COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY transfer

COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY transfer Program 9 of the Rainforest CRC

coordinates the Centre’s communication, training and technology transfer activities, including internal and external communications, information and data collection for reporting, production of informative products including technical reports, organisation of events including workshops, demonstrations, official launches, domestic and international conferences, and coordination of research support funding for its registered postgraduate students.

Following initial discussions in 2003/2004, the Centre’s publications series was revamped to include emerging best-practice manuals and special reports to better focus Rainforest CRC outcomes to relevant management agencies, stakeholders and community members. A total of seven individual items were published as part of the publications series this year.

Left: (Top) Following a successful launch in Cairns in December 2004, the spectacular hardcover Yalanji Waranga Kaban: Yalanji People of the Rainforest Fire Management Book was honoured with the prestigious Cooperative Research Centres Association Award for Excellence in Innovation in May 2005 (Image courtesy of Shot on Site Photographics). (Centre) Some of the Main Roads Strategic Alliance road ecology researchers at a meeting held in Cairns in May 2005. The Alliance has set about to expand on roads research and apply it to current and future roads planning, construction and maintenance in the Wet Tropics region (Image courtesy of Shannon Hogan). (Bottom) Program 3 researcher, Sarah Boulter of Griffith University, featured on Totally Wild following the first Open Day held at the Australian Canopy Crane in 2004 (Image courtesy of Sarah Boulter).

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2004-2005 Annual Report

communication, education and technology transfer

Coordination of Major Events and ActivitiesIn addition to workshops and seminars conducted by researchers of the eight central research programs funded by the Rainforest CRC, Program 9 coordinated a number of major activities through the year.

August 2004 Public Demonstration/Workshop

Australian Farm Forestry Financial Model

Researchers of Project 5.3 Social and Economic Aspects of Reforestation hosted a free, hands-on demonstration of the Australian Farm Forestry Financial Model at James Cook University’s Cairns Campus. The computer package was developed following extensive research into the options available to small-scale farm forestry investors. The workshop was well received, with attendance by forestry researchers, private landholders and staff of the Rainforest CRC and James Cook University.

Dr Nick Emtage (far left) demonstrated the Australian Farm Forestry Financial Model with interested community members from

Cairns in August 2004 (Image courtesy of Bob Maczkowiack).

August 2004 Public Lecture

How Many Species Will Survive the 21st Century?

Around fifty guests attended the special public lecture presented by prominent American scientist, Dr Peter Raven, hosted by the Rainforest CRC. The lecture raised issues directly relating to the Wet Tropics regional area, noting that despite current efforts to preserve areas such as the Wet Tropics, further work was still required if future generations were to enjoy and learn from the regional environments as we have – a reoccurring common theme known only too well by environmentalists, conservation groups and the community in general.

November 2004 Joint Conference

Healthy Country, Healthy Reef

Held in late November in Cairns, the Joint Conference with CRC Reef showcased the Catchment to Reef Joint Program and provided the Rainforest CRC with a unique opportunity to explore options for the future of

CRC research following the official close of operations in June 2006. Over two hundred delegates participated in case studies, workshops and forums over three days. Forty delegates opted to attend field trips as part of the Catchment to Reef focus. A number of invited speakers representing different sectors presented new scientific information or provided stakeholder comments and ideas. Community members joined industry personnel, private and government employees, Traditional Owners and scientists in presenting and discussing practical initiatives being used to improve water quality within the north Queensland region.

December 2004 Product Launch

Yalanji Waranga Kaban: Yalanji People of the Rainforest Fire Management Book

A culmination of nearly ten years’ research undertaken by Dr Rosemary Hill and her research team, the hard cover book was officially launched by Traditional Owners of the Daintree rainforest in Cairns. The publication boasts spectacular artwork and photography to complement personal recollections, stories and recorded history of the Yalanji people of the rainforest, written in both English and Yalanji language. Invited guests joined Traditional Owners and their families in a massive celebration to witness the special milestone and were treated to live dance performances. Research leading to the publication was partnered by the Rainforest CRC, Cape York Land Council, Wujal Wujal Community Council and Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku with support from the Australian Conservation Foundation, Natural Heritage Trust, James Cook University and publisher Little Ramsay Press.

(From left) Dr Rosemary Hill of the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), who led the Yalanji Fire Management Book project

team; co-author Eileen Walker of the Wujal Wujal Language Group, who assisted with translation; and Leah Talbot of ACF, also a co-author

(Image courtesy of Sue Hayes).

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Invited guests, Traditional Owners and their families filled the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron club house in December 2004 to witness the special milestone for Yalanji people, and were treated to dance

performances by Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Dancers, led by their chairperson, Mr Edward Barney (Image courtesy of Sue Hayes).

March 2005 Product Launch

Culturally and Environmentally Appropriate Economies for Cape York Peninsula

The Rainforest CRC again joined forces with the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation to launch the official proceedings of an Appropriate Economies Roundtable held in Cairns in November 2003. Edited by Dr Rosemary Hill and Associate Professor Steve Turton, the report identifies possible drivers for economic development on Cape York including nature-based and cultural tourism, cultural industries, protected area and land and sea management. Speakers at the launch included Professor Ian Lowe, President of ACF and Mr Richard Aken, Chair of Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation.

April 2005 Product Launch

The Wet Tropics Aboriginal Cultural and Natural Resource Management Plan

Researchers and staff of the Rainforest CRC joined Aboriginal, political and community leaders of northern Queensland to officially launch Caring for Country and Culture: The Wet Tropics Aboriginal Cultural and Natural Resource Management Plan, a major milestone for Program 1 of the Rainforest CRC. Held in Innisfail, the launch was held in conjunction with the signing of the Wet Tropics Regional Agreement between eighteen Rainforest Aboriginal tribal groups and the Australian and Queensland Governments to cooperatively manage

the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Accompanied by a poster and CD-ROM, The Aboriginal Plan, as it is known, identifies the aspirations and a range of management and resourcing options for seventeen Traditional Owner groups within the Wet Tropics, and forms part of the overall Natural Resource Management plan for the region.

June 2005 International Conference

Wildlife Disease Association International Conference

Entitled Wildlife Health in a Shrinking World: Ecology, Management and Conservation, the 2005 annual meeting of the Wildlife Disease Association was supported by the Rainforest CRC through registration, financial processing and coordination of venue and major suppliers. Over 250 delegates attended the meeting, which ran for five days and included sessions on the ecology of introduced wildlife diseases, environmental drivers of emerging infectious diseases, tools and technique and the health of marine ecosystems.

July 2005 International Conference

Fourth International Symposium/Workshop on Frugivores and Seed Dispersal

The Rainforest CRC provided in-kind support for the International Symposium, held in Brisbane in July 2005. The Communications team worked with Dr Andrew Dennis of CSIRO’s Tropical Forest Research Centre on logistics leading up to the meeting which hosted around 120 delegates from Australia and overseas.

The International Symposium on Frugivores and Seed Dispersal brought together over 120 delegates from more than twenty countries

(Image courtesy of CSIRO).




Products and Books

Research Report Series

The Rainforests of Cape York Peninsula Peter Stanton and David Fell

Noted as “a substantial contribution to our knowledge of the present extent, diversity, tenure and condition of [Cape York Peninsula’s] forests” by revered botanist Geoff Tracey, this research report details the floristics, structure and habitats of 72 identified forest types used to describe the variability of 140 field sites within Cape York Peninsula. Data for each forest type is extended via a CD-ROM containing the data sheets created at each sampling site.

