The Marlborough serpentine ecosystems form a very important part of
the biodiversity of the Fitzroy Basin, and are very significant at
a state and national level. The Marlborough Hills support about 20
species of endemic plants and some 13 plants classified under State
legislation. Conservation of this landscape is difficult. The soil
and rock supporting these ecosystems are highly mineralised and
consequently most of the area is under mining tenures.
Earlier surveys have identified plant communities and species of
conservation and scientific significance and have provided input
towards management planning by local government. This project
aims to refine the existing mapping and to facilitate improved
management, especially by local councils.
The study area is situated north of Rockhampton and the Tropic of
Capricorn. It extends from just north of the township of
Marlborough south-east to about Yaamba.
The project is being conducted by CQU’s Centre for
Environmental Management and involves:
- Identification of existing habitats for each species and
delineation of search areas.
- Systematically surveying each area on foot
- Recording the location of target species using GPS and confirming
species identification with the Qld Herbarium
- Producing maps of the distribution of each species for distribution
to local government for inclusion in planning processes.
For further information on this project contact Dr Alistair Melzer,
Centre for Environmental Management, Central Queensland University
on 07 4923 2297 or email
a.melzer@cqu.edu.au
Volunteer field workers conducting vegetation surveys were key to
the success of this project.
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Hendry.
