Over the past 12 months, the Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation’s Djaa Narawi Rangers and Caring for Country team have been working alongside BMRG to tackle 20 hectares of invasive weeds across six priority islands in the Great Sandy Strait.
Working on these remote islands is no easy task. The Rangers have put in plenty of hard yakka in difficult conditions, carefully treating weeds to give the native vegetation the space it needs to recover. This work is helping to improve habitat, support natural regeneration and reduce pressure on these sensitive island ecosystems.
The Great Sandy Strait is a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance and a major feeding ground for migratory shorebirds. It also provides important habitat for turtles, dugongs, fish and a wide range of other wildlife.
These islands also hold deep cultural significance for Butchulla people as stepping stones to K’gari. Restoring their condition supports both the ecological health of the Great Sandy Strait and the continuation of caring for Country by Traditional Owners.
A huge shout-out to the BNTAC Rangers for their commitment, persistence and care throughout this work. They’ve faced walls of lantana and forests being swallowed by vine weeds. Removing weeds isn’t always a walk in the park, but each weed removed is another step towards healthier islands and stronger native habitat—and the team have definitely had some laughs and learnt loads along the way!
There is plenty more work ahead, but the progress made over the past year is already helping to heal Butchulla Country and protect these important island landscapes for future generations.
This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by BMRG, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel, in partnership with BNTAC.