Keep Sandgate Beautiful Association Inc (KSBA) will host its popular kangaroo walk at the Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve this month.
Nature enthusiasts joining the walk will gain insights from special guest Dr Elizabeth Brunton, a Research Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
KSBA President Jenny Carey said the walk was a great opportunity to ask Dr Brunton about kangaroos, adding to the enjoyment of the morning.
“Fingers crossed we’ll see some kangaroo families with the beautiful joeys that appeared after last summer’s good rain,” Jenny said.
Dr Brunton, an ecologist, said her research focused on the human impacts on wildlife, particularly eastern grey kangaroos in urban environments.
“I’m happy to share my knowledge of kangaroo ecology and behaviour and the risks the kangaroos face here in South East Queensland,” Dr Brunton said. “I’m also looking forward to meeting the local residents at the walk and learning more about the issues that kangaroos face in their area.”
An In-Depth Look at Local Wildlife
Jenny said this was the fourth year KSBA had participated in planning meetings for the Gateway Motorway Upgrade with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
“Our role has been to advocate for the protection of the wetland environment’s native fauna and flora that will be impacted by the construction of new roadways between Bracken Ridge and the Pine River,” she said.
“The upgrade will mean the clearing of twenty hectares of Tinchi Tamba Wetlands, adjacent to Ramsar classified environments and home to endangered fauna and flora species as well as the population of eastern grey kangaroos.”
A TMR spokesperson said the department recognised the area was home to many plants and animals and was highly valued by the local community.
“Concerns from local community groups like KSBA have centred around minimising impacts to environmental and natural areas, supporting fauna connectivity and opportunities for local planning or improvement of existing local reserves,” the spokesperson said.
“During construction, TMR will implement a range of measures to protect and preserve the natural environment as much as practically impossible.
“These include no-go zones identified on construction plans and clearing limits, fauna spotters onsite, sequential clearing practices to allow fauna to safely move out of impacted areas, erosion and sediment controls to minimise impacts to local waterways, installing fauna fencing between the Gateway Motorway and Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve, and other natural environment areas, as early as possible to limit opportunities for fauna to access work zones and the road corridor.”
Once construction is complete, TMR will incorporate fauna underpasses, permanent fauna fencing and fauna furniture, along with offset planting in accordance with legislative requirements.
To book a place on the Kangaroo Walk, email ksbainc@gmail.com.
Roo Walk with KSBA and Dr Brunton
- Saturday, 12 October, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve (meet beside car park)
- Wyampa Road, Bald Hills
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