Caring for Country on Guwawenewa (Goat Island)
Worked closely in collaboration with traditional owners to enhance and restore the ecological and cultural values of Guwawenewa (Goat Island).
Caring for Country on Guwawenewa (Goat Island). Healthy Land & Water staff assess weed impacts on Goat Island.
This project assisted in traditional landcare practices by providing data and science support on Guwawenewa (Goat Island).
The project involved supporting the Quandamooka People through QYAC to undertake the restoration of Guwawenewa through weed removal and the regeneration of native plants. This work aimed to protect and enhance the ecological and cultural values of the island. Project works also benefited habitat for shorebirds and other unique fauna found on this small coral cay.
Located within the Moreton Bay Ramsar site, Guwawenewa supported an impressive array of native plant species. The island provided important habitat and roosting areas for migratory and local shorebirds and was teeming with a diversity of coral in the surrounding waters.
Weeds were threatening the island’s ecosystem and reducing the value of the island as a shorebird roosting site. The Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), through the Quandamooka Aboriginal Land and Sea Management Agency, led the restoration works to restore this special part of Quandamooka Country.
What we did
- Weed removal works using sensitive, chemical-free techniques are being led by QYAC Rangers, supported by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
- Activities conducted over three years.
QYAC rangers and Healthy Land & Water staff arrive at Goat Island, a coral cay in Moreton Bay.
Measuring success
Due to this restoration work in collaboration with the Quandamooka Aboriginal Land and Sea Management Agency, we were able to clear weeds to improve the fauna and flora values of the island and help the Quandamooka Yooloobuurabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) secure their land's future.
Why this project is important
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Guwawenewa is a coral cay in Quandamooka Country (Moreton Bay), covered in a diverse array of native vegetation. The island provides important habitat and roosting areas for migratory and local shorebirds. A recent flora survey conducted by the project team revealed an impressive diversity and richness of native species, with 39 native species identified, some of which are uncommonly found on Moreton Bay’s islands. Weeds such as asparagus fern, prickly pear, lantana, mother of millions, corky passionflower, and mile-a-minute are threatening the island’s ecosystem and reducing the value of the island as a shorebird roosting site. |
Project snapshot
| Project name: | Caring for Country on Guwawenewa |
| Project manager: | Chelsea Kluske, Healthy Land & Water |
| Catchment: | Moreton Bay |
| Timing: | 2020 - 2023 |
| Partnerships: |
This project was supported by Healthy Land & Water through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. This project was delivered in collaboration with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and the Quandamooka Aboriginal Land and Sea Management Agency |
| Related Articles: |
What's next
There is huge potential to build on the successful work. Future funding is required to build on project successes.
Project collaborators
The Caring for Country on Guwawenewa supports the QYAC mission to plan, manage, and protect the Quandamooka Estate.
