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WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND
ANNUAL REPORT
2019-2020
Wildlife Queensland is a
leading statewide wildlife
conservation organisation
providing practical
community programs to
enhance knowledge of
wildlife and its habitat.
Wildlife Queensland
influences decision makers
to make the right choices for
Queensland’s wildlife.
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
Cover images ©Matt Cecil
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 Our mission is to be the leading non-government organisation advocating protection and conservation of Queensland’s native terrestrial and marine plants, animals and landscapes by educating and engaging communities, influencing decision- making, advancing solutions and connecting people with wildlife. Our Vision People value, respect and support the conservation of Queensland’s native wildlife* *Wildlife embraces plants, animals and their habitat Our Objectives Preserve the flora and fauna of Australia by lawful means Educate the community in an understanding of the principles of conservation and preservation of the natural environment Discourage, by all legal means, the possible destruction, exploitation and unnecessary development of any part of the natural environment Encourage rational land use and proper land planning of existing and future development, and the use of the natural environment and its management
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Peter Ogilvie
Any attempt to describe the year 2019-20 invokes a plethora of adjectives
– weird,bizarre, frightening, catastrophic, dangerous, destructive and
deadly – are a few that readily come to mind. Drought, fires and floods
have ravaged human communities as well as our native wildlife
communities with almost unprecedented intensity. Before the results of
those disasters could be adequately addressed, we have become the
victims of a coronavirus pandemic, the like of which has not been
experienced by the overwhelming majority of people who are living today.
All of these events have had (and are still having) disastrous effects on the lives and property of many people.
However, we should not forget the destructive effects they have had on native wildlife species (animals and
plants). The combination of drought and fire resulted in the incineration of vast numbers of animal species
(vertebrates and invertebrates). The lack of moisture in foliage and in the ground-fuel meant that many of these
fires became crown fires, which travelled in the tree canopies at speeds that precluded escape by the majority
of animals (with the exception of most birds). Furthermore, convection currents carried embers well ahead of the
fire-front to effectively trap any animals attempting to outrun the rapidly advancing wall of flame.
In addition, fires of this intensity effectively consume all the oxygen in the vicinity, which means that an animal
doesn’t need to come in contact with the flames in order to become a victim of the fire.
Our open forests (primarily eucalypt) are adapted to fire and, in most cases, will recover over time. But these fires
were so intense, they also burnt wet sclerophyll forests and rainforests. This is a rare event. In south-east
Queensland, significant areas of rainforest burnt, primarily in Lamington, Mt Barney and Main Range National
Parks, all of which are part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. On a broader scale, fire
impacted approximately 40 per cent of that World Heritage Area across NSW and Queensland. Of the Queensland
national parks in the WHA, published records indicate that the following percentages burnt: Main Range 69%, Mt
Barney 78% and Lamington 7%.
Rainforest trees are not fire adapted, and severely burnt trees will die. Restoring the burnt rain-forest areas will
require considerable on-the-ground intervention, particularly to manage weed invasion which can prevent
germination of rainforest species. Also, some fencing may be needed to prevent herbivores from destroying newly
germinated tree species. Some pest animal control (cats, foxes, deer, pigs and others) will also be required to
assist plant regeneration and animal colonisation (particularly threatened species). Some actions on these matters
are being undertaken. Hopefully sustained funding will ensure successful outcomes.
On top of all this, COVID-19 is likely to have indirect effects on wildlife conservation. At present, it can restrict
certain recovery activities. But the real longer-term danger is to our national parks, those areas that are crucial to
the protection of the State’s biodiversity. Post-COVID, it is very likely that some components of the tourist industry
will seek unrestrained access to these areas for a range of uses, including the establishment of commercial
maybe
facilities, in particular, touristaaccommodation
quote?????masquerading under the legislative euphemism of an ecotourism
facility. That is already happening now, and I have written about it extensively in previous newsletters. Important
environmental checks and balances have been eroded by legislative changes during the Newman Government
period. Many of these were not restored by the present government, despite promises to the contrary.
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
One important check and balance involving the federal government is also in the process of being eroded. Any
development with potential harm to threatened species, certain migratory species or World Heritage values must
be referred to the Commonwealth Government for assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). That Act is presently being reviewed, and a Bill has been prepared with the
intention of devolving certain powers under the EPBC Act to the States. In other words, another potential constraint
to developments threatening our native wildlife is being handed to the States which, in some cases, are the
instigators of the development.
This raises an interesting question in relation to the Wangetti Trail development instigated by the Queensland
Government, involving a walking and mountain bike trail and resort accommodation inside national parks which are
part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. Could this mean that a Queensland Government
development proposal which has to be assessed under the EPBC Act could then be assessed by the Queensland
Government? An interesting variation on
Caesar appealing to Caesar.
From an organisational viewpoint, we have continued to advocate strongly for protection of a range of species, for
national park integrity, for controls over single-use plastic bags and a range of other plastic products, and for
banning opera house traps which are so damaging to platypus and water dragons. We have made a several
submissions relating to legislative changes and have been invited to sit on a number of advisory committees
relating to wildlife management, wildlife legislation, and World Heritage management. We continue to produce
Wildlife Australia one of the last remaining wildlife magazines in the country. Our use of digital platforms has
expanded substantially (website, Facebook, Instagram and ebulletins), and webinars are being undertaken in order
to raise awareness and knowledge of threatened species. We still maintain a wide range of on-ground projects
involving such diverse species as Richmond birdwing butterflies, quolls, gliders, seagrass, and platypus.
Our annual dinner (December 2019) with guest speaker Professor Mike Archer was very successful, but our March
symposium (Protected Areas Matter) had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 issues.
