According to the Queensland Government, Queensland is home to 70 percent of Australia's native mammals (210 species), 80 percent of native birds (594 species), just over half of the nation's native reptiles (429) and native frogs (114), and 11 074 native plant species.

Queensland’s 13 regional natural resource management groups are working in partnership with a wide range of organisations and individuals to enhance Queensland’s biodiversity. The breadth of activity being undertaken is nearly as diverse as our biodiversity itself. Our regional groups are working on community capacity building and education around biodiversity, collecting data about rare, endangered and vulnerable plants and animals, undertaking on-ground biodiversity protection such as fencing off habitat and enhancing corridor connectivity, and planning for species recovery.

The latest edition of the Queensland Regional Groups Collective newsletter, The NRM Rumble focuses on the biodiversity work of Queensland’s regional NRM bodies. It is available by contacting Lane Pilon on 07 4699 5000 or by visiting the RGC website, http://www.rgc.org.au/news/chairs-reports-showcase-achievements-across-qld.
 

Pest plants and animals pose a major threat to Queensland’s biodiversity, our agriculture and our regional lifestyles. But last week, an historic MOU was signed that aims to improve the management of weeds and pest animals across the State.

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed by by Queensland Regional NRM Groups Collective, Local Government Association of Queensland and Biosecurity Queensland (a division of DEEDI) aims to assist in the implementation of the Queensland Biosecurity Strategy, the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 and Regional Natural Resource Management plans.

Weeds and pest animals have major impacts on the Queensland economy, environment, social amenity and human health. They impact on primary, tourism and infrastructure industries, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, recreational and social amenity and human health. The cost to Queensland primary industries alone is in excess of $700 million dollars per annum in lost production and control costs.

Andrew Drysdale, CEO Queensland Regional NRM Groups Collective believes it is a significant move. “It allows us to ensure better coordination between all parties,” he said. “The MOU clarifies the roles and responsibilities of Local Government, Regional NRM Groups and the State.”

Landcare Queensland is coordinating a campaign across three pilot regions in Queensland, aimed at boosting youth involvement in Landcare and natural resource management. The campaign, which will focus primarily on university students around SEQ, Cairns and Toowoomba will involve advertising in student publications and around campuses and interacting with young people at events such as music festivals.

Students will be encouraged to register to participate in a range of landcare related activities taking place during Landcare Week, 6 – 12 September 2010.

Landcare and Catchment Groups and other community organisations are invited to register to run an event during Landcare Week. A resource kit and one-on-one support is available to assist with coordinating a strong community activity. Modest funding may also be available depending on location and type of event.

Queensland Regional NRM Groups Collective is a partner to the campaign. For more information, or to register, contact sam@wombatcreative.com.au.

Twenty candidates have nominated for positions on the new Cape York NRM Board.