Best Practice Manuals

The Comparative Assessment of Arthropod and Tree Biodiversity in Old-World RainforestsEdited by Roger Kitching, Sarah Boulter, Guy Vickerman, Melinda Laidlaw, Karen Hurley and Peter Grimbacher

The second edition of a Rainforest CRC / Earthwatch Protocol Manual, the publication presents a detailed account of Program 3 approaches, equipment, methods and handling of both specimens and numerical data in the study of arthropods of a selection of the world’s rainforests. The manual is a standardised toolkit for biodiversity assessment and on-going monitoring, providing an important step forward in aiding biodiversity

specialists to answer the kinds of questions that land managers, conservationists, governments and industry are asking about the changing nature of biodiversity in forested landscapes. Notably, the manual is designed to be used by researchers with little formal biological training.

Visitor Monitoring System for the Wet Tropics World Heritage AreaVolume 1 – Edited by Robin Wilson, Steve Turton, Joan Bentrupperbäumer and Joseph ReserVolume 2 – Edited by Joan Bentrupperbäumer, Sue-Ellen O’Farrell and Joseph ReserVolume 3 – Edited by Robin Wilson, Steve Turton, Joan Bentrupperbäumer and Joseph Reser

Aimed at designing a robust, efficient, practical and cost-effective visitor monitoring system (VMS) for the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, overall objective of the three-volume best-practice manual is to assist management in identifying whether visitor management objectives are being met so that appropriate management responses can be made. The manual incorporates current monitoring at key regional locations, survey components and questionnaires to complement ongoing monitoring systems and guides as to how management objectives are being met.

Special Reports

Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia: A Monitoring StrategyGuy Chester and Sally Bushnell

Prepared for the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), this monitoring strategy for the

World Heritage listed Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia (CERRA) identifies the significant factors affecting the protection, conservation rehabilitation and presentation of the Area, and provides a strategic monitoring program to enable informed decision making and continued maintenance of the integrity of the Area’s World Heritage values.

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Workshop Proceedings

Production Versus Rainforest Biodiversity: Trade-offs or Synergies in Farm Forestry Systems?Edited by Peter Erskine and Carla Catterall

The proceedings of a workshop held in November 2003 as part of the Rainforest CRC Annual Conference, the publication addresses the opportunities and limits to combining timber production and biodiversity goals in tropical and sub-tropical rainforest landscapes. The document provides diverse perspectives and opinions from researchers, management and landholders, drawing on past experience with farm forestry systems while also considering future scenarios and challenges.

Culturally and Environmentally Appropriate Economies for Cape York PeninsulaEdited by Rosemary Hill and Steve Turton

Held in November 2003, an Appropriate Economies Roundtable brought together a diverse array of participants including scientists, economists, Cape York Traditional Owners, representatives of Indigenous and environmental groups, small business operators, and

government agency staff for some very interesting and fruitful discussions. Outcomes included identification of a range of options for economic development that is compatible with the natural heritage values of Cape York Peninsula. The proceedings forms a record of the many issues discussed and future directions identified.

Forest Matters Newsletter

Editions of Forest Matters were produced in January and June of 2005. Hard copies were distributed to all Rainforest CRC participants and other interested community members. Electronic copies are available for download from the Centre website.

Other Items

Other tasks this year involved production of a colourful flyer for the Wildlife Disease Association International Conference for distribution throughout Australia and overseas. Drafts of a report on the history of the Australian Canopy Crane Research Facility were finalised ready for production as a glossy magazine.

Freshwater Fishes of North-Eastern Australia, one of the key outputs from the Catchment to Reef Joint Program with CRC Reef, is available for

purchase from CSIRO Publishing (www.publish.csiro.au).



Media Coverage and Popular Articles

Rainforest CRC research featured in radio, television and print media throughout 2004/2005, and continues to receive coverage via online resources.

Radio Content/Title

Project 1.2 ABC Radio National Aug 2004 Satellite monitoring of illegal vegetation clearing for prosecution

Project 1.4 ABC Radio National April 2004 Coverage on The Aboriginal Plan official launch held in Innisfail

Project 3.1 ABC Radio National Mar 2005 Commentaries and interviews on cyclones and Other regional radio stations rainforests

Project 4.2 Radio 2SM evening program May 2005 Cutting Australia’s road kill

Project 4.2 ABC Radio Southeast NSW June 2005 Reducing roadkill

Project 4.2 ABC Radio Newcastle June 2005 Reducing roadkill through underpasses and overpasses

Project 4.2 ABC Bush Telegraph June 2005 Reducing roadkill and increasing connectivity using overpasses and underpasses

Project 4.2 ABC Far North Queensland June 2005 Faunal overpasses and underpasses

Project 6.3.1 ABC Radio National Oct 2004 Coverage on flying-fox colony research (Postgraduate Student)

Project 6.3.1 ABC Far North Queensland Nov 2004 Spectacled flying-foxes: solutions for management

Project 6.3.1 ABC Far North Queensland Dec 2004 Keeping track of spectacled flying-foxes

Project 6.4 ABC Radio National – Oct 2004 Coverage on green ringtail possum research Earthbeat You’re the Voice

Project 6.5 ABC Far North Queensland Dec 2004 Song dialects in the Chowchilla (Postgraduate Student)

Project 7.3 ABC Science Show Dec 2004 North Queensland bush tucker projects

Catchment to Reef ABC Far North Queensland Nov 2004 Coverage on Healthy Country, Healthy Reef Joint Task 7 Conference topics

Communications ABC North Queensland Oct 2004 Rainforest and Reef CRCs not operational beyond Program 2006

Communications ABC Far North Queensland Oct 2004 Rainforest and Reef CRCs not operational beyond Program 2006

Television Content/Title

Project 1.2 ABC 7.30 Report Sept 2004 Mapping vegetation clearing using satellite imagery in Queensland

Project 1.4 WIN Television and April 2004 Coverage on The Aboriginal Plan official launch held Channel 7 in Innisfail

Project 5.3 WIN Television and Aug 2004 Australian Farm Forestry Financial Model workshop Channel 7

Project 6.3.1 Channel 7 Oct 2004 Coverage on flying-fox colony research (Postgraduate Student)

Project 6.3.2 ABC 7.30 Report Nov 2004 Flying-foxes face new threat

Catchment to Reef WIN Television and Nov 2004 Launch of Freshwater Fishes of North Eastern Task 4 Channel 7 Australia (hardcover book)


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Catchment to Reef Channel 7 Nov 2004 Coverage on Healthy Country, Healthy Reef Joint Task 7 Conference topics

Australian Canopy Channel 7 Weekender Oct 2004 A bird’s eye view via a rainforest canopy tour Crane

Print Content/Title

Project 1.4 The Cairns Post April 2004 Rainforest plan draws criticism

Project 1.5 Habitat Australia (newsletter Feb 2005 Fire the Yalanji way of Australian Conservation Foundation)

Project 1.5 Koori Mail Jan 2005 Kuku Yalanji celebrate

Project 2.5 Outlook Magazine (newsletter April 2005 Weather change heats up: cause of climate change of James Cook University partly unknown

Project 3.1 The Canberra Times May 2005 Beetle mania hits more high notes

Project 4.2 The Canberra Times June 2005 Rainforest fauna major victims on roads: study

Project 4.2 The Canberra Times May 2005 Cutting Australia’s road kill

Project 6.3.1 The Canberra Times Oct 2004 ‘Puppies with wings’ have a deadly tobacco habit (Postgraduate Student)

Project 6.3.1 The Courier Mail Oct 2004 Coverage on flying-fox colony research (Postgraduate Student)

Project 6.4 Outlook Magazine (newsletter Oct 2004 Climate change a grave risk to region of James Cook University)

Catchment to Reef The Cairns Post Nov 2004 Fish study book launched Task 4

Catchment to Reef The Cairns Post Nov 2004 Slime DNA may solve reef crisis Task 6

Catchment to Reef Australian Canegrower Aug 2004 Coverage on Catchment to Reef projects Task 7

Catchment to Reef Fruit and Veg News Aug 2004 Coverage on Catchment to Reef projects Task 7

Catchment to Reef Outlook Magazine (newsletter Nov 2004 $5 million funding boost to explore catchment link Task 7 of James Cook University)

