Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

25. Yowah Creek (Eulo – Thargomindah Road)
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: M508
PRIORITY SPECIES: Unknown
RATING: AREA OF HIGH GEOLOGICAL VALUE
SHIRE COUNCIL: PAROO SHIRE
The Yowah Creek site is where a fault line runs in a westerly direction along the
stock route from Eulo and crosses Yowah Creek. Records show that this site
contains mound springs, but the majority are mud springs with a dried surface which
is easily penetrated revealing viscous, grey mud. The mounds stand between two to
three metres in height, and have a circular base with a diameter of approximately 10
– 20 metres. Little or no water seeps from the majority of the mounds, but they are of
geological interest and a tourist attraction.
THREATS: The threats to this site, such as water draw-down, are unknown.
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: There is no current management at this site. Some of
the other springs close to Eulo are fenced-off, but the majority are not.
RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that the spring on the eastern side of
Yowah Creek be re-fenced (it had been fenced off many years ago and has since
fallen into disrepair), as it appears to be a spring with different characteristics and
has held water. It would also be advisable to make sure that visitor management to
the springs in the area limits any potential negative impacts.
Sites recommended for further research
26. Murra Murra
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: U527
PRIORITY SPECIES: Unknown
RATING: FURTHER RESEARCH
SHIRE COUNCIL: PAROO SHIRE
This site is a potential biodiversity hotspot that warrants further research, as it has a
number of natural values but no confirmed sightings of priority species.
The site adjoins the properties of Murra Murra and Bendee Downs, which are owned
by the Kooma Traditional Owners and have part of their area dedicated as a nature
refuge and an indigenous protected area. There is also a rich cultural heritage
throughout the area.
Priority species that could occur at this stock route site are yakka skink (Egernia
rugosa), diamond firetail (Stagonopleura guttata), and painted honeyeaters
(Grantiella picta). Major Mitchell’s cockatoos (Lophochroa leadbeateri) are frequently
sighted along this stock route, but as stated for the Angelalla biodiversity hotspot (site
20, pp. 92-94), given the mobility of this species it is difficult to identify their hotspots
unless nesting sites can also be identified.
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