We have managed to function productively despite our income from donations having diminished
significantly. Under normal circumstances, we would have run three funding appeals during the year. Two appeals
were cancelled – Christmas and March. One appeal period coincided with the several Australia-wide appeals
undertaken to assist victims of the fires. It was considered inappropriate to launch our funding request at that
time. In fact, we received a number of unsolicited donations to help injured animals. With the agreement of the
donors, we passed that money onto appropriate carer organisations, primarily RSPCA. The other cancelled appeal
coincided with the COVID chaos. Again it was considered inappropriate (and non-productive) to seek donations
from people who may be financially stressed.
This reduction in fund-raising has had an impact on our ability to operate. We exist totally on donations, having not
received any government assistance for a considerable number of years now. A couple of very helpful bequests
have allowed us to remain active and productive.
The fact that we have been able to function productively in these times of reduced income and COVID chaos is
entirely due to our dedicated staff. My thanks to Janelle Devery (Operations Manager), Des Boyland (Policies &
Campaigns Manager), Matt Cecil (Projects Manager), Amanda Little (Communications and Marketing Officer), and
maybeanda Branches
Doreen Payne (Members quote?????
Officer) for continuing to undertake their roles with unabated efficiency. My
thanks also to our many
volunteers, several of whom have been identified elsewhere in this annual report. And finally, a big thank you to my
fellow councillors who oversee the functioning of this great organisation – Michael Lusis (Vice President), Des
Boyland (Secretary), David Keogh (Treasurer), Paul Sutton, Andrew Dinwoodie, Robert Standish-White, and Nina
Hardie.
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 POLICIES & CAMPAIGNS Des Boyland, Policies and Campaigns Manager The 2019-2020 financial year was yet another frustrating year with the work effort appearing to increase but diminishing positive outcomes the result for the Policies and Campaigns Division. It is relatively easy to list the disappointments but highlighting the benefits for the environment and its wildlife is a challenge. The Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing plastic waste has continued and work on enhancing water quality to protect the Great Barrier Reef progressed but targets set were not achieved. Efforts to challenge management of national parks have been dashed. While the strategy to conserve and preserve koalas in south east Queensland has been released more could have been done and koalas living in other Queensland regions are yet to be addressed. The revised zoning plan for the Great Sandy Marine Park is yet to see the light of day although at a meeting with Minister Enoch last December we were assured we would be pleased with the new zoning plan. The hope for a ban on opera house yabbie traps to protect platypus in particular is diminishing following recent advice. Based on Labor’s recent performance and reflecting on the most recent performance of the LNP Wildlife Queensland has grave concerns for the environment and its wildlife regardless of the State election result. Wildlife Queensland has been disappointed and frustrated at the lack of much needed action and endless delays to arrest the decline in our biodiversity during the last decade. Hopefully our concerns will be dashed aside by the political party that forms government following the October election and the much needed action will occur during the next term of Government. ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE DIVISION There was a slight decrease in the total hours available for the various activities within the division compared to 2018-2019 (1850 hours). Total hours for this year was approximately 1620 hours. The slight decrease was a result of not engaging additional assistance for the plastics campaign. The President continued to give generously of his time in preparing submissions and the Vice President also assisted on occasions. The time committed during the past financial year to the various activities in the division is expressed as a percentage of total hours available for that year. Of the hours available there was a 20% decrease in time committed to campaigns. Time devoted to meetings in particular using Zoom. Skype and Teams online conferencing in lieu of face to face a result of Covid-19 increased by 25%. Submissions consumed the same percentage of total time as the previous year but in reality less hours were spent on submissions as reflected by the number of submissions prepared. There was a decrease in the time commitment to the policy area last year and a marginal increase apparently in administration. However actual hours spent on administration were about the same.
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 CAMPAIGNS The Protected Area Estate Campaign There was a slight increase in the overall extent of the Protected Area Estate. The major increase was in the number and extent of non-tenured protected area-Nature Refuges by about 20000 ha. The National Park estate added some 20600ha. There was a further decrease in the total extent of Resource Reserves through boundary adjustments. The promised strategy for the expansion of the Protected Area Estate still has not been released at the time of writing. Wildlife Queensland is aware that additional hectares have been added to the Protected Area Estate since July 2020 and it is our understanding there is likely that more hectares will be added prior to the election. However, the failure to take positive action to expand the tenured Protected Area Estate and permitting the construction of private tourist infrastructure in national parks is very disappointing. Our requests to reinstate the cardinal principle of management of national parks continue to fall on deaf ears. Waste and Plastics Campaign The intentional release of helium filled balloons is a littering offense under the Waste and Recycling Act 2011 but rarely if ever is the provisions of the Act enforced. The State Government and Local Authorities have agreed to ban the release of balloons at events they control. The Palaszczuk Government true to their word have continued to wage the war on plastic waste. Only time will tell if the latest Bill further strengthening existing legislation will be enacted prior to the October election. Stock Route Network Legislation Wildlife Queensland continues to be briefed and consulted on the strategy for the management of the stock route network. From information and discussion to date the proposed reclassification of the network would be supported by Wildlife Queensland but highly desired changes are not currently on the agenda. It is unlikely further action will occur before the election.