Communications Outlook Magazine (newsletter Mar 2005 Wildlife gets set for North (coverage on Wildlife Program of James Cook University) Disease Association International Conference)

Communications The Cairns Post June 2005 Spotlight on diseases: forum to hear of threat from Program bugs (coverage on Wildlife Disease Association International Conference)

Communications The Cairns Post June 2005 Deadly attractions (coverage on Wildlife Disease Program Association International Conference)

General The Courier Mail Nov 2004 Climate change to ravage tropics

General The Cairns Post Nov 2004 Big bucks for brains: expert says tropical know-how worth billions

General The Cairns Post Nov 2004 Water quality strategy aired

General Campus Review Sept 2004 The hand that taketh away, giveth back (coverage on Rainforest and Reef CRCs not operational beyond 2006)



General The Cairns Post Sept 2004 Scientists sign for forest bans

General The Cairns Post Sept 2004 Research pledge welcomed

General The Cairns Post Aug 2004 Future for forests in question

General The Cairns Post July 2004 Research hub plan for Cairns

General The Courier Mail Feb 2005 PM’s stand ‘threatens’ wet tropics

General The Cairns Post April 2005 World-class research centre for city

General The Cairns Post April 2005 $40m reef, forest centre welcomed

Popular Press Content/Title

Project 3.2 Port Douglas/ May 2005 Down among the Daintree Mossman Gazette

Project 6.3.2 Plant Talk I helped save a rainforest

Project 6.3.2 Plant Talk New floras: fruits of the Australian tropical rainforest

Catchment to Reef Australian Geographic Oct 2004 Great Barrier Reef Task 1

Australian Canopy ECOS Magazine Apr-May Reign of fire: a crane reveals our rainforests’ Crane 2005 vulnerability


Rainforest CRC research on CO2 levels in relation to global warming was highlighted in the April-May 2005 edition of ECOS magazine.

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Public PresentationsSelected examples of presentations made by Rainforest CRC researchers and postgraduate students are listed. In addition, events held throughout the reporting period such as the Healthy Country, Healthy Reef Joint Conference with CRC Reef enabled many of the Centre’s researchers and postgraduate students to present their work.

International Conference and Workshop Presentations

Presenter/s Theme Event

Project 2.2 Comparison of mountain and Presentation to environmental Hawaii, Aug 2004 Dr David McJannet coastal rainforest water balance scientists and planners in the Wet Tropics of northern Australia

Project 3.1 Flower visitor assemblages International Congress on Brisbane Convention Professor Roger Kitching associated with rainforest trees Entomology Centre, Aug 2004

Project 3.1 Of what, for what and by whom? A review of the use of insects as Brisbane Convention Professor Roger Kitching indicators International Congress on Centre, Aug 2004 Entomology

Project 3.1 The Arthropod fauna of cool International Congress Brisbane Convention Professor Roger Kitching temperate Nothofagus-dominated on Entomology Centre, Aug 2004 rainforests in Australasia: the first site

Project 3.1 Tariffs or free trade? Biodiversity Biology in Asia Conference Singapore, Dec 2004 Professor Roger Kitching across the Asia/Australian interface

Project 3.1 (Invited Keynote Address) The Big Canopy Eden Project, England, Professor Roger Kitching Biodiversity in tropical forests Conversation Sept 2004

Project 3.2 Ozflux in Australia FLUXNET Meeting Rome, Italy, Dec 2004 Dr Mike Liddell

Project 3.2 The Australian Canopy Crane: Whole Forest Observatories: Oxford, UK, June Associate Professor Opportunities for twinning and An International Network for 2005 Steve Turton training Monitoring Canopy Biodiversity and Global Climate Change, Oxford International Workshop

Project 4.1 Psychosocial impacts of visitation International Symposium on Society Östersund, Sweden, Mr Nigel Young and use of a World Heritage Area and Resource Management Jun 2005 (Postgraduate) on an Australian Aboriginal community

Project 4.2 Remediation of heavy metal International Conference on Auckland, July 2004 Mr Chris Pratt impacts in roadside corridors, Sustainability Engineering and (Postgraduate) Wet Tropics World Heritage Science Area, Australia

Project 5.1 • Forest rehabilitation in Yok Society for Ecological Restoration Victoria, Canada, Dr David Lamb Don National Park, Vietnam Aug 2004 • Forest restoration in Vietnam

Project 5.1 Landscape Indicator Analyst: Forest Landscape Restoration Petrópolis, Brazil, Dr David Lamb A GIS decision-making tool Implementation Workshop April 2005

Project 5.2 Detecting the effects of XXII International Congress of Brisbane, Aug 2004 Grimbacher, Kitching environmental change above the Entomology and Catterall species level using beetles in a fragmented upland tropical rainforest landscape




Project 5.2 Nakamura, Catterall, Soil and litter arthropod XXII International Congress of Brisbane, Aug 2004 Kitching, House assemblages as indicators of Entomology rainforest restoration

Project 6.5 Systematic conservation Section of Integrative Biology and Austin, Texas, Dr Chris Margules and planning Department of Philosophy, May 2005 Dr Kirsten Williams The University of Texas

Project 6.5 Scientific basis for biodiversity Refining Biodiversity Conservation Santarém, Brazil, Dr Chris Margules conservation corridor planning Corridors Conference, Conservation Dec 2004 (landscape planning) International

Catchment to Reef Task 3 • Modelling relationships 4th International Ecohydraulics Madrid, Spain, Dr Mark Kennard between environmental Symposium Sept 2004 variability and assemblage responses: stability, persistence and resilience of freshwater fish in eastern Australian riveres of contrasting flow and habitat variability • Overview of a program for quantitative assessment of the status of aquatic ecosystems in eastern Australia using fish

Catchment to Reef Task 5 Hyperspectral remote sensing of Ocean Optics XVII Conference Fremantle, Oct 2004 Mr Matthew Slivkoff the Swan River

Catchment to Reef Task 6 A framwork to identify ecological International Coral Reef Symposium Okinawa, Japan, Dr Katharina Fabricius change and its causes: effects of Jul 2004 terrestrial run-off on coral reefs

Local, State and National Presentations


Project 1.4 Recognition of Traditional EV3202/EV5202 James Cook Chowai Centre Dr Sandra Pannell and Owners’ rights and interests in University Subject Caring for 2004 Libby Larsen regional environmental planning Country: Recognition of Indigenous schemes People’s Interests in Managing Australia’s Tropical Environment

Project 1.4 Indigenous engagement in National Australian Institute of Cairns International Dr Sandra Pannell and natural resource planning and Planning Conference Hotel Libby Larsen management

Project 1.4 Developing the Wet Tropics Healthy Country, Healthy Reef Cairns International Dr Sandra Pannell and Aboriginal Cultural and Natural Joint Rainforest CRC and CRC Hotel, Nov 2004 Libby Larsen Resource Management Plan Reef Conference

Project 2.5 LIVES: A new predictive model Healthy Country, Healthy Reef Cairns International Dr David Hilbert and for the distribution of species Joint Rainforest CRC and CRC Hotel, Nov 2004 Dr Jin Li using presence-only data Reef Conference

Project 2.5 The affects of climate change on Healthy Country, Healthy Reef Cairns International Trevor Parker, Dr Jin Li, the abundance of the grey JointRainforest CRC and CRC Hotel, Nov 2004 Dr David Hilbert and headed robin Reef Conference Dr Steve Williams

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Project 3.2 Terrestrial carbon cycling Australian Greenhouse Office Shine Dome, Dr Mike Liddell CARBON Workshop Canberra, Feb 2005

Project 3.2 Likely impacts of climate change Climate Action Network Australia The University of Associate Professor on the rainforests of northeast Annual Conference Sydney, Nov 2004 Steve Turton Queensland.

Project 4.1 Where do beauty, truth and Invited seminar presentation to Brisbane, April 2005 Dr Joseph Reser environmental values reside, and School of Architecture, why is this an important matter The University of Queensland for environment behaviour professionals?

