Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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site specific
region wide
Striking gold
Decrepit mine shafts, an old smelter and a dam are all that remains of what was one of the richest goldmines in Queensland - Cumberland Mine, near Georgetown. Yet the site is still rich in biodiversity and is one of the last places in the region where the striking Gouldian Finch has been seen.
Funding
A bird sanctuary has flourished out of the heavily excavated dam, which was constructed in the 1880s by horse-drawn implements, and is now protected thanks to more than $14,000 from the Australian Government.
Activities
Using manual labour, just as the 19th century dam builders did before mechanised earthmoving machinery was available, the Etheridge Shire Council and local volunteers have enclosed the site with a 2.4 kilometre three-strand wire fence. This prevents further degradation by livestock and also allows native grass to regrow and filter silt from topsoil and manure sediments.
A cattle grid was installed to allow human visitors while excluding stock. The cattle's taste for the palatable water lilies on the dam has meant that they were usually eaten out by mid year. As result, the shade on the water reduced, temperatures rose, evaporation increased and habitable life in the dam decreased. Cattle movements in the water and around the edges while drinking had also increased the turbidity, degrading the dam further.
Achievements
The 20 hectare site has now returned to its open woodland state with the help of plantings of native trees and grasses - including Red Bloodwood, Corkwood wattle, Sandpaper Fig and Button Grass. All exotic tree species have been removed.
Project manager Allan Smith said the replanting had been followed by an increase in both the variety of bird species and the time they stayed in the area.
"Visiting bird watchers recently created a list of bird species seen at the site and these records will be updated," he said.
"The renewed reputation of the quality of the site has resulted in more bird-watcher visitors to the dam.
"It is one of the last areas in this region where the Gouldian Finch is regularly seen and it has a reputation among the bird watching community for the range of bird life present. Overseas travellers have heard of the site and regularly visit it."
More information
- Allan Smith, Etheridge Shire Council: (07) 4062 1479 or rlo@etheridge.qld.gov.au
See also
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