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 Wildlife Management Efforts to have opera house traps banned to save air breathing fauna from drowning, platypus in particular, have not met with any success. At the conclusion of the meeting of the Australian and Territory Environmental Ministers in Adelaide (Nov. 2019) it was announced that a consistent approach to the use of these traps was to be developed. Such action has been referred to the Australian Ministers for Fisheries. Efforts to stop the dispersal of the endangered spectacled flying fox from their roosts in Cairns failed. The Department of Environment and Science (DES) recently completed a statutory review of the protected wildlife framework ahead of the impending expiry of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 (the Wildlife Management Regulation). As a result of the review, a decision was taken to create two individual and specific regulations for protected animals and plants commencing on 22 August 2020. Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020; and Nature Conservation (Plants) Regulation 2020. Each of these new regulations has incorporated the necessary provisions from the existing Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2017 (the Administration Regulation). Furthermore, it was also decided create a single regulation for the management and administration of protected areas. Therefore, the provisions in the Administration Regulation which relate to protected areas have been incorporated into the Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2017 (the Protected Areas Management Regulation), and on 22 August 2020 the Administration Regulation will be repealed. The Government’s Species Technical Group have been assessing the conservation status of various species. It is our understanding that their advice and recommendations to the Minister has been accepted and acted upon in a timely fashion. POLICIES The 2019 UQ intern produced policies addressing matters relevant to World Heritage (WH) Listed properties in Queensland, including desirable changes to the Nature Conservation Act 1992, funding of the various WH properties and commercial development on WH properties. We continue to host industry placement students. This ongoing partnership with the University of Queensland remains beneficial to the Society. SUBMISSIONS Submissions prepared totalled 14 slightly less than year. They were directed to the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments and relevant Departments. Topics included but were not limited to Plastic Waste, Management of Spectacled Flying-fox, the strategy for koala conservation in South Queensland, the Strategy for Stock Route network management, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act Review, bee-keeping in National parks, feral and domestic cats and the Urannah Dam & Pipelines and Collinsville Irrigation Scheme. MEETINGS & REPRESENTATIONS Wildlife Queensland is represented on a number of government working groups including QDOG, and macropods. During 2019-20 the Conservation Groups Round Table meetings with Minister Leeanne Enoch continued. The value of these meetings continue to be questioned. The meetings of key conservation groups prior to the Round Table are of more value. In December 2019 WQ met with Minister Enoch where questions were asked but responses very guarded. Meetings have been held with staff from various state Government Departments. Meetings occur with universities concerning student industry placements. At the request of the Australian Political Exchange Council WQ hosted a group of politicians from New Zealand. FUTURE DIRECTIONS The focus for the next 12 months will be determined to some degree by the outcome of the October State election. Regardless of which political party forms Government activities to influence better decision making for the environment and its wildlife will continue undoubtedly meeting with the same frustration encountered in recent years. Striving for expansion of the Protected Area Estate and enhanced management of national parks while opposing commercialisation will be a key focus. The war against waste will continue. Wildlife management will certainly be on the agenda. State Marine Parks must surface as an issue. Advice to hand indicates the review of Great Sandy Marine Park is to be released mid 2021. Submission writing and meeting attendance will continue as it is essential that Wildlife Queensland’s voice is heard.
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
PROJECTS
Matt Cecil, Projects Manager
Activities within the four main networks under management of the Projects Division have continued during
2019-2020 and the team have worked hard to implement conservation programs for each. Our effort has
been greatly assisted through volunteer help, WPSQ financial donor contributions and local government
project funding. Each network has over the years consistently delivered beneficial conservation projects
and 2019-2020 is no different.
QUOLLSEEKERS NETWORK
QUEENSLAND GLIDER NETWORK The Quoll Seekers Network activities focused heavily on
Queensland Glider Network (QGN) continued the use of quoll detection dog and infra-red camera
monitoring glider populations across the Brisbane surveys within the Spring Mountain and Flinders-
region including monitoring of nest boxes in the Goolman corridor. Two detection dong surveys were
Greenbank Training Area, Forestdale. Tarragindi and undertaken which included an associated IR camera
nest boxes installed for greater gliders in Morayfield, monitoring survey to compliment the dogs. 2019
Alexandra Hills and Redland Bay. Spotlight and nest box with Carnarvon Canines dogs indicated scent at 13
installation projects were limited to one project where locations (specific landscape and habitat features –
the QGN team assisted the Wildlife Queensland Logan rock outcrops and small caves or crevices) and an old
branch with a spotlight and nest box installation project scat believed to be quoll scat was discovered. During
in the Daisy Hill National Park. 2020 contractors from the Sunshine Coast University’s
Detection Dogs for Conservation were utilized to
Community involvement remains a focus for the QGN repeat the 2019 survey. Unfortunately quoll scent was
however public participation has been necessarily not found at any of the surveys sites. During both the
limited during 2020. 2019 and 2020 IR camera surveys, no evidence of
spotted tailed quoll was found. However, a diverse list
Nest box occupancy data collected and analysed by of wildlife was recorded.
University of Queensland placement student Rachel
Harris in October 2019 appears to indicate an overall Wildlife Queensland and Quoll Seekers Network
decreasing trend in occupancy of nest boxes by were awarded a Community Sustainability Action
brushtail possums, gliders and native bees during the Grant to undertake spotted tailed quoll focused
period 2016 – 2019 inclusive at the Greenwood Lakes community engagement and surveys (detection
study site. This pattern was shown to match a pattern dogs and infra-red camera) in the Mary River
of increasing mean annual temperature and decreasing Catchment.
total annual rainfall in Brisbane over the same time
period (Bureau of Meteorology (Archerfield weather
station). Wildlife Queensland will continue to monitor
these nest boxes learn more about how a changing
climate might affect glider. possum and native bee
populations in local bushland reserves.
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
PLATYPUSWATCH RICHMOND BIRDWING CONSERVATION
NETWORK
PlatypusWatch activities focused on the continuation
of environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring in The Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network (RBCN)
waterways across the greater Brisbane region for the continued working on the development and planning of
fifth straight year. The collection of five years of two major birdwing butterfly corridors; Woodford to
consistent data is providing Wildlife Queensland with Samford and Tamborine Mountain to Mount Cotton.
an accurate idea on the occurrence, and just as
importantly, the non-occurrence of platypus in the The RBCN team worked with Moreton Bay Regional
south east region. During the 2020 survey program, 49 Council Land for Wildlife team to identify strategic
sites across the Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Brisbane and properties for vine planting projects, however Covid-19
Logan local government areas were tested for reduced our ability to get vines in the ground during the
platypus DNA. mild autumn period. The physical planting of vines has
been postponed until the 2020-2021 financial year.