Project 4.2 Barrier effects of powerline Ecological Society of Australia Adelaide, Dec 2004 Dr Miriam Goosem clearings and effectiveness of Annual Conference revegetated corridors in restoring connectivity

Project 4.2 and Does faunal connectivity exist in Australian Wildlife Management Kangaroo Island, Project 4.3 coastal Far North Queensland Society Conference Nov 2004 Dr Miriam Goosem, via remnant riparian rainforest? Tina Lawson (Postgraduate) and Professor David Gillieson

Project 4.2 Linear infrastructure impacts Healthy Country, Healthy Reef Cairns International Dr Miriam Goosem and mitigation Joint Rainforest CRC and CRC Hotel, Nov 2004 Reef Conference

Project 4.2 Internal fragmentation in the Ecological Society of Australia Adelaide, Dec 2004 Ms Catherine Pohlman rainforest: edge effects of Annual Conference (Postgraduate) highways, powerlines and watercourses on tropical rainforest understorey microclimate and vegetation structure

Project 4.2 Evaluation of impacts of road Ecological Society of Australia Adelaide, Dec 2004 Associate Professor bridges on vegetation structure Annual Conference Steve Turton and faunal connectivity for the proposed Kuranda Range road upgrade in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

Project 4.3 Mapping rainforest fires in the Healthy Country, Healthy Reef Cairns International Prof David Gillieson Wet Tropics Joint Rainforest CRC and CRC Hotel, Nov 2004 Reef Conference

Project 5.1 Mixed species plantations Mixed Species Plantations: Cairns, April 2005 Dr David Lamb principles and design Extending the Science

Project 5.2 Frugivorous birds and rainforest Ecological Society of Australia Adelaide, Dec 2004 Neilan, Catterall, regeneration in camphor laurel- Annual Conference Kanowski, McKenna dominated subtropical growth

Project 5.2 Research and the potential for Big Scrub Landcare Day Lismore, Sept 2004 Associate Professor turning camphor laurel forest Carla Catterall into rainforest

Project 5.2 South east Queensland’s regional NRMSEQ Citizen Senate Brisbane, Nov 2004 Associate Professor assets: nature conservation and Carla Catterall biodiversity




Project 5.2 (Keynote Address) Bell Miner Associated Dieback Lismore, March 2005 Dr Grant Wardell- Outcomes of the BMAD National Forum Johnson literature review

Project 6.2.1 Pond apple ecological research Pond Apple National Management Cairns, March 2005 Ms Melissa Setter Strategy Group

Project 6.3.1 Focussing on Spectacled flying- Tree Kangaroo and Mammal Group Malanda, Aug 2004 Mr Peter Latch foxes

Project 6.3.2 Hypsies, seed dispersal and Public Launch of Hypsi Forest Malanda Falls, Dr David Westcott hypsi forest (type 1b) Conservation Initiative Jul 2004

Project 6.3.2 Threats to landscape processes: Healthy Country, Healthy Reef Cairns International Dr David Westcott ecology and conservation in a Joint Rainforest CRC and CRC Hotel, Nov 2004 changing tropical Australia Reef Conference

Project 6.3.2 Seed dispersal by the southern Birds Australia Annual General Cairns, May 2005 Dr David Westcott cassowary: diet, dispersal curves Meeting and the influence of behaviour

Project 6.5 Auction for landscape recovery 2nd Market Based Instruments Brisbane, Nov 2004 Williams, Faith, et al in southwest Australia: Auction Round Table design and tender evaluation

Project 6.5 Auction for landscape recovery 3rd Market Based Instruments Brisbane, Apr 2005 Williams, Faith, et al in southwest Australia: Overview Round Table and results from two rounds

Project 6.5 Spatial data management at the FUNGIS 2004 Conference Mission Beach, Dr Caroline Bruce Tropical Forest Research Centre Aug 2004

Project 7.1 Ngadjon-Jii Country and Eacham Shire Council Malanda, April 2005 Dr Sandra Pannell Community

Project 7.1 The lie of the land: co-producing Healthy Country, Healthy Reef Cairns International Dr Sandra Pannell landscapes on the Atherton Joint Rainforest CRC and CRC Hotel, Nov 2004 Tablelands Reef Conference

Project 7.3 Domestication of bush tucker Bush Tucker Summit Cairns, Nov 2004 Professor Roger Leakey worldwide

Project 7.3 Indigenous agroforestry Indigenous Agroforestry Workshop Tinaroo, 2004 Professor Roger Leakey

Catchment to Reef Threats to freshwater fishes of the OzWater Conference Townsville, May 2005 Task 4 Wet Tropics region Dr Brad Pusey

Catchment to Reef Effects of terrestrial runoff on Healthy Country, Healthy Reef Cairns International Task 6 inshore reefs Joint Rainforest CRC and CRC Hotel, Nov 2004 Dr Katharina Fabricius Reef Conference

Catchment to Reef Catchment to Reef: New tools North Queensland River Trust Mission Beach, Task 7 for water quality monitoring in Association Conference Oct 2004 Mr Tim Prior the Wet Tropics

Catchment to Reef Catchment to Reef: Two parts OzWater Conference Townsville, May 2005 Task 7 of a continuum Professor Richard Pearson


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Education and Postgraduate Student FundingFunding of postgraduate student research continued this year through two Rounds of the Research Support Scheme, a competitive funding initiative.

Round 12 of the Research Support Scheme (covering a twelve month period from September 2004 to August 2005) invested $50,000 in seventeen postgraduate research projects:

Student University Project Title

Sandra Abell JCU Distribution of truffle fungi, principle resource of the endangered Bettongia tropica, (PhD) along a wet to dry gradient of sclerophyll forest

Peter Byrnes JCU Impacts of roads on medium-sized, ground-dwelling rainforest mammals in the (PhD) Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

Paul Ferraro JCU Taxonomic status and population structure of the Mahogany glider (PhD)

Naima Fine GU Effects of fragmentation on seed predators and plant recruitment in remnant (Honours) rainforests of the Big Scrub

Samantha Fox JCU Demography and population genetics of the spectacled flying-fox, Pteropus (PhD) conspicillatus

Kim Hauselberger JCU Ecology and environmental interactions of Wet Tropics microhylids, and their (PhD) responses to the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

James Hill JCU Determining mechanisms that enable plant co-existence within tropical rainforests (PhD)

Conrad Hoskin UQ The roles of historical isolation and ecological gradients in regenerating diversity in (PhD) the Wet Tropics

Katie Jones JCU Dietary selectivity in a rainforest possum: the effect of climate change on the (PhD) interaction between plant toxins and foliage intake

Lynne Jones JCU Genetic diversity and gene flow within and between populations of the rare tropical (Masters) forest tree, Idiospermum australiense (Diels.) S. T. Blake

Anna Koetz JCU Cultural and genetic divergence of a rainforest endemic, the Chowchilla, Orthonyx (PhD) spaldingii

Akihiro Nakamura GU Development of soil and litter arthropod assemblages in rainforest restoration (PhD)

Jennifer Parsons JCU Cycles of resource use in the spectacled flying-fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) in (Honours) relation to landscape context

Catherine Pohlman JCU Edge effects of linear canopy openings on rainforest understorey microclimate and (PhD) seedling dynamics in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

Chris Pratt JCU The dispersal and bioavailability of heavy metal traffic contaminants in a section of (PhD) the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

Billie Roberts GU Habitat characteristics of flying-fox camps in south-east Queensland (Honours)

Ilyas Siddique UQ Effects of community composition on tree functional responses to nitrogen and (PhD) phosphorus limitation in degraded soils



Round 13 (covering March 2005 to February 2006) saw a further investment of $29,333 into postgraduate research projects:

Student University Project Title

Paul Godfrey JCU The influence of natural and anthropogenic changes in turbidity/suspended sediment (PhD) concentrations in a lowland Wet Tropics river on the ecology of early life history freshwater fishes

Mark Harrington JCU Understanding the origins of the Australian flora: plant adaptation and evolution in (PhD) increasingly arid environments

Kim Hauselberger JCU Ecology and environmental interactions of Wet Tropics microhylids, and their (PhD) responses to the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

Jeff Middleton JCU The effects of climatic seasonality on Wet Tropics vertebrate rainforest insectivores (PhD) and their prey

Richard Pauku JCU Domestication of indigenous nut trees for agroforestry in the Solomon Islands (PhD)

Thomas Rayner JCU Trophic ecology of freshwater fishes of an Australian rainforest river (PhD)

Yong Tang GU Maintenance and dynamics of rainforest edges (PhD)

Travel Bursaries are offered to postgraduate students to travel to places where significant opportunities exist for them to network with researchers of high international standing such as international conferences, master classes or collaborative projects.

