time (1890s), most notably the brick and

pisé construction that was common in the area. Throughout the

park, relics of sheep yards and fencing remain, demonstrating

early settlers’ pastoral practices and building techniques. A

small amount of old machinery, such as the pump used to draw

water from the Paroo River to irrigate a fodder-growing area

on Caiwarro, remains on the park and is of cultural heritage

significance.

Boorara, Werewilka and Oolamon, added to the national park in

2015, were grazing properties from the mid-1800s. Extensive

evidence remains across the properties in the form of building

ruins, gardening and grazing areas, shearing sheds and quarters,

machinery associated with shearing and pastoral industries and

the development of suitable stock and domestic water supplies.

The original Boorara Homestead (c1880) provides an excellent

example of brick and pisé construction, which was a commonly

used construction technique of the area in the late 1800s.

There is an extensive network of infrastructure including roads,

dams, bores, fences, buildings and landscape. Of the numerous

historical sites and artefacts on the property, some sites such as

timber-lined spring wells on Boorara and Werewilka, represent

significant or unique examples of the area’s grazing history. Other

examples of the pastoral history are listed in Appendix 5.

One of the earlier grazing families of Boorara is remembered

through the graves that are located on the property. The

earliest graves are for Frederick Holm (44 years) who died on

26 November 1892 and his daughter Mary Holm (16 years) who

died in 1891. Other graves are located in various areas of the

property.

Figure 12. Tareen Mill, Currawinya National Park. © Stephen Peck 2012


2.9 Partnerships

A strong working partnership will be developed between QPWS

and the Budjiti Aboriginal Corporation under a signed Protected

Area ILUA.

QPWS has a strong working relationship with the Save the Bilby

fund for the ongoing management of the bilby enclosure.

2.10 Scientific research

The diversity of landforms and vegetation types within Currawinya

National Park provides the area with a high potential for the

development of reference sites that will aid the management of

pastoral properties in the area. The provision of information on

pasture condition and trend in the absence of domestic stock and

on trends in populations of the dominant tree and shrub species

may have broad-scale land management implications.

The park offers opportunities for research into geomorphological

processes associated with inland lake systems, the ecology

of native bird species, particularly waterbirds, and the general

ecology of inland lakes and mulga communities. Research that

is carried out on Currawinya National Park can also support its

management.

Currawinya contains a number of long-term enclosure plots, some

of which were established when the park was gazetted. These

plots provide excellent information on the changes in vegetation

as they transition from grazing property to protected area, and the

effectiveness of park management.

2.11 Education

National parks offer visitors not only the chance to enjoy nature-

based recreational activities, but also an opportunity to gain

knowledge of the native plants and animals and the natural

processes associated with a region.

Currawinya provides an ideal natural resource for formal and

informal education. School groups, tertiary institutions, local

community members and interest groups can use the park to

study the processes associated with inland wetland systems,

other characteristic semi-arid landforms, and native plant

and native animal ecology, particularly that of waterbirds and

macropods.

Public appreciation of the cultural importance of the area can

be increased by reference to historical pastoral activities and

acknowledging the importance of the Budjiti cultural landscape

and culture places associated with areas such as the artesian

springs and ‘The Granites’.


2.13 Pests

2.13.1 Pest plants

A number of environmental weeds have the potential to

significantly impact the values of the park. These include buffel

grass Cenchrus ciliaris, Noogoora burr Xanthium occidentale,

Mexican poppy Argemone orchroleuca, saffron thistle Carthamus

lanatus, Bathurst burr Xanthium spinosum, spiny emex Emex

australis, sesbania pea Sesbania cannabina var.cannabina,

African boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum and downy thorn apple

Datura inoxia. As many of these species are already established,

management should focus on targeting infestation impacting on

the key values of the park (Appendix 6).

Buffel grass has the potential to become a serious environmental

weed of protected areas, especially those in the semi-arid areas.

Buffel grass forms dense monocultures, outcompeting native

species and altering fire regimes. Eradication is highly unlikely;

management zones may be required to reduce its impacts on the

values of the park.

Annual beard-grass Polypogon monspeliensis has been identified

as an emerging weed of significance of spring wetlands in South

Australia. There is an unconfirmed record of annual beard-grass

from Tunga Springs (R Fensham pers. comm.). Given the potential

impacts of this weed on the high conservation value artesian

spring, ongoing monitoring is required to ensure the species

does not become established.