Findings (2020) are as follows:
Positive Samples (contain platypus DNA): 14 We have continued working with Logan City Council to
Negative Samples (did not contain platypus DNA): 33 plant and maintain birdwing butterfly vines at key
Equivocal results (trace amount of DNA): 2 locations within the Albert River catchment. Growing
vines in the Albert River Catchment is a integral part of
2020 eDNA survey was an important monitoring building a vine corridor to encourage Richmond Birdwing
period, providing an opportunity for Wildlife butterflies to move northwards from Tamborine
Queensland to learn the impact of the 2019 drought mountain.
on local know platypus populations. While it appeared
that platypus were missing form Kholo and Bundamba Richmond birdwings are always a popular subject for
Creeks, the scale of the project was too small to pick community presentations, 2019 was no different. RBCN
up an overall trend. Continued monitoring in the next committee members and Wildlife Queensland staff
few years will be necessary to gauge how the species spoke at numerous community meetings to discuss the
has fared. conservation of the species.
Information on platypus occurrence continues to be
utilized by local councils for future infrastructure
planning and mitigation.
Images © Matt CecilWILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 PROJECT FUNDING Wildlife Queensland Funding: Community Sustainability Action Grant - Detection dog surveys for Quolls - Mary Valley ($33,540) Stakeholder Funding (non-grant related): Logan City Council – Platypus eDNA survey 2020 ($6,134.15) Logan City Council – Detection Dog Survey for Spotted-tailed quoll ($11,139.70) Moreton Bay Regional Council – Platypus eDNA surveys 2020 ($3,555.75) Oxley Creek Catchment Association - Platypus eDNA surveys 2020 Oxley Creek ($1,082.40) STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS Wildlife Queensland continues to hold Department of Environment and Science Scientific Purpose Permit WA0009377, Animal Ethics Approval (through Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Animal Ethics) CA 2020/07/1395 and Scientific User Registration SUR000216. WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING The project team continued to provide opportunities and supervision for a number of university students. Alesia Dyer (University of Queensland), Rachel Harris (University of Queensland), Kathryn Costello (University of Queensland) and Gordon Gan (Griffith University) during the year. Projects worked on include brush-tail rock wallaby survey, spotted-tailed quoll, nest box monitoring and RBCN projects.
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 WILDLIFE AUSTRALIA MAGAZINE Michael Lusis, Chairperson Wildlife Australia Committee Wildlife Australia magazine was first published in 1963, a year after Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (Wildlife Queensland) was established. The magazine has continued to be published quarterly since 1963. Wildlife Australia reports on contemporary conservation and environmental issues for wildlife in Australia. The articles within Winter 2019, Spring 2019, Summer 2019, and Autumn 2020 editions were extremely informative and entertaining. Each article was crafted to align to the corresponding theme for that edition. Our readers appreciate the time and effort of the authors. Many are prominent scientists, conservationists, educators, and citizens. Together their articles about Australia’s native wildlife are profound and insightful. The commitment of the people involved in the publication is outstanding. Only the editor (Mike Sullivan) and designer (Deidre Lynch) received payment for each edition. Their fees are modest by publishing standards. Other financial considerations include the cost of printing (Platypus Graphics) and postage (Australia Post). Every article is sourced by our editor months in advance and the chosen authors receive our genuine thanks for their remarkable contribution. Jenny Thynne secured many of the marvellous photos from a variety of sources. The responsibility of proof-reading fell to the magazine’s editor and designer and three conscientious Wildlife Queensland members, being Jenny Curnow, Glen Fergus and Saren Starbridge. I am thankful to the Wildlife Australia magazine committee (Janelle Devery, Steve Homewood, Jo Towsey, Sue Ogilvie, and Peter Ogilvie), Jenny Thynne and the magazine distribution team (volunteers) for their contribution throughout the year. In December 2018, Wildlife Queensland established an agreement with Business Acumen. The agreement seeks to achieve a more favourable financial position for the magazine. It is important to note, Business Acumen has returned one-half of the editorial fees for the 2019/2020 editions to Wildlife Queensland (equal to $18000 for 2019/2020) as their donation towards the agreement. Wildlife Queensland thanks Mike Sullivan and Business Acumen for their thoughtful contribution. The magazine committee has prepared a Business Plan for 2020/2021. The State Council will decide on the financial planning strategies being proposed soon. It is important to highlight the contribution of subscribers to Wildlife Australia towards the fundraising efforts of Wildlife Queensland. Without subscribers, the campaign funds for conservation projects would fall to members and other supporters. While we may seek more members to be subscribers, we also need more subscribers to become members. Importantly, we need the members, subscribers, and supporters to help drive Wildlife Queensland’s wildlife conservation program. One of Wildlife Queensland’s key communication mediums is Wildlife Australia. The magazine is an important legacy left by the founders of Wildlife Queensland.
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
COMMUNICATIONS
Amanda Little, Communications & Marketing Officer
The Communications division is comprised of one part-time Communication Officer. The role is worked
over three days per week. The Communication Officer performs both a strategic and operational role, with
overall management and delivery of the Society’s communication strategy and planning. On a daily basis,
the Communication Officer manages the organisation’s social media platforms, website, monthly e-bulletin,
media releases and articles, promotions and competitions, events marketing and fundraising appeals.
Communication efforts are driven by the Wildlife Queensland’s overall mission, goals and objectives.
During the 2019-20 financial year, Wildlife Queensland’s Communications division focussed on three main
goals:
Grow our digital audience - focussing on social media and website audiences
Raise Wildlife Queensland’s profile - showcasing Wildlife Queensland’s organisational successes
Connect people and wildlife - delivering engaging, educational content
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Digital audience growth
Facebook:
Following increased from 7,119 to 9,217.
