Volunteers

Cape Moreton Information Centre Program:  MIPC has a program with QPWS whereby members staff the Cape Moreton Information Centre (pictured above) on one weekend per month during the year. A volunteer weekend at Cape Moreton involves 4-5 participants travelling to the Island on the MICat barge on Friday (either morning or evening, whichever best suits the group) spending the weekend at the Cape Information Centre flat and returning on Sunday afternoon. Each person is required to be 'on duty' for at least six hours over the weekend and, as they are assuming the role of a public official, need to be aware of their responsibilities as regards standard of conduct. All volunteers have to read and sign a Volunteer Agreement, and a manual is provided plus a short induction session to familiarise them with their duties.

North Point Regeneration Project:  In 2007 MIPC successfully applied to the Australian Government Envirofund for a grant to undertake the regeneration of North Point, an area degraded due to the long term presence of a 'squatters' camp', now removed. Part of the area has been developed by QPWS as a public campground, with the remainder being allowed to return to its natural state. The project aimed to identify and eliminate the pest plants which were established there due to the illegal habitation, and replant where required with native species using volunteer labour. The funds provided by Envirofund covered transport costs to get volunteers to this remote site, including barge fares from the mainland, and 4WD vehicular transport to North Point.

This project was expected to be conducted over an 18-month period and commenced in February 2008 but was extended to Dec 09 due to the oil spill which denied us access to the site at North Point. Plans for large groups camping at North Point proved to be difficult to organise so most of the work was done by small groups staying at the flat at the Information Centre. There were 3 weekends when 10 more volunteers were brought over by Goanna Adventures which gave us generous discounts on their usual rates. Volunteers were expected to work for at least four hours per day as their contribution to the project.

A plant nursery was commenced three years ago at North Point using MIPC volunteer labour under the supervision of QPWS rangers. This now provides native plants for use in the regeneration of the campground and other degraded areas.

MIPC acknowledges support received from MICat ferries for providing discount barge fares for volunteers, and to Alan Genninges of Moreton Experience for transport.

The final report has been produced - click here.

Pest plants of Nth Pt. - click here.

Cane Toad Watch: In the aftermath of the oil spill there has been a heightened fear of the introduction of cane toads onto the island. Isolated specimens have been found but to date, as far as is known, they have not been breeding but all must remain vigilant.

To hear the sound of a calling toad click here.

See Amphibians of Moreton Island below for Moreton Island frogs and their calls.

Listing of Moreton Island flora and fauna are:

Amphibians of Moreton Island

Fish of Moreton Island

Flora of Moreton Island

Mammals of Moreton Island

Reptiles of Moreton Island

Weeds of Moreton Island

Seagrass Watch: MIPC members are also involved in a worldwide program of seagrass monitoring. Three times a year a site off the western beach of the Little Sandhills is monitored at low tide for seagrass health and cover. Thanks to the Tangalooma Resort for provision of transport to and from the mainland to the site for our volunteers.

Want more information, or to sign up?

Email: mipcvolunteers@moretonisland.org.au or call MIPC message bank 07 3321 1463 and leave your name and phone number.

For dates of upcoming volunteer weekends and other activities go to What's On