Athol pine Tamarix aphylla is present at most of the homesteads

and outstations on the new acquisition properties. Salt-tolerant,

it can reproduce by seeds or suckering, forming dense thickets

especially along water courses. Ongoing monitoring is required.

Rope cactus Cylindropuntia sp. is a serious environmental weed,

currently restricted to a small area around the Corina homestead.

Eradication of this infestation is possible.

Parkinsonia Parkinsonia aculeata has the potential to seriously

impact the values of the lakes, wetlands, springs and riparian

zones. Parkinsonia has been recorded on the Paroo River

upstream from the park. A small infestation around the Corina

homestead has been treated. With ongoing management, it

should be possible to eradicate Parkinsonia from the park.

Priority should be given to preventing the establishment of new

weed species. Priority areas include the Hungerford Road, which

runs through the park and includes traffic entering Queensland

from New South Wales and at camping grounds.

2.12 Fire

To date, fire management has had a low priority on Currawinya

National Park. Due to the high variability of seasonal conditions

and the impacts of past grazing pressure on groundcover, the

occurrence of fire, in the short term, is unlikely. In the absence of

grazing, however, groundcover biomass is likely to increase, and

fire management will assume a greater importance.

A wildfire response procedure has been compiled for Currawinya

National Park. Firebreaks protect park infrastructure and visitor

safety, and play an important part in preventing the movement

of fires in to and out of the park. They also provide a means of

access to fight fires and impede or block the progress of fires. The

firebreak network currently reflects the tracks and roads within

Currawinya. Future requirements are being examined.

Fire regimes and fire parameters for Currawinya National Park will

be based on those identified in the Planned Burn Guidelines –

Mulga Lands Bioregion of Queensland (Department of National

Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing 2013).

A draft zoning scheme has been developed for the park. While

gas fires are allowed in all visitor access zones, the use of wood

fires is limited to the recreation zone only. Fire is likely to be

a potential hazard under certain circumstances and fire ban

regulations may need to be imposed at particular times. Zone

objectives will dictate the types of burns conducted by park staff

(e.g. hazard reduction or ecological) and the policies adopted to

control natural fires (e.g. ‘let burn’, ‘suppress’ or ‘manipulate’)

in individual zone categories. Signs stating that firewood should

only be collected from roadsides have been placed at the

northern and southern entrances to the park, along the Eulo–

Hungerford Road (a gazetted road).

Mulga Acacia aneura is a dominant component of many

vegetation communities across the park and, as such, is

considered a key indicator species for fire management. Mulga

is considered a fire-sensitive species (Silcock et al. 2017;

Wright et al. 2015; Hodgkinson et al. 1984; Morrisey 1984)

and an obligate seed regenerator (Hodgkinson & Oxley 1990).

Hodgkinson (2002) explains that acacia-dominated ecological

systems and the organisms that comprise them have evolved

with various disturbance events including fire. Both mature and

seedling mulga plants may be killed by a fire event although

the proportion of adult plants killed varies widely, depending

on factors such as weather conditions, water stress, fuel loads

and distributions, and fire intensity. Regeneration of mulga

plants following a high-intensity fire is by seeds stored in the soil

surface (Hodgkinson & Oxley 1990).


2.13.2 Pest animals

Eight terrestrial vertebrate pests, including feral pig Sus scrofa,

feral goat Capra hircus, horse Equus caballus, fox Vulpes vulpes,

feral cat Felis catus, European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus,

house mouse Mus musculus and domestic and feral cattle Bos

taurus/Bos indicus, and three introduced fish, European carp

Carassius auratus, gold fish Cyprinus capio and mosquito fish

Gambusia holbrooki, are currently established on Currawinya

(Appendix 6).

The foraging behaviour of feral pigs, digging for roots and tubers

of plants in soft soil and mud, can cause extensive damage.

Feral pigs have been known to destroy the nests of both aquatic

and ground-dwelling birds while raiding them for eggs. This is

particularly significant on Lake Wyara when water levels are low

and pigs and other carnivores, such as foxes and cats, have easy

access to breeding colonies on the lake’s former islands.

Since 2008, QPWS has used external contractors to remove feral

goats from Currawinya. Under the terms of the contract, goats

are mustered, yarded and trucked by the successful tenderer.

Although the contract process has been successful in removing

large numbers of goats from the park, the process requires

regular reviews to ensure and improve its effectiveness in

achieving the overall management objectives.

Feral cats F. catus have been identified as a threatening process

of the ‘endangered’ greater bilby Macrotis lagotis. Feral cats

re-established in the bilby enclosure after 2010 floods, causing

a significant decline in the bilby population inside the bilby

enclosure.