Total Facebook page ‘likes’ increased from 7,137 to 8,681.
Instagram:
Wildlife Queensland’s Instagram following more than doubled, up from 687 to 1,455.
Website:
Visitors to our website increased 88% compared with previous financial year
The number of pages viewed by each visitor increased 69%.
The period of time users actively engaged with the site (number of sessions) increased 83%.
WEBSITE UPGRADE
Considerable work has been made on a new, upgraded website. The new site will provide visitors with a
user-friendly structure and updated, educational content. The planned launch date is late 2020.
FUNDRAISING APPEALS
Due to the 2019-20 wildfires and COVID-19 pandemic, Wildlife Queensland decided it would be inappropriate
to run any official fundraising appeals. However, we received many generous donations from our members
and supporters to help bushfire-affected wildlife and end of financial year donations. We are incredibly
grateful for the ongoing support and generosity of our donors.
EVENTS
We ran five events during the 2018-19 financial year. A one-day ‘Protected Areas Matter’ symposium,
scheduledtearly 2020, was postponed due to COVID-19. We anticipate this event will run in early-mid 2021.
Wildlife Queensland 2019 Annual Dinner - 7 December 2019 - attracted 110 attendees.
Batty Boat Cruises. The season runs October - March each year. We ran three themed cruises during the season
with each cruise sold out (80 tickets max) weeks in advance of the event. Cruise themes:
Halloween Cruise (27 October 2019)
December/Xmas Cruise (15 December 2019)
February Valentines Cruise (2 February 2020)
Wildlife Queensland Father’s Day Weekend Sausage Sizzle - 31 August 2019 - Bunnings Manly West.WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
WEBINAR SERIES
The Communications division has incorporated webinars in the Society’s marketing communication strategy.
Webinars are powerful, versatile and relatively low-cost marketing tools. They give us the chance to build a more
personal relationship with our audience, delve deeper into the topics that concern them and build our brand as a
place people can come to for important info. Wildlife Queensland’s webinar series aims to:
raise awareness of threatened species and their habitat requirements
improve community knowledge and interest in wildlife
inspire individuals and communities to support their local wildlife
highlight Wildlife Queensland’s successes, and raise awareness of, and interest in supporting, Wildlife
Queensland’s work.
Wildlife Queensland surveyed members about webinar topics of interest. Our first webinar (whilst not in the
reporting period was held in July 2020) attracted 320 registrations and 149 attendees as well as overwhelmingly
positive feedback from attendees.
PROMOTIONS AND COMPETITIONS
Wildlife Queensland ran eight promotions during the year.
World Oceans Day sale: 25% off reusables and marine life book and journals: 8 June 2020
May Madness 28-hour sale: 20% off online store items: 30 May-1 June 2020
Easter Egg Hunt Competition: Virtual Easter egg hunt, fastest person wins an Easter prize pack: April 2020
Christmas 2019 store promotion: 20% off online store items: 23 November - 10 December 2019
Wildlife Australia Father’s Day Promotion: Purchase a 1- or 2-year print subscription to Wildlife Australia
magazine and receive a Batty Boat Cruise family voucher: 25 August - 1 September 2019
Annual Dinner Early Bird Ticket Prize giveaway: All Early Bird Ticket holders go into a draw to win a $100
Dymocks voucher: August 2019
2 for 1 Plastic Free July Promotion: Buy one reusable item from the Wildlife Queensland store, get 1 free: 24 -
31 July 2019
Plastic Free July Competition: tell us what you’re doing to reduce plastic waste this plastic free July and win a
reusables pack: July 2019
MY.WILDLIFE EBULLETIN
Communications division produces Wildlife Queensland’s free my.Wildlife e-bulletin. My.Wildlife is
distributed monthly via email to subscribers and includes the latest Wildlife Queensland campaign and project
news and updates, and well as event information, promotions, online store products and various branch news.
My.Wildlife subscriptions have increased 3% this year, from 5,001 to 5,143.
MEDIA RELEASES
Communications prepared and distributed 10 media releases to news outlets and journalists this year. The
purpose of all media releases is to promote Wildlife Queensland’s organisational successes, specific campaigns
and project work, and events. Media release topics included Wildlife Queensland’s quoll, glider and platypus
survey projects, plastics campaign and national parks campaign, and the Society’s annual dinner, symposium and
other events.
WORKING WITH WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND BRANCHES
Communications division has worked collaboratively with Wildlife Queensland branches to support and promote
branch successes, activities and campaigns.
Dedicated branch webpages on Wildlife Queensland website
Articles on the Wildlife Queensland website, in our monthly e-bulletin and Wildlife Australia magazine
Promotion of activities and campaigns across social media platforms
Graphic design support.WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
MEMBERS, BRANCHES &
ADMINISTRATION
Doreen Payne, Members & Branches Support Officer
The society lost a number of long term, valued and active members
this year. This is a great loss for family and friends as well as our
society which relies on these dedicated members to take the nature
conservation message to the community. They will be greatly missed.
The Toowoomba branch was experiencing difficulties getting a committee in 2019 but a new committee
was formed who will set about reorganizing the branch. Some branches made contact in the early stages
of the COVID restrictions asking for advice on running meetings, monthly talks etc. These have been
addressed with recommendations that were available
at the time. Townsville branch held their AGM in a local park maintaining social distancing. Please note
this was on the very first weekend before the stricter rules were introduced. Many branches were forced
to delay their Annual General Meeting due to Covid 19 but some managed to stage the event by social
distancing or through electronic means.
2019 Annual General Meeting & Southern Branches Get Together
The 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM) for Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland was held on
Saturday 7 September 2019 at Redland City Lions Club hall in Cleveland which proved to be a good
location with a large venue set in pleasant surroundings.
