Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Plate 31. Native liquorice flower (Photo: B. Walsh).
THREATS: The major threats to Lake Dartmouth are overgrazing from cattle and
goats, and habitat degradation by weeds. Predation from feral cats, foxes and dogs
is a threat to other fauna that are attracted to the area during and after floods.
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: The site is being managed by the adjoining
landholders, and is now a nature refuge.
RECOMMENDATIONS: The stock route that crosses this site is classified as active,
and traverses the northern end of the lake. It is recommended that droving permits
emphasise expedient crossing of this section of the lake system, and prohibit the
overnight camping of stock along this section in order to maintain water quality and
prevent overgrazing of bluebush (Chenopodium auricomum). It would be of benefit if
the section of stock route that traverses the lake could also be included in the
management of the nature refuge management, especially in respect to the control of
pests and weeds.
The threat of predators to ground-nesting birds from feral cats, foxes and dogs can
be addressed by co-operative pest and weed management between the adjacent
landholders, Quilpie Shire Council and DERM. Although feral goats and rabbits also
have the potential to impact on vegetation, the current practice of goat harvesting
appears to be keeping goats under control.
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