Mosquito fish G. holbrooki are established in the Paroo

River and at numerous artificial water points. Mosquito fish

represent a serious threat to the endemic fauna of artesian

springs and wetlands. Ongoing monitoring is required to ensure

that mosquito fish do not become established in the high

conservation springs of Currawinya. This includes monitoring

artificial and ephemeral water points adjacent to the springs.

European carp and goldfish are well established in the Paroo

River system and are thought to be an important component of

the waterbird diet of the region. European carp are classified as

a ‘noxious fish’ under the Fisheries Act 1994 (Qld) and, if caught,

must be destroyed (and not returned to the water) under the

provisions of that Act.

House mice Mus musculus are present mainly around the

occupied homestead areas. They do not present a significant

hazard to park ecology at present. Standard methods of control

(e.g. traps) are used.

Beekeeping is a major primary industry in the area. Apiary sites

are located on the road reserves that traverse the park. While

the influence of the introduced honeybee on native animals and

plants is not well understood, it has been suggested that nectar

extraction behaviour by bees may damage flowers and fail to

pollinate various species of native plants. Although apiculture

is considered an extractive industry and is thus incompatible

with the management philosophy of national parks, QPWS has

no control over the conduct of beekeeping on adjacent private

lands.


3. Appendices Appendix 1. Legal, policy and management commitments

Gazettal details

Currawinya National Park was gazetted in May 1991 to protect the integrity of its wetlands, its many cultural heritage values, and

representative examples of land systems and vegetation types within the Mulga Lands bioregion. In June 2015, the park was extended

with the acquisition of Boorara, Werewilka and Oolamon to protect the upper catchment of the lakes system.

Applicable Acts and statutory powers • Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld)

• Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth)

• Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth)

• Biosecurity Act 2014

• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld)

• Stock Route Management Act 2002

• Mineral Resources Act 1989 (Qld)

• Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 (Qld)

• Queensland Heritage Act 1992 (Qld)

Management obligations• Currawinya Lakes Ramsar site agreement 1996

• Australian Ramsar management principles, Schedule 6 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations

2000

Recovery plans and guides• Recovery plan for the community of native species dependent on natural discharge of groundwater from the Great Artesian

Basin, 2007

Other management commitments• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

• CAMBA – China–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

• JAMBA – Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

• ROKAMBA – Republic of Korea–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement


Appendix 2. Regional ecosystems of significance

Regional ecosystem

Description Biodiversity status

6.3.23 Springs on recent alluvia, ancient alluvia and fine-grained sedimentary rock Endangered

6.3.1 Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodland on alluvium within Acacia aneura associations Of concern

6.3.2Eucalyptus camaldulensis +/- E. coolabah +/- Acacia cambagei woodland on major drainage lines/rivers

Of concern

6.3.3Eucalyptus camaldulensis +/- E. coolabah +/- E. populnea, Acacia stenophylla woodland on alluvium

Of concern

6.3.8 Eucalyptus largiflorens +/- Acacia cambagei woodland on alluvium Of concern

6.3.9 Eucalyptus coolabah, E. populnea open woodland on alluvium Of concern

6.3.10 Tecticornia spp. open succulent shrubland on alluvium Of concern

6.3.11Eleocharis pallens +/- short grasses +/- Eragrostis australasica open herbland on clays, associated with ephemeral lakes, billabongs and permanent waterholes

Of concern

6.3.13Atriplex spp., Sclerolaena spp., species of Asteraceae and/or short grasses open herbland on alluvial plains

Of concern

6.3.18Eucalyptus populnea +/- Eremophila mitchellii +/- Acacia aneura +/- E. melanophloia woodland on flat alluvial plains

Of concern

6.6.1Atalaya hemiglauca +/- Acacia aneura +/- Acacia spp. +/- Corymbia terminalis tall open shrubland on low dunes over alluvium

Of concern

6.12.1 Scattered Acacia aneura around granite boulders Of concern


Appendix 3. Species of conservation significance

Scientific name Common name NC Act status EPBC Act status Back on Track

Plants

Eragrostis fenshamii Endangered - -

Myriophyllum artesium Endangered - High

Acacia ammophila Vulnerable Vulnerable Low

Calocephalus glabratus Vulnerable - -

Hydrocotyle dipleura Vulnerable - High

Eremophila stenophylla Vulnerable - -

Maireana cheelii Common Vulnerable -

Sclerolaena walkeri Common Vulnerable -

Xerothamnella parvifolia Common Vulnerable -

Animals

Rostratula australis Australian painted snipe Vulnerable Endangered Medium

Grantiella picta painted honeyeater Vulnerable Vulnerable High

Falco hypoleucos grey falcon Vulnerable - -

Lophochroa leadbeateri Major Mitchell's cockatoo Vulnerable - High

Limosa lapponica baueri Western Alaskan bar-tailed godwit Vulnerable Vulnerable Low