The event was attended by representatives from ten branches which was very good coverage for
this southern region of Queensland. Bayside branch, not surprisingly, had the highest representation.
Proceedings commenced with informative presentations from branches including Bayside, Brisbane,
Capricorn, Cassowary Coast, Gold Coast, Logan, Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Upper
Dawson. There was lively discussion about the reports regarding the achievements and how they
were obtained.
The AGM commenced with President, Peter Ogilvie, formally welcoming members and guests and
thanking staff for organising the event. He presented his report on the society’s activities and projects for
the 2019-2020 year and outlined future plans. The annual report, financial report, minutes of the last AGM
and branch reports were distributed. At the last AGM, the majority of Council positions were filled for a
period of two years. Only three positions were vacant and those were positions of councilors. Only one
nomination was received and that was for Paul Sutton who was elected.
ADMINISTRATION
Membership fees and member lists were distributed to all branches during the year. Member lists are
provided both when the membership fees are sent as well as on an ad hoc basis for a number of Branches.
Some branches are very good at following up members who slip behind. Matters relating to members and
Branches are many and varied. vents are seen as a good opportunity to advertise the society and its aims
and to attract members to the society and encourage subscriptions to Wildlife Australia. Branches have
struggled with the usual public apathy. It is difficult to gain members and to get the message out
particularly as media looks for sensationalism. A report on media coverage is included at the end of this
report.
Image © Doreen PayneWILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
The Batty Boat Cruises are an example of how head office and branches
work together to connect with members of the public in a way that is not
only educational but also fun. Head Office and Brisbane branch continue
to organise these trips. At the end of 2019 we ran a Halloween cruise in
October and a Christmas cruise in December. (See report on that cruise in
the March 2020 newsletter). We ran cruises on 2 February and 1 March
2020. All were very successful possibly due to the excellent advertising by
the Communications Officer.
The Wildlife Qld Newsletter is compiled and edited by the Membership Support Officer with assistance from
the Operations Manager. It is a connection between the Society and its members - being produced in both
electronic and hard copy print formats to cater for those who prefer either digital or who prefer more
traditional communication methods. Hard copies are included in the new member packs, distributed at
events and sent to branches for use at events. It incorporates wildlife/environmental stories, information
on head office and branch projects, campaigns and the Wildlife Land Fund Limited.
Members have been very generous with their time helping with the BBQ’s at Bunnings. These are small fund
raisers and an opportunity to have our name seen by members of the public. Any chance to raise awareness
of our aims and objectives is seen as a plus. The Wildlife Queensland fund raising events planned for 2020
were cancelled due to the Covid-19 virus.
A thank you lunch for volunteers was held following the December
Wildlife Australia magazine mailout. This annual celebration is to thank
the volunteers for their valuable work during the year. Volunteers are the
backbone of our society. Fund raising efforts in the office throughout the
year covered part of the costs involved to provide this lunch which was
attended by volunteers, staff and some councilors.
MEDIA
There was a very substantial decrease of media coverage on last year for all three categories. Fortunately,
the new year is looking much better.
The Communications Officer ensures we have good coverage on all social media – Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram. It is very difficult to get coverage in newspapers etc for environmental matters. We congratulate
those branches who maintain a presence
in their local newspapers. Statistics of media coverage that we are aware of are given below. However, it
is likely that other items have been missed particularly in regional papers.WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
Award for a Wildlife Queensland branch for community
ANNUAL AWARDS 2019-2020 engagement and /or education.
The Margaret Thorsborne Award acknowledges Capricorn Branch’s Mangrove Discovery Day
members who have made an outstanding
contribution to Wildlife Queensland, to conservation Capricorn Branch supported by the Fitzroy Basin
Association and Capricorn Coast and Catchments held a
and to the community.
Ross Creek Mangrove Discovery Day in April 2019. They
combined with the Yeppoon Inlet Association and
The winner was Steve Homewood from Bayside branch.
Capricorn Coast Landcare Group to showcase features and
values that mangrove communities provide.
Steve has been a stalwart member of Wildlife Queensland
serving as president of the Bayside Branch since 2002.
The event included Mangrove Discovery Walks around the
Steve’s steady and considered approach has helped guide
edge of the mangrove community, identifying and pointing
the branch to achieve many positive outcomes for wildlife.
out features of the 8 species of mangroves as well as
With a strong focus on education and dialogue Steve made other plants that are growing there. With a crowd of about
the branch an effective advocate. He is first to suggest 90 attending tours were staged sothat groups of about 15
to sit down and talk issues out and look for better people went on each tour. There was also an outdoor mini
outcomes for our wildlife though he is not shy of tough ampitheatre where participants were treated to an
action. During Steve’s leadership the branch has initiated a enthusiastic presentation by Dr John McGrath from
number of court cases that have achieved better Koorana Crocodile Farm on Flying Foxes and the
environmental outcomes and saved many hectares of ecological services they provide.
bushland.
The Discovery Day was a mini carnival with the Yeppoon
He has provided sound business acumen to ensure the Inlet Association, Capricorn Coast Landcare, Birdlife
branch is financially viable and able to respond to Capricornia, the FBA, CCC, a local bat carer group and
environment issues. Over the years the branch has WPSQ providing public education displays. Wildlife
delivered effective projects, such as seagrass and Officers from the Dept. of Environment & Science provided
mangrove monitoring. Whether these be the production of information on crocodiles and being “crocwise”. Basket
weaving with weedy vines was a hit with the children.
educational publications or it be writing a town planning
submission Steve has supported his peers and built a team
The Branch’s display featured aquariums with various live
whose collective effort has helped our wildlife. Steve leads
species of mangrove marine life including hermit crabs,
by example, he is there to setup displays, conduct a
mangrove snails, mud skippers and a beautiful pink
spotlighting activity and provide educational talks to the
mangrove lobster – a rarely seen mangrove inhabitant that
public. By the way, Steve provides a great talk on how to
burrows deep in the mangrove mud and seems to mostly
build a frog pond.
come out at night. This along with a nice size male mud
crab were stars of the mangrove critters display. The day
Steve is a true community leader and one with a genuine finished with a Crocodile Konga Line around the park and
passion to protect our wildlife. the liberation of the creatures (including the mud crab!)
from the Wildlife display back to their mangrove homes.