Student University Travel Bursary Details

Brett Goodman JCU The Centre supported Brett’s travel to the United States to attend the Evolution (PhD) 2004 Conference in June 2004, and then on to Finland to attend the Tenth Jubilee Congress of the International Society of Behavioural Ecology in July. Brett studied a variety of lizard species as part of this studies, many of which are rare or threatened and which occur only in a few restricted habitats in north eastern Queensland. He presented his findings to both audiences.

Gaynor Dolman UQ Gaynor received funding to support her travel to New Zealand in June 2005 to (PhD) attend the Molecular Biology and Evolution Conference, held in conjunction with the Genetics Society of AustralAsia Annual Meeting. The Conference coincided with Gaynor’s thesis completion and gave her a chance to present her findings to a broad audience. Gaynor investigated divergence among a trichotomy of Wet Tropics rainforest endemic skinks that are discordant with respect to genetics and morphology.

Nigel Young JCU Nigel travelled to Sweden in June 2005 to attend the International Symposium on (PhD) Society and Resource Management. Supported by the Travel Bursary scheme, Nigel took the opportunity to meet with a range of academics, researchers and environmental managers from around the world who are working in the theme of natural resource management, an area of focus of his PhD research.

Catherine Pohlman JCU Catherine sought funding to attend the 2005 Frontiers in Tropical Biology and (PhD) Conservation Conference in Brazil in July, where she presented outcomes of her research into the edge effects of linear canopy openings on seedling dynamics and understorey microclimate of Wet Tropics rainforests. Catherine also attended symposia and open sessions on a range of themes relating to tropical ecology and conservation, and took part in a field trip to visit local ecosystems.

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Student Profiles

Nigel Young (PhD) (JCU) (Rainforest CRC Project 4.1)

Biophysical impacts and psychosocial experiences associated with the use of selected long-distance walking tracks within the Wet Tropics region of North Queensland

Nigel Young’s multidisciplinary PhD research project investigates visitors’ experiences when visiting two of the better-known long-distance walking tracks within the Wet Tropics region – the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island and the Mt Bartle Frere Track within Wooroonooran National Park.

Although some researchers have previously investigated the biophysical impacts associated with visitor use of short, intensively hiked walking tracks in the Wet Tropics region, no corresponding body of research exists for long-distance walking tracks within this location.

Nigel and his team descending backwards down a very steep section of the Mt. Bartle Frere Walking Track in Wooroonooran National Park

(Image courtesy of Nigel Young).

Similarly, minimal research has been conducted into the psychosocial experiences of visitors using long-distance walking tracks within tropical rainforest environments in North Queensland. Nigel has sought to increase existing knowledge about human-environment interactions, including the biophysical impacts and psychosocial experiences of visitors using long-distance walking tracks, and generate recommendations about future site and visitor management associated with these walking tracks within the Wet Tropics region.

The 32 kilometre long Thorsborne Trail is widely regarded as the pre-eminent long-distance walking track within the region and attracts numerous international visitors. The track is located on the east coast of Hinchinbrook Island extending from Georges Point in the south to Ramsay Bay in the north, and can be walked in either direction. The Mt Bartle Frere Track is approximately 16 kilometres in length. The track leads to the summit of the highest mountain in Queensland (Mt Bartle Frere, altitude 1612 metres above sea level) and is located within Wooroonooran National Park. The Mt Bartle Frere Track western trackhead is located near Lamins Hill on the Atherton Tableland while the eastern trackhead is located at Josephine Falls to the north of Innisfail and can also be walked in either direction.

Nigel measured the biophysical impacts associated with visitor use at one hundred sampling points along each walking track using rapid assessment methodology. Impacts were recorded at two spatial scales (1 square metre quadrats and 20 metre linear transects) established at each sampling point. The types of biophysical impacts Nigel measured included human induced vegetation damage and soil erosion, littering, weeds and feral animals. Nigel also assessed the impact of different seasons upon biophysical impacts through replicated wet and dry season sampling during his fieldwork in 2004.

Nigel surveyed 623 long-distance hikers to gather psychosocial data to support his research. In addition to collecting demographic information from walking track users, he sought information about visitors’ appraisals of the natural, built and social environments associated with each walking track. Nigel asked walkers to evaluate the severity of biophysical impacts upon the natural environment, review the adequacy of existing visitor facilities, and comment on various social issues including the appropriateness of visitor behaviour and visitor numbers. Hikers were also asked to assess current track management and to rate their level of support for a range of possible track management initiatives. Survey respondents then reflected upon their overall experience by rating their level of satisfaction with various aspects of their walk.

Nigel hopes his research will increase existing knowledge about the impacts and experiences of hikers who undertake long-distance walks within Wet Tropics forests. He also aims to ultimately enhance current theoretical



understandings of human-environment interactions, with relevance to the future management of outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism both within the Wet Tropics region and beyond. As a final outcome of Nigel’s research, he will make practical recommendations to local protected area managers concerning future visitor and site management associated with long-distance walking activities.

Crossing a tidal estuary during field work on the Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island (Image courtesy of Nigel Young).

Measuring the length of track segments using a trundle wheel on the Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island (Image courtesy of Nigel Young).

Jessie Wells (PhD) (UQ) (Rainforest CRC Project 5.2)

Spatial ecology of regeneration in secondary rainforests: seed dispersal and plant ecological strategies

Over the last century the Wet Tropics area has witnessed extensive clearing, fragmentation and disturbance of its rainforests. The conservation of our rainforest species and ecosystems clearly depends on the protection of remnant rainforests but also on our understanding of the ecology of secondary rainforests – rainforest areas that have regenerated on formerly cleared land.

Jessie Wells is investigating the ecology of secondary rainforests and the possibilities and limitations of natural regeneration for conserving rainforest species and functional diversity. As part of her PhD research, Jessie is looking at the spatial patterns of plant regeneration in secondary rainforests on abandoned pastures. These patterns of regeneration relate to (a) the spatial distributions of rainforest cover and possible source plants; and (b) the ecological traits of plant species, including seed dispersal mechanisms, age of reproduction, life span and stem and leaf attributes.

Jessie conducted community-level studies to quantify species composition and the representation and diversity of plant traits from the understorey to the canopy. She then examined how these aspects change with increased distance from intact rainforest. Jessie also developed spatial models of seed dispersal and early seedling regeneration for thirteen rainforest species, which she selected to cover a diverse range of plant, seed and dispersal traits.

By observing seedling distributions resulting from the combined processes of seed production, dispersal and seed-seedling survival, Jessie’s comparative survey will further develop current hypotheses on the relative roles of dispersal, predation and seedling establishment by comparing (1) statistical ‘regeneration shadow’ models developed for two to three age classes of seedlings; and (2) process-models of frugivory, seed deposition and seed predation based on observed animal movements and behaviour.

