Bonny Glen Mud Springs Integrated Pest Management

This project involved fire, weed and feral animal management using integrated control techniques which complemented each other. The partnerships formed from the project will have lasting benefits for Gummi Junga by combining traditional knowledge with contemporary methods, and also legislative requirements for looking after country. The project was funded through the Department of Environment and Heritage, through the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Grant Program, with Cape York NRM hosting the project.

Bonny Glen Station is a 146,000ha Pastoral Lease held by the Traditional Owners. Pastoral activities and agistment of cattle are the primary activity and income. The entire Palmer River Catchment, which Bonny Glen has a pivotal position in, has significant and diverse land management issues from historical overgrazing and mining activities.

The Bonny Glen Mud Springs Integrated Pest Management Project was initiated by Gummi Junga and a great strength of the project were the dedication of Gummi Junga, the supporting networks including the Cape York NRM staff and the Regional Landcare Facilitator as well as the training provided through Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Inc. 

This project involved:

• Fencing of Mud Springs cultural heritage site to protect from the impact from feral animals using the site for a watering point is preservation of a cultural heritage site and also imparted new knowledge on how to fence out feral animals and protection of sites that have become watering points for feral animals.
• Control of extensive sicklepod forests and other invasive weeds including rubber vine and Caltrope
• Training and new skills development for some members of the Gummi Junga in identification of weed species and methods of control.
• Controlled burning to protect Bonny Glen from late season wildfires