Calidris ferruginea curlew sandpiper EndangeredCritically endangered

Low

Petrogale xanthopus celeris yellow-footed rock-wallaby Vulnerable Vulnerable High

Phascolarctos cinereus koala Vulnerable Vulnerable Low

Bidyanus bidyanus silver perch -Critically endangered

Medium

Maccullochella peelii Murray cod - Vulnerable Critical

Hemiaspis damelii grey snake Endangered - Medium


Appendix 4. Species listed in international agreements

Scientific name Common name CMS JAMBA ROKAMBA CAMBA

Acrocephalus australis Australian reed-warbler

Actitis hypoleucos common sandpiper

Apus pacificus fork-tailed swift

Ardea alba modesta eastern great egret

Arenaria interpres ruddy turnstone

Calidris acuminata sharp-tailed sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea curlew sandpiper

Calidris melanotos pectoral sandpiper

Calidris ruficollis red-necked stint

Charadrius veredus oriental plover

Chlidonias leucopterus white-winged black tern

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's snipe

Gelochelidon nilotica gull-billed tern

Hirundo rustica barn swallow

Hydroprogne caspia Caspian tern

Limosa lapponica baueri Western Alaskan bar-tailed godwit

Limosa limosa black-tailed godwit

Merops ornatus rainbow bee-eater

Myiagra cyanoleuca satin flycatcher

Plegadis falcinellus glossy ibis

Tringa glareola wood sandpiper

Tringa nebularia common greenshank

Tringa stagnatilis marsh sandpiper

Notes:This list includes local and migratory birds that regularly use the park for feeding, nesting and/or breeding. Species that visit from time to time but are not regular users have not been included in the table.

CMS – Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild AnimalsCAMBA – China–Australia Migratory Bird AgreementJAMBA – Japan–Australia Migratory Bird AgreementROKAMBA – Republic of Korea–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement


Appendix 5. Places of historical value

Site Description

BooraraBoorara Homestead complex (Boorara house, manager’s house, schoolhouse, quarters, workshops, airstrip, cultural plantings, graves and cultural landscape)

Werewilka Corina Homestead (the house was moved to Eulo in in 2014)

Werewilka Granite Springs Homestead

Werewilka Werewilka Homestead’s shearing shed and outbuilding

CurrawinyaSite of the old Currawinya Homestead (the homestead was damaged in the 1974 floods and has been removed), some old out buildings remain and being re-used and graves

Caiwaroo Ruins of the old Caiwarro Homestead

Boorara Beefwood Hut outstation

Boorara Tareen Hut outstation

Boorara Boorara Woolshed complex

Boorara and Werewilka Rubbish dumps (Boorara, Corina, Granite Springs & Werewilka)

Werewilka Gold mines (2)

Boorara, Werewilka and Oolamon Old stockyards (various)

Boorara, Werewilka and Oolamon Property fences

Boorara, Werewilka and Oolamon Water resource development infrastructure (timber-lined wells, mills, tanks and dams)


Appendix 6. Pests

Scientific name Common nameBiosecurity Act 2014 status

Historical Notes

Plants

Xanthium occidentale Noogoora burr Restricted invasive

Riparian zones, springs and lakes infested.Impacts:

• Outcompetes native species• Reduces park’s natural values • Reduces visitors’ appreciation of

amenities

Biocontrol (rust) has been introduced.

Xanthium spinosum Bathurst burr

Disturbed areas include roads, powerlines, park bases, homesteads, outstations and yards.Impacts:

• Outcompetes native species• Reduces park’s natural values• Reduces visitors’ appreciation of

amenities

Argemone orchroleuca Mexican poppy

Carthamus lanatus Saffron thistle

Emex australis Spiny emex

Sesbania cannabina var. cannabina Sesbania pea

Lycium ferroissimum African boxthorn

Datura inoxia Downythorn apple

Polypogon monspeliensis Annual beard-grass Unconfirmed record from Tunca Springs.Impacts:

• Significant threat to spring wetlands.