These statistical models, Jessie hopes, will form the basis for simulation models for projection of the abundance and distribution of regeneration for rainforest species that represent a broad range of dispersal spectra and ecological traits. Overall, her project will contribute to our understanding of rainforest conservation through the identification of the potential and limitations of natural regeneration. Jessie plans to show how management efforts directed at limiting factors involved in seed dispersal could assist the regeneration of species and functional diversity in secondary rainforests.

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Student Tables

PhD Theses Submitted / Degree ConferredStudent Name (Affiliation) Title of Project Supervisor/s Funding Provider (Start Date)

Kay BRADFIELD (JCU) Ecological characteristics of A Prof R Alford (JCU) (Pre Rainforest CRC) declining frogs in north Dr L Schwarzkopf (JCU) Queensland Averil COOK (UQ) Economics of developing long Dr S Harrison (UQ) (Pre Rainforest CRC) distance walking tracks in north Dr J Asafu-Adjaye (UQ) QueenslandKaren COOMBES (JCU) Population ecology and habitat Dr A Krockenberger (JCU) • Australian Postgraduate (Apr 2000) utilisation of Lumholtz tree Dr C Johnson (JCU) Award kangaroos (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) Dr L Dabek (University of • Rainforest CRC Top-Up in a fragmented landscape on the Rhode Island, USA) Scholarship Atherton Tablelands • Rainforest CRC Research Support Scheme • JCU GrantGaynor DOLMAN (UQ) Evolution and conservation of Dr J Austin (UQ) • F.G. Meade Scholarship (Feb 2000) herpetofauna in the Wet Tropics Prof C Moritz (UC Berkeley) • National Science rainforests of Australia Prof H Possingham (UQ) Foundation


‘Secondary’ rainforest in Brooks Valley on the Atherton Tablelands. The forest regenerated from seed sources in adjacent primary

rainforest following the abandonment of cattle pastures in the 1960s. Understanding the ecology of seed dispersal and

plant regeneration is vital for informing strategies for efficient reforestation and forest management (Image courtesy of Jessie Wells).

Jessie was awarded the Rainforest CRC Student Poster Prize at the 2003 Ecological Society of Australia (ESA) Annual Conference held at The University of New England in Armidale in December 2003. In December 2004, Jessie was awarded the Rainforest CRC Student Oral Presentation Prize at the 2004 ESA meeting held in Adelaide.

The Wet Tropics area has witnessed extensive clearing, fragmentation and disturbance of its rainforests over the last century. The conservation

of rainforest species and ecosystems now depends on the protection of remnant forests, but also on our understanding of secondary rainforests

that have regenerated on formerly cleared land (Image courtesy of Jessie Wells).


Student Name (Affiliation) Title of Project Supervisor/s Funding Provider (Start Date)

Nicholas EMTAGE (UQ) Social and economic factors Dr S Chamala (UQ) • UQ Scholarship (Feb 2001) affecting the development of Dr J Herbohn (UQ) small-scale forestry in the A Prof S Harrison (UQ) Philippines Joanne NIGHTINGALE Multi-scale simulation and Dr S Phinn (UQ) • Australian Postgraduate (UQ) (Mar 2001) monitoring of terrestrial carbon Dr A Held (CSIRO) Award fluxes within tropical rainforest A Prof S Turton (JCU) • UQ Funding regions Dr N Coops (CSIRO) • Carbon Accounting CRCBarbara PAULUS (JCU) A biodiversity survey of micro-fungi Dr P Gadek (JCU) • JCU Grant (Jun 2000) on leaf litter in a Wet Tropics Dr K Hyde (Hong Kong Uni) • Hong Kong Uni rainforest Matthew PYE (JCU) Genetic structuring of Araucaria A Prof P Gadek (JCU) • Australian Postgraduate (Feb 2001) (not conifers) in eastern Australia Award • JCU Tropical Biology • Rainforest CRC Top-Up ScholarshipLuke SHOO (GU) Comparative abundance and Dr J-M Hero (GU) • Australian Postgraduate (Apr 2000) distribution of rainforest Dr S Williams (JCU) Award vertebrates along altitudinal • Rainforest CRC Top-Up gradients within the Wet Tropics Scholarship World Heritage Area of north • Rainforest CRC Research Queensland, Australia Support Scheme

Masters Theses Submitted / Degree ConferredJeremy ANDERSON (UQ) Assessing the accuracy and D S Phinn (UQ) • Rainforest CRC Research (Feb 2001) reliability of Landsat satellite Support Scheme image data sets to monitor change in forest condition and structure due to linear forest clearing for infrastructure development in the Herbert River catchment Sally BUSHNELL (JCU) Effectiveness of revegetation Dr M Goosem (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Jan 2003) corridors adjacent to faunal A Prof S Turton (CRC) Support Scheme underpasses at East Evelyn Peter LOWTHER (UQ) Ideal plantation density for native Dr D Yates (UQ) • UQ Funding (Pre Rainforest CRC) timbers Dr D Lamb (UQ) Dr D Doley (UQ) Katie PRITCHARD (JCU) Rainforest pollinators of custard Dr W Edwards (JCU) (Mar 2002) apple Dr J Seymour (JCU) Dr Ros Blanche (CSIRO) Romina RADER (JCU) Vertical distribution of rodents Dr A Krockenberger (JCU) • Australian Geographic (Mar 2001) and their interaction with canopy Dr C Johnson (JCU) resources Amy SMITH (JCU) The effects of a flagship species on Dr J Bentrupperbäumer • Rainforest CRC Research (Feb 2004) people’s intentions to behave (JCU) Support Scheme environmentally Dr E Harding (JCU) Leah TALBOT (JCU) Djabugay land management Dr R Hill (JCU) • Rainforest CRC (Jan 2001) techniques Prof D Gillieson (JCU) Aboriginal Postgraduate Scholarship


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Honours Theses Submitted / Degree ConferredStudent Name (Affiliation) Title of Project Supervisor/s Funding Provider (Start Date)

Gregory DAWE (JCU) The effects of traffic noise on Dr M Goosem (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Feb 2004) rainforest birds Dr D Westcott (CSIRO) Support Scheme Awarded First Class Honours Tina LAWSON (JCU) Assessment of the quality of Prof D Gillieson (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Feb 2004) riparian corridors and connectivity Dr M Goosem (JCU) Support Scheme in the Mossman catchment Wendy NEILAN (GU) An investigation into the potential A Prof C Catterall (GU) • Griffith University (Jun 2003) for rainforests to regenerate in Dr J Kanowski (GU) Support Funding Awarded First Class Honours patches of regrowth dominated by • Rainforest CRC Research the woody weed, Cinnamomum Support Scheme camphora, in north-eastern New South Wales Terence REIS (GU) Biogeographical concordance in Prof R Kitching (GU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Mar 2003) old world rainforests at the Dr J Kanowski (GU) Support Scheme continental and local scale Silvana SPENA (JCU) Changes in the key characteristics Dr E Harding (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Feb 2004) of the threatened Tolga Scrub Dr J Bentrupperbäumer Support Scheme (Mabi Forest) due to the (JCU) disturbance caused by the sulphur Dr Peter Latch (QPWS) crested cockatoo and flying foxes Paul THUESEN (JCU) Mechanisms constraining Dr B Congdon (JCU) • JCU Tropical Biology (Feb 2003) distribution and genetic population Dr B Pusey (GU) • Rainforest CRC Research structuring of an endemic Wet Prof R Pearson (JCU) Support Scheme Tropics rainbowfish (Cairnsichthys rhombosomoides) David FORD (JCU) Intrinsic plant water-use strategies Dr P Franks (JCU) • JCU School Support (Sept 2003) in a tropical rainforest • Rainforest CRC Research Support Scheme

