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Conserving artesian springs in Western Queensland
Around a hundred years ago Afghan traders planted date palms for fresh food supplies on their long dry treks. These have now evolved into an oasis standing at the edge of the Simpson Desert.
The palms surround some of the artesian springs that rise between the desert sand dunes and the Channel Country of Western Queensland.
Recognised for their rarity, the springs occur on two neighbouring properties owned by the North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCO). They are part of the Mulligan River Nature Refuge, Australia's largest nature refuge, formed in 2005 when the company signed an agreement with the Queensland Government to protect the area.
"The springs are really quite remarkable," said Delphine Bentley, NAPCO's Corporate Development General Manager. "They just come out of the ground in a number of places. Some of them are quite small and ephemeral, but others are large permanent water sources.
"They're environmentally and culturally important and over the years would've been an important source of water for Indigenous communities and cameleers as well as European settlers."
But cattle have also appreciated the cool waters. Their unfettered access to three of the key springs on 'Glenormiston' has caused considerable damage. The springs' walls and surrounding plants have been trampled, sedimentation has increased and algal blooms have even been found.
Funding and activities
With the help of more than $48,000 from the Australian Government and the support of Desert Channels Queensland, NAPCO has taken steps to protect the rare environment. It has fenced off the three springs most threatened by cattle and is erecting replacement bores on stable soils as far as possible away from the springs.
To ensure low maintenance on this isolated part of the property, the bores are designed to be completely self-sufficient with the water being brought up by solar-powered pumps.
"We've changed the way we manage this area so the springs can return to the way they were," said Delphine. "They're habitat for unusual reeds and sedges and in a recent bird survey we found around 80 species of birds.
"These ranged from Emus and Wedge-tailed Eagles to small birds like the Red-backed Kingfisher and White-winged Fairy Wren.
"By removing stock from the springs we expect in time to see these unique ecosystems and sites rehabilitated and conserved. It will take some time, but even after only eight months since fencing the area, people have been surprised to see the regeneration already taking place."
More information
- Delphine Bentley, NAPCO Corporate Development General Manager: dbentley@napco.com.au
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