Tamarix aphylla Athol pine Restricted to Boorara, Granite Springs, Corina, Tareen Hut, Beefwood and Werewilka Homestead areas. Impacts:

• Threat to waterways• Outcompetes native species• Reduces park’s natural values • Reduces visitors’ appreciation of

amenities

Cylindropuntia sp. Rope cactus Restricted to Boorara, Granite Springs, Corina, Tareen Hut, Beefwood and Werewilka Homestead areas. Impacts:

• Threat to waterways• Outcompetes native species• Reduces park’s natural values • Reduces visitors’ appreciation of

amenities

Parkinsonia aculeata Parkinsonia

Cenchrus ciliarus Buffel grass Scattered across the park with larger infestations at Ten Mile and Jubillee Springs. Impacts:

• Alters fire regimes• Outcompetes native species• Reduces park’s natural values • Reduces visitors’ appreciation of

amenities


Scientific name Common nameBiosecurity Act 2014 status

Historic Notes

Animals

Sus scrofa Feral pig Park-wide impacts:• Degrades artesian spring wetlands resulting in reduced water quality,

wetland extent and the abundance of endemic species• Pig rooting in the catchment leads to sedimentation of the lake systems• Direct predation of ground-nesting birds

Capra hircus Feral goat Park-wide impacts:• Overgrazing of artesian spring wetlands, resulting in the abundance of spring

endemic species• Consumption of water can reduce the extent of artesian spring wetlands• Grazing of significant plants such as M. densispicata• Spread weeds

Vulpes vulpes Fox Park-wide impacts (population generally very low but can erupt during good

seasons): • Potential threat to the bilby program• Predation of ground-nesting birds• Significantly impacts park biodiversity

Felis catus Feral cat Park-wide impacts:• Known threat to the bilby program• Predation of ground-nesting birds.• Significantly impacts park biodiversity

Oryctolagus

cuniculus

Rabbit Park-wide impacts:• Grazing impact inside artesian spring fences• Significantly impacts heritage sites

Equus caballus Feral horse Park-wide impacts:• Degrades artesian spring wetlands resulting in reduced water quality,

wetland extent and the abundance of endemic species• Increases erosion of lake shores and catchment• Spreads weeds• Impacts on park infrastructure• Reduces aesthetic values

Boss spp. Cattle Park-wide impacts:• Degrades artesian spring wetlands resulting in reduced water quality,

wetland extent and the abundance of endemic species• Increases erosion of lake shores and catchment• Spreads weeds• Significantly damages cultural heritage sites• Impacts on park infrastructure• Reduces aesthetic values

Mus musculus House mouse Park-wide impacts:• Significantly damages heritage sites

Cyprinus carpio European carp Paroo River, Lake Numalla, Boorara Ck, Werewilka Ck and artificial water. Impacts:• Reduces water quality• Significantly impacts aquatic biodiversity

Gambusia

holbrooki

Mosquito fish Paroo River, Lake Numalla, Boorara Ck, Werewilka Ck and artificial water. Impacts:• Seriously threatens artesian spring biodiversity• Significantly impacts aquatic biodiversity

Carassius

auratus

Gold fish Paroo River, Lake Numalla, Boorara Ck, Werewilka Ck and artificial water. Impacts:• Reduces water quality• Significantly impacts aquatic biodiversity


Appendix 7. Wetland management

WetlandInfo, Queensland GovernmentWetlandInfo provides information regarding wetland identification and management.

Accessed at http://wetlandinfo.ehp.qld.gov.au/wetlands/

Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) – 2009–2014 version, Currawinya Lakes (Currawinya National Park)

The RIS provides essential data on each designated Wetland of International Importance.

Queensland Department of Environment and Environment Protection 2014, Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) –

2009–2014 version, Brisbane Queensland. Accessed at http://www.ramsar.org/pdf/ris/key_ris_e.pdf

Ramsar Management Summary

The Ramsar Management Summary (RMS) informs and guides land managers responsible for the management of Ramsar sites.

NPRSR 2014, Currawinya Lakes Ramsar Site/Currawinya National Park: Ramsar Management Summary 2014, Department of National

Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Government, Brisbane.

Ecological Character Description – Currawinya Lakes Ramsar site

The Ecological Character Description (ECD) identifies the critical services, process and components of the wetland and identifies limits

of acceptable change, knowledge gaps and monitoring recommendations in relation to these critical elements.

Fisk, G 2008, Ecological Character Description of Currawinya Lakes Ramsar Site, final report, BMT WBM Pty Ltd, Brisbane.


4. References

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