PhD Studies in ProgressSandra ABELL (JCU) Ecology of hypogeous fungi, A Prof P Gadek (JCU) • Faculty Teaching (Mar 2003) principal food resource of the Dr C Pearce (JCU) Scholarship endangered species Bettongia Dr B Congdon (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research tropica along a wet to dry gradient Support Scheme of sclerophyll forest Frederic BEAULIEU (UQ) Biodiversity of mites (Acari) in Dr D Walter (UQ) • FCAR Grant (Govt of (Mar 2001) rainforests Dr H Proctor (GU) Quebec, Canada) Prof R Kitching (GU) • Rainforest CRC Research Support SchemePatrice BOUCHARD (UQ) Systematics and biogeography of Dr D Yeates (UQ) (Pre Rainforest CRC) the Coelometopini (Coleoptera: Dr G Monteith Tenebrionidae) restricted to the (Qld Museum) Australian Wet Tropics Dr B Cribb (UQ) Peter BYRNES (JCU) The impact of roads on ground- A Prof S Turton (CRC) • DVC University (Feb 2003) dwelling rainforest mammals in Dr M Goosem (JCU) Scholarship the Wet Tropics World Heritage Dr A Dennis (CSIRO) • Rainforest CRC Research Area Support SchemeAinsley CALLADINE (JCU) Evolution and biogeography of A Prof B Jackes (JCU) • JCU School Support (Feb 2000) the Australian Loranthaceae A Prof P Valentine (JCU) • ASBS Hansjörg Eichler Scientific Research Fund 1999





Niall CONNOLLY (JCU) Nutrient dynamics of tropical Prof R Pearson (JCU) (Pre Rainforest CRC) rainforest streams A Prof D Coomans (JCU) Anthony DELL (JCU) Community ecology of A Prof R Pearson (JCU) (Pre Rainforest CRC) intermittent streams A Prof R Alford (JCU) Samantha FOX (JCU) Population genetics of the Dr D Blair (JCU) • Australian Postgraduate (Mar 2002) spectacled flying-fox in the Dr M Waycott (JCU) Award (Industry) Wet Tropics Dr J Luly (JCU) • Queensland Fruit and Dr D Westcott (CSIRO) Vegetable Growers • CSIRO University Grant • Queensland Smart State Funding • Bat Conservation InternationalPaul GODFREY (GU/JCU) The influence of natural and Prof A Arthington (GU) • Rainforest CRC (Oct 2004) anthropogenic changes to Dr B Pusey (GU) Catchment to Reef water quality of lowland rivers Prof R Pearson (JCU) Scholarship on north-east Australia on the • Rainforest CRC Research ecology of larval fish Support SchemeBrett GOODMAN (JCU) Ecomorphology, microhabitat Dr A Krockenberger (JCU) • Doctoral Merit Research (May 2002) occupation and life history traits Dr L Schwarzkopf (JCU) Scheme in Eugongylus skinks Dr S Hudson (US) • JCU Grant • Rainforest CRC Research Support SchemePeter GRIMBACHER (GU) Coleoptera as indicators of forest Prof R Kitching (GU) • Griffith University (Feb 2001) restoration success A Prof C Catterall (GU) Scholarship Dr H Proctor (GU) • Rainforest CRC Top-Up ScholarshipMark HARRINGTON Understanding the origins of the A Prof P Gadek (JCU) • Australian Postgraduate (JCU) (Jan 03) Australian flora – adaptation and Dr J West (CSIRO) Award evolution within Australian Dr W Edwards (JCU) Sapindaceae Kim HAUSELBERGER The ecology of microhylid frogs A Prof R Alford (JCU) • JCU Funding (JCU) (Jun 2004) Dr L Schwarzkopf (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research Dr S Williams (JCU) Support SchemeJames HILL (JCU) Mechanisms that promote plant Dr W Edwards (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Jul 2004) species coexistence within the Dr A Krockenberger (JCU) Support Scheme tropical rainforests of north • JCU Funding Queensland Conrad HOSKIN (UQ) The roles of historical isolation and A Prof H McCallum (UQ) • Australian Postgraduate (Jul 1999) ecological gradients in generating Dr J Austin (UQ) Award reproductive isolation in the Prof C Moritz (UC Berkeley) • National Science Wet Tropics Foundation • Rainforest CRC Research Support SchemeDavid JEFFREYS (UQ) Application of a multi-objective Dr J Herbohn (UQ) • Rainforest CRC Research (Apr 2002) decision support system (MODSS) Dr S Harrison (UQ) Support Scheme for the evaluation of farm forestry Dr O Bosch (UQ) viability Katherine JONES (JCU) The role of plant secondary Dr A Krockenberger (JCU) • JCU Postgraduate (Mar 2003) metabolites on intraspecific diet Dr B Congdon (JCU) Research Scholarship selection by the green ringtail Dr C Johnson (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research possum (Pseudochirops archeri) Support Scheme

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Liana JOSEPH (UQ) Effective monitoring and Prof H Possingham (UQ) • Australian Postgraduate (Mar 2002) management of rare and threatened Dr S Williams (JCU) Award birds of Australian tropical and Dr S Garnett (QPWS) • Rainforest CRC Top-Up sub-tropical forests ScholarshipAnna KOETZ (JCU) Cultural and genetic divergence in Dr B Congdon (JCU) • JCU Postgraduate (Jul 2003) the Chowchilla, Orthonyx spaldingii Dr D Westcott (CSIRO) Research Scheme • Rainforest CRC Research Support SchemeMelinda LAIDLAW (UQ) The determinants of small-scale Dr D Yates (UQ) • Australian Postgraduate (Feb 2001) vegetation patterns in Australian Dr B McDonald Award sub-tropical rainforest (Queensland Herbarium) • Rainforest CRC Research Dr K Richardson (UQ) Support Scheme Dr G Wardell-Johnson (UQ) • Rainforest CRC Top-Up ScholarshipSherry MARCHAND (ANU) Land Management Negotiations Dr F Merlan (ANU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Jun 2001) in the Wet Tropics World Dr J Finlayson (Anthropos) Support Scheme Heritage Area Dr S Pannell (CRC) Stephen McKENNA (GU) Regeneration dynamics in A Prof C Catterall (GU) • Australian Postgraduate (Mar 2002) rainforest fragments Dr G Wardell-Johnson (GU) Award Dr J Kanowski (GU) • Rainforest CRC Research Support SchemeJeff MIDDLETON (JCU) The effects of intra-annual A Prof S Turton (JCU) • JCU Funding (Mar 2003) rainforest variation on the patterns Dr S Williams (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research of diversity and abundance of leaf- Dr D Hilbert (CSIRO) Support Scheme litter foraging rainforest vertebrates Dr I Lawler (JCU) • Earthwatch in the Wet Tropics • Queensland Smart State FundingJacqueline MILTON (UQ) Potential effects of global climate Dr C Franklin (UQ) • UQ Postgraduate (Feb 2000) change on geographically restricted Dr H McCallum (UQ) Research Scholarship amphibian species from the Wet Tropics James MOLONEY (JCU) Bird communities in lowland Prof R Pearson (JCU) • APA (Pre Rainforest CRC) forest remnants Dr A Lewis (JCU) Cath MORAN (GU) Frugivorous birds and bats and Dr C Catterall (GU) • Australian Postgraduate (May 2000) rainforest seed dispersal in a Dr R Green (GU) Award fragmented landscape Dr M Olsen (independent) • Rainforest CRC Research Support SchemeAdnan MOUSALLI (UQ) Surrogates and distribution of Prof C Moritz (UQ) (Pre Rainforest CRC) biodiversity in wet forests of A Prof H McCallum (UQ) south-east Queensland Akihiro NAKAMURA (GU) Restoration of the litter fauna A Prof C Catterall (GU) • GU Postgraduate (Feb 2002) under restoration protocols Prof R Kitching (GU) Research Scheme Dr A House (QFRI) • Rainforest CRC Research Support Scheme • Queensland Smart State Funding • GU Tuition Fee Scholarship





