Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Site 5. Womalilla Creek (Off the Warrego Highway)
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: P002
PRIORITY SPECIES: Plants:
womal (Acacia maranoensis).
RATING: BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
SHIRE COUNCIL: ROMA REGIONAL COUNCIL
This site is at a dead-end section of stock route that leads to a watering point on
Womalilla Creek. There is a healthy riparian flat and womal (Acacia maranoensis)
scattered over a wide area mixed with diverse number of plants including river red
gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). During the field visit there was also a number of
bird species observed, including the largest flock of plum-headed finches (Neochmia
modesta) sighted during the project (approximately 100 birds).
THREATS: The major threats to this site are overgrazing by cattle, habitat
degradation by weeds, and inappropriate fire regime.
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: None.
RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that droving permits should emphasise
no camping stock at this site over night. (This does not appear to be occurring at
present).
As previously mentioned for the Ooline Park biodiversity hotspot (page 61), the P002
stock route is a special case because of the convergence of all stock along this
section en-route to Roma market. The Roma Regional Council is already giving this
stock route additional attention, and as for Ooline Park, a comprehensive zoned
management plan is recommended (see page 63). Care needs to be taken with any
stock route / road management that burns the verge, in order to protect the
regeneration of the womal trees.
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