Queens Jubilee - Wongabel Mabi Recovery

Queens Jubilee – Wongabel Mabi Recovery

Overview

Mabi forest is a Critically Endangered ecological community and provides habitat for threatened and endangered animal species. This 1/2 ha. area is adjacent to remnant Mabi Forest and part of a former forestry area, offering a precious opportunity to restore some of this rare ecosystem.

Professional preparation of the site for restoration is required, as tall weeds (Guinea Grass, Tobacco Bush, Lantana), rocks, star pickets and other obstructions make access impossible. 2000 locally native plants will be planted by TREAT volunteers in an event that will be used as an awareness campaign for The Queen’s Jubilee and for the unique Mabi forest. Local indigenous Elders will be partnered with for the events and monitoring.

Project activites

A commemorative event held within the Atherton community to attract attention and raise awareness of the Queen’s Jubilee. This event will higlight the tree planting event and raise awareness of this rare and unique Mabi forest type in our area.
Local community members and dignitaries will be invited to participate in the planting and commemoration ceremony.
Brief but informative presentations, a little quiz with prizes and giveaways will help to attract attention.
The site will be prepared professionally by local company – NQLMS (North QLD Land Management Services) in partnership with QPWS (QLD Parks and Wildlife Services) to make it accessible and safe for volunteers to attend the planting event.
Tall weed species such as Guinea Grass, Tobacco Bush and Lantana will be sprayed – the Guinea Grass then forming a valuable mulch layer for the planting.
Larger vegetation as well as rocks, star pickets and other obstructions will be removed with appropriate machinery before preparing the site and planting holes, adding
fertiliser and ensuring a reliable mulch layer.
The planting event will be used as a second awareness campaign for both the Queen’s Jubilee and Mabi forest.
The local volunteer group TREAT will be planting the prepared tube-stock; local indigenous elders will be invited to offer a Welcome to Country and take part in the
planting and monitoring of the site.
In partnership with the local land management service provider, QPWS and indigenous groups, we will monitor the site and organize water or weed management if needed.
The planting will be scheduled for North Queensland’s wet season to decrease the need for watering.
Best practices for preparation, planning of the planting with correct density and the use of mulch will minimize the need for ongoing weed management. Previous careful plantings in this area have provided excellent results – surpassing expectations.