Claudia OLLENBURG (GU) Economics of rural land use: Prof Ralf Buckley (GU) • International (Mar 2004) agriculture, tourism and Dr Carl Cater (GU) Postgraduate conservation Prof Trevor Mules (GU) Research Scheme • GU Postgraduate Research Scheme • Rainforest CRC Research Support SchemeRichard PAUKU (JCU) Domestication of indigenous Prof R Leakey (JCU) • ACIAR Scholarship (Mar 2002) fruit/nut trees in the Solomon A Prof P Gadek (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research Islands Support Scheme • Rainforest CRC Top-Up ScholarshipAnne PERRY (UQ) Wood quality assessment of Dr D Doley (UQ) • Australian Postgraduate (Pre Rainforest CRC) plantation growth of Flindersia Dr D Yates (UQ) Award brayleyana Catherine POHLMAN Changes in micro-climatic regimes A Prof S Turton (JCU) • Australian Postgraduate (JCU) (Feb 2002) and plant community dynamics Prof D Gillieson (JCU) Award of rainforest at powerline corridor Dr M Goosem (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research boundaries and natural linear Support Scheme barriers • Rainforest CRC Top-Up Scholarship • PowerlinkChris PRATT (JCU) The dispersal, bio-availability, Dr B Lottermoser (JCU) • Australian Postgraduate (Mar 2002) impact and retention of automotive Award emissions and contaminants in • Rainforest CRC Top-Up World Heritage Areas Scholarship Romina RADER (JCU) The impact of fragmentation on Dr W Edwards (JCU) • JCU Scholarship (Apr 2005) seed dispersal Dr D Westcott (CSIRO) Dr A Dennis (CSIRO) Thomas RAYNER (JCU) Trophic ecology of freshwater fishes Prof R Pearson (JCU) • Australian Postgraduate (Feb 2003) of an Australian rainforest river Dr B Pusey (GU) Award • Rainforest CRC Research Support Scheme • Rainforest CRC Top-Up ScholarshipMatthew SHAW (UQ) Parasitic mites: influence of the Dr D Walter (UQ) • UQ Postgraduate (Pre Rainforest CRC) nest Dr S Barker (UQ) Research ScholarshipIlyas SIDDIQUE (UQ) Effects of functional diversity of A Prof D Lamb (UQ) • International Postgraduate (Jul 2003) tree plantations on the restoration Dr S Schmidt (UQ) Research Scheme of soil fertility in degraded soils • UQ Postgraduate Research Scheme • NASA Planetary Biology Internship ProgramJane SKRANDIES- The influence of structure and Dr S Phinn (UQ) • UQ Funding MARTIN (UQ) (Jan 2000) condition of riparian buffers on Dr D Hilbert (CSIRO) • Rainforest CRC Research water quality in tropical catchments Dr R Pearson (JCU) Support Scheme

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David SMORFITT (UQ) Economic cost of feral pig control Dr S Harrison (UQ) • HECS Scholarship (Jan 2001) Dr J Herbohn (UQ) Dr C Tisdell (UQ) Michael Guo-Zhang The patterns of regeneration of tree Dr D Yates (UQ) • Rainforest CRC Research SONG (UQ) (Nov 2001) species in a subtropical rainforest Dr D Doley (UQ) Support SchemeYong TANG (GU) Comparative study of the gap Prof R Kitching (GU) • International Postgraduate (Mar 2003) regeneration of tropical rainforests Dr J Zalucki (GU) Research Scheme of Australia and South China • GU Postgraduate Research Scheme • Rainforest CRC Research Support SchemeJessie WELLS (UQ) Spatial ecology of plant regeneration Prof H Possingham (UQ) • UQ Postgraduate (June 2001) in secondary rainforests of the Dr D Hilbert (CSIRO) Research Scheme Wet Tropics • CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems Postgraduate Research SchemeYvette WILLIAMS (JCU) Determinants of rarity in Dr C Johnson (JCU) • Australian Postgraduate (Aug 1999) microhylid frogs A Prof R Alford (JCU) Award Dr M Waycott (JCU) Nigel YOUNG (JCU) An investigation of biophysical A Prof S Turton (JCU) • Atherton Tableland (Mar 2003) impacts and psychosocial Dr J Bentrupperbäumer Environmental experiences of visitors using the (JCU) Scholarship Misty Mountains Walking Track Prof D Gillieson (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research Network in the Wet Tropics Support Scheme World Heritage Area

Masters Studies in ProgressAnthony ADKINS (JCU) The effect of fragmentation on Dr B Congdon (JCU) • JCU Tropical Biology (Jun 2003) breeding pair density and • Rainforest CRC Research reproductive success in understorey Support Scheme rainforest bird species Mark ANNANDALE (UQ) Assessing the effects of under- Dr D Yates (UQ) • QFRI (Pre 1999) planting with Toona ciliata in Dr R Keenan (BRS) north Queensland Dr A Snell (QFRI)Paul FERRARO (JCU) Taxonomic status and population Dr J Winter (QPWS) • Rainforest CRC Research (Feb 2005) structure of the Mahogany glider Dr J Norman (Museum Support Scheme Victoria) • Natural Heritage Trust Dr C Johnson (JCU) • Inkind – Queensland Dr P Latch (QPWS) Parks and Wildlife Service • Inkind – Museum VictoriaLynne JONES (JCU) Genetic structuring within disjunct A Prof P Gadek (JCU) (Feb 2003) populations of Idiospermum australiense Andrea PULLO (JCU) Soil seed bank in tropical rainforest Dr P Gadek (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Jul 2002) revegetated sites Mr N Tucker (Biotropica) Support Scheme Dr W Edwards (JCU) Kim STEPHENSEN (JCU) Invertebrate diversity in restored Dr J Seymour (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Feb 2003) tropical ecosystems Mr N Tucker (BioTropica) Support Scheme



Honours Studies in ProgressStudent Name (Affiliation) Title of Project Supervisor/s Funding Provider (Start Date)

Naima FINE (GU) Effects of fragmentation on seed Dr J Kanowski (GU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Jul 2004) predators and plant recruitment in A Prof C Catterall (GU) Support Scheme remnant rainforests of the Big Scrub • GU Funding • Patience Thoms Honours ScholarshipJennifer PARSONS (JCU) Seed dispersal and pollination by Dr C Johnson (JCU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Jul 2004) Spectacled flying-foxes Dr S Robson (JCU) Support Scheme (Pteropus conspicillatus) Dr D Westcott (CSIRO) • JCU FundingBillie ROBERTS (GU) Habitat characteristics of flying-fox A Prof C Catterall (GU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Jul 2004) camps in south-east Queensland Dr J Kanowski (GU) Support Scheme Dr L Hall (Independent) • GU FundingSilvie MORAVEK (JCU) An environmental history of the Dr J Luly (JCU) (Jan 2003) grassy balds in the Bunya Mountains National Park, Queensland: Implications for management

Suspended Studies / Withdrawn from DegreeMichael COX (UQ) Queensland forest product export Dr S Harrison (UQ) (Pre Rainforest CRC) potential Dr M Quayle (QUT) Suspended Studies Nicola DOWDING (JCU) Fruit dispersal by a colonial species Dr D Westcott (CSIRO) • TropEco (Feb 2001) of bird: the Metallic Starling Dr W Edwards (JCU) (Aplonis metallica) Dr B Congdon (JCU) Ellen WEBER (JCU) Comparison of rare and common A/Prof B Jackes (JCU) • Advanced Analytical (Pre Rainforest CRC) Xanthostemon in the Wet Tropics Dr P Gadek (JCU) Centre • JCU Biological SciencesLeisa FISHER (UQ) Vocalisations and behaviour of the Dr D Westcott (CSIRO) • UQ Funding (Nov 2004) Spectacled flying-fox (Pteropus Dr P Murray (UQ) Deferred Start – Date TBC conspicillatus) Dr L Shilton (CSIRO) Kylie GOODALL (GU) Nectar rewards and its impact on Prof R Kitching (GU) • Rainforest CRC Research (Apr 2004) visitor dynamics in selected A Prof B Jackes (JCU) Support