Why is September 7 Threatened Species Day?

Because on that day in 1936 the last Tasmanian Tiger died in Hobart Zoo.

The fate of the Tasmanian Tiger reminds all of us of the importance of looking after threatened species. We have two local species which are under threat and need better protection. The first is Irwin’s ‘bum-breathing’ turtle found only in small areas of suitable habitat in the Burdekin River Basin. One of these habitats is in the Broken River where Urannah Dam is being proposed. The other species is the Eungella honeyeater currently listed as near-threatened.

What is Bimblebox?

Bimblebox Nature Refuge is a peaceful 8000 hectare sanctuary in central-west Queensland.

Bimblebox is a wonderful example of remnant semi-arid woodlands with an understorey largely made up of native shrubs and grasses, and is home to a rich diversity of birds, reptiles and other animals.

In May 2011 a flock of endangered Black Throated Finch (Poephila cincta cincta) was sighted on Bimblebox, which has been confirmed by Birds Australia.

The Black-throated Finch is a small (up to 12cm), sleek and stocky bird. It has a thick, black bill and a black eye line which makes them appear to be wearing wrap-around sunglasses. They have a pale blue-grey head, cinnamon-brown body, black tail and black bib which extends down to the breast, earning them the nickname Parson Finch. Photo: Annette and Ray Sutton. Source: http://www.blackthroatedfinch.com

Bimblebox threatened by a plan to build largest open cut mines on earth

The peaceful refuge that is Bimblebox is threatened by a plan by mining billionaire Clive Palmer’s Waratah Coal to build the Galilee Coal Project (formerly known as ‘China First’).

The Environmental Impact Statement outlines a proposal to extract 40 mega-tonnes of coal per year.

The coal would be transported on a yet-to-be-built 468km rail line up to Abbot Point and shipped through the Great Barrier Reef on its way to China where it will be burnt for energy generation.

The ambitious and polluting plan has not yet received formal government approval, which means there is a still a chance to stop it.

It is outrageous and absurd that in the 21st Century, with all that we know about Australia’s biodiversity crisis and the threat of climate change, that a protected area rich in biodiversity and with carbon stores intact could be sacrificed for the sake of producing more climate changing coal.

Phone: (02) 6277 2276 or (03) 5979 3188

Check out the Bimblebox Nature Reserve website: http://bimblebox.org/

A rare and unique bird, the Eungella Honeyeater, urgently needs its habitat protected from mining and logging if it is to survive. 

The Eungella Honeyeater (scientific name Lichenostomus hindwoodi) is one of the last new species of birds discovered in Australia, identified only in the early 1980s as being a different species to the more common Bridled Honeyeater. 

The only place the Eungella Honeyeater can be found is in a small area of plateau rainforest in the Clarke Range, about 65 km west of Mackay. 

The Eungella Honeyeater cannot be found anywhere else in Australia and is currently listed as being “near-threatened”. 

‘Eungella’ is an aboriginal word meaning ‘mountains of the mist’ – which perfectly describes its habitat.

Act now - email the Minister to protect the habitat of the Eungella Honeyeater.

One of the most beautiful and largest coastal Wetlands in Queensland is in real danger of permanent damage as a result of the expansion of the Abbot Point Coal Ports, associated rail links and industrial development in the adjacent Abbot Point State Development Area.

Are you looking for a unique Christmas or birthday gift that also helps preserve on of Queensland's most precious nature reserves?

Long time Mackay Conservation Group supporter, Maureen Cooper, has made these beautiful brooches and stuffed toys of the birds and insects found at the Bimblebox nature reserve. You can have  your own for only $20, and all of the proceeds go the fight to save Bimblebox from Clive Palmer's China First mine.

Pictured right is a Kingfisher, and there are three species of Kingfisher at Bimblebox – Sacred, Forest and Red-backed.

To buy your own Bimblebox baby go to: http://bimbleboxcritters.wix.com/creatures

On October 9, Mackay Conservation Group released their alarming report on the state of Mackay's air quality, to a national audience.

The report included comprehensive data analysis by MCG Co-ordinator Patricia Julien who examined State government air quality data from their monitoring station in West Mackay.

The Australian reported on the story: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/mackay-dust-pollution-hazardous-study/story-fn3dxiwe-1226735222051 .

And follow this link to download the report.

Air quality standards in Australia lag behind the rest of the world, which is why we need strong local voices to ensure the health of our community is protected. The picture below shows coal dust from a train that is coming in the ports at Hay Point.

Health impacts of air pollution

The people of the Mackay region face a huge expansion of coal ports at Hay Point and Abbot Point to become the largest coal export ports in the world. They will affect larger coastal populations more than in the past when they were much smaller. 

Both coal and health monitoring standards and other requirements need to improve to prevent long-term social and natural capital losses and landscape scale pollution that will be permanent.