Images © WPSQ
Steve Homewood (Bayside Branch) Andrew Dinwoodie (Capricorn Branch)WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
OPERATIONS
Janelle Devery, Operations Manager
The role of Operations Manager entails overseeing the day to day administration of the Society as well as
contributing to the strategic decision making of the Management Team . Following is a brief outline of what the
role of Operations Manager has covered this year:
OPERATIONAL
Ensure all legal reporting requirements are met eg: Office of Fair Trading, REO & ACNC
WorkCover and insurances are adequate and current
Superannuation and tax reports/payments
Maintain operational, HR and OH&S policies
REPORTS
Provide monthly office/administration and operational reports to Council
Distribut divisional reports to Council prior to monthly meeting
Provide Council with quarterley statistical reports: membership, donations, subscriptions
HUMAN RESOURCES
Manage staff, consultants, contractors and volunteers
Issue contracts for Council approval prior to engagement or renewal of staff/contractors
Deliver induction and training including WH&S for the office
Respond to volunteer and/or employment opportunity enquiries.·
Liaise with staff to ensure volunteers have sufficient work and clear procedures
Assist projects team with events, workshops, open days, markets etc.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Manage regular day to day finances. We review our processes and make changes if required.
TRUSTS
Support the Margaret Thorsborne Trust, Gift Fund and Endangered Species Trust
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
Write and/or compile reports for Council meetings
Attend meetings - EMT, Wildlife Australia, staff and office
Acquisitions/purchasing
Liaise with stakeholders, graphic designers and printers
Database management
Provide administrative support to all divisions – Projects, Members and Branches, Policies and
Campaigns, Projects as well as the Wildlife Australia committee
Respond to all enquiries via email and/or phone.
INFORMATION TECNOLOGY
Provide ‘help desk’ support to staff and volunteers – responding to issues as they arise
Work with 1iCT (IT support) to determine issues and work on fixes.WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 2019 - 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW VOLUNTEERS It goes without saying that the Society could not run efficiently or effectively without dedicated staff and volunteers. When COVID saw us close the office to all but essential staff we felt the effects of the non- attendance of volunteers – not only for their contribution to our work but socially, too. We appreciate the happy, dedicated people who give their time to us and take on tasks with enthusiasm. It was a very quiet office without them. The commitment of volunteers never ceases to amaze me. Very special thanks to Doreen, who fits both bills – staff and volunteer. Her contribution to the smooth running of the office and working with the Branches is outstanding. Thanks also to our regular office volunteers: Warren, Beth, John, MaryAnn, Linda, Rensche, Steve and Jenny. All volunteers have their key areas for work – whether it is in admin, data entry, archiving, communications or projects. Each role is important to the efficiency of the office. A huge thank you to those willing members who always make themselves available to help at the mail-out of magazines, newsletters and major appeals—sometimes (usually) on short notice. Please accept my very sincere thanks for your willingness, flexibility and good humour that ensures smooth running on the day. I really do appreciate it. FUNDING In response to the devastating bushfires during the 2019-2020 summer, the Council made the decision to cancel the December (Christmas) appeal. The usual online appeal (March) was cancelled due to COVID - as was the June 2020 end of financial year appeal. Many of our supporters have been affected by both events and we felt it was the wrong thing to do to ask them for money. No appeals has, naturally, had a big impact on our finances. Nevertheless, we’ve just tightened our belts even more and continue as best we can to do our work and keep everything running smoothly. Our saving grace has been bequests. We have been fortunate to benefit from some substantial bequests. Bequest are often dollar amounts but sometimes property. This year we shared house and property bequest with Animals Australia and WWF. At the end of the the 2018-2019 financial year we sold the house and received our share early 2020. The house blocks are yet to sell. Other bequests have been received throughout the year. These seem to arrive at a time when we really need them! Our ‘adoptions’ are increasing in popularity as sustainable gift ideas. In April we added platypus to the range – just in time for Mother’s Day. This adoption is proving very popular – particularly for overseas gift giving. We take every opportunity to advertise these and include flyers in many of our mailings. ALL funds raised through these adoptions go to the projects and provide extra money for workshops and items not covered in grant funding. We have sourced gifts (tea towels/china plates/soft toys) at wholesale price to supplement adoptions. We have increased our range of general merchandise. And try to provide items that align with our projects and that can be posted economically. Amanda’s help with finessing the shop and adding postage calculation and marketing through Facebook, ebulletin etc. has contributed to our increased sales. Merchandise is not intended to bring in huge $$$ but is a method of increasing our reach. Many people purchase gifts online and we are just tapping into that market – particularly for Australian wildlife themed items. Some merchandise is made and donated by staff/volunteers. We also have businesses who have listed products with us and in return give us a commission or percentage of sales as a donation. Our most recent partnership (Rockin Roos) will provide us with 100% of profit from sales of their range. I would like to acknowledge our supporters who provide a percentage of their sales or provide discounts to our supporters. Pam McGrath donates 50% of sales from her amazing artwork; Compots Australia gives 10-15% discount and regularly gives Compots to us for raffle prizes; Pure Sands donates $1 per ring sold. Unfortunately, this partnership ended in early 2020. This year we were approached by Rockin Roos to offer us 100% of the profit on their Rockin Roo range. The Wildlife Protector Program donor numbers continue to decrease. In 2019 we negotiated with an external provider to develop a recurring payment option to increase monthly recurring donations. The aim was to have this completed early 2020 with an anticipated launch ate of March. The COVID pandemic has impacted on our agreement with this provider.
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020
EVENTS/FUNDRAISING
The 2019 Annual Dinner was held at the Indooroopilly Golf
Club on 7 December and attracted 110 people. Special
guest speaker, renowned palaeontologist Professor Mike
Archer from the University of NSW gave a fascinating
presentation on how the fossil record has vital information
about saving critically endangered species from climate
change, and his current project to save the Critically
Endangered Mountain Pygmy-possum.
In honour of Holly Bryant (Projects Manager) the 2019 Holly Bryant award was given to Jasmin Bourne. Jasmin
completed her work integrated learning/industry placement with us between August and November 2018, conducting
nest box surveys under the Queensland Glider Network banner. Her specific project aimed to develop a selection-
criteria to guide the prioritisation of new sites for nest box programs in urban bushland reserves. Jasmin delivered the
project outcomes to a high standard and continued to volunteer her time leading spotlight surveys beyond her
placement. The award was presented by Holly's family at the annual dinner.
We held 2 Bunnings BBQ’s in 2019. Unfortunately, the planned March BBQ at Manly West was cancelled (COVID) but
we received a generous donation of gift card (yet to be used) to compensate.
Our first major event planned for 2020 was a 1-day symposium
- Protected Areas Matter. The aim was to bring together some
of Australia’s top conservation and wildlife experts to explore
and discuss the importance of protected areas for wildlife
conservation. Speakers were to include: Martin Taylor, (WWF);
Katie Walters, (AMCS); Shauna Chadlowe, AWC); Darren Burns,
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC);
Peter Ogilvie, (WPSQ) and Marc Hockings, Emeritus Professor,
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences UQ; We had a full
house booked when we had to cancel due to COVID. We hope
to be able to go ahead with this event in 2021.
FUTURE PLANS
Document procedures and policies to support both the CRM and website (ongoing)
Work with Wildlife Australia committee and consultant (Business Acumen) to increase revenue, find
partnerships, advertising and marketing opportunities.
Actively seek out marketing opportunities for both the society and magazine
Work with Management Team and Communications Officer to develop events and marketing strategies to
increase awareness and to develop partnerships
Liaise with consultants as required for strategic planning, fundraising and events.WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 MANAGEMENT TEAM Des Boyland, Policies and Campaigns Manager Matt Cecil, Projects Manager Janelle Devery, Operations Manager The Management Team (MT) is comprised of the Operations, Projects and Policies and Campaigns Managers. The MT works at a strategic level with State Council to implement strategic planning and guide future directions for Wildlife Queensland, to seek funding from a variety of sources, to establishing a balanced work program in line with available funding and resources and devising strategies for succession planning within the office. The MT ensures procedures are in place for efficient and effective operations including: financial management; increasing support and participation within the organisation and from external stakeholders and communities; ensuring communications, publications and media comment reflects Wildlife Queensland policy and values and meets our standards and timelines; and by providing input, ideas and material into the production and development of the Society’s publications. The MT has a significant role in establishing links and procedures between our various activities, as well as information-sharing with external bodies. We strive to ensure strategies and procedures are in place to meet the demands of many different stakeholders so we can maintain effectiveness in achieving our objectives. The Operations Manager as part of the MT ensures our legal obligations are met, particularly in regard to the Register of Environmental Organisations and the Office of Fair Trading, and that the Society and its members and volunteers are protected with current and relevant insurances. The MT has worked together to ensure the health and safety of our staff and volunteers while continuing our work during enforced COVID restrictons. Initially the office worked with minimal staff – with staff having the option to work from home. Due to the size of the office we were able to maintain the required social distances. All signs and PPE (hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes, paper towels etc) were provided and signage displayed as per government recommendations. We asked volunteers and staff who would usually travel to the office via public transport to either work from home or come via personal transport (car).
WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 WILDLIFE LAND FUND Matt Cecil, Chairperson The Wildlife Land Fund Limited (WLFL) is a non-profit, limited guarantee, public company established in 2001. Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (Wildlife Queensland) founded WLFL and there continues to be strong links and ongoing support from Wildlife Queensland. WLFL membership for 2019/2020 totalled 68 individuals. WLFL has the following land under management: Bukkulla Conservation Park (1813 ha) near Marlborough in Central Queensland (WLFL is the sole trustee, the land is State owned) Witta Nature Refuge (7.3 ha) near Maleny in south-east Queensland (freehold, wholly owned) Neil Holloway Reesville Nature Refuge (15.3 ha) near Maleny in south-east Queensland (freehold, wholly owned) Weranga Scarps (30 ha) between Dalby and Tara in south western Queensland (freehold, property ownership transfer in progress) Significant Events 2019 / 2020 Financial Year Witta Nature Refuge Weed management contracts were issued to Natural Bushland Ecology for 2019/2020 to conduct work on the Witta Nature Refuge. Time was allocated toward weed management across select areas of the property including the northern sections of the property, targeting morning glory, lantana and site preparation for an assisted revegetation project. Funding from the Sunshine Coast Council through their voluntary conservation agreement (VCA) program has continued to greatly assist with the management of weeds on this property. Through a generous donation of funds from Conservation Volunteers Australia, WLFL were able to purchase 500 native trees for planting on the refuge. The Sunshine Coast Council through their VCA program provided some additional funds for Natural Bushland Ecology to plant the trees. The project site has been under ongoing rehabilitation since 2016 and the 500 plants will fast track the restoration of the property. Working Bees were once again a highlight for WLFL members, with two events held in the 2019/2020 FY. Covid-19 unfortunately limited opportunities for additional events.
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