Violet Vale Station Wetlands Fencing Project

Violet Vale Station contains 1,896 hectares of wetlands that are listed as wetlands of National significance in the Department of Environment’s Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia. Violet Vale borders Rinyirru National Park, hosts Wetlands of National Significance and is home to the endangered Red Goshawk.

The most significant threat to the wetlands was the presence of uncontrolled cattle, both feral and domestic. It was estimated that there was approximately 1000 head of feral cattle on Violet Vale. During the Dry, the majority of these cattle would migrate to the project area as the wetlands in other parts of the property dry up. 

Project planning discussions commenced with the landholders and Cape York NRM, and by October 2015, a 39.7km cattle proof fence was complete and enclosed the area of the significant wetlands.  A muster of feral cattle was then undertaken with a total of 83 feral cattle captured. Following musters for feral cattle out of the area will reoccur. 

A biodiversity survey was also undertaken of the Violetvale wetlands with partnership with CSIRO and JCU. Project 'Wetland Surveys For Aquatic Biodiversity at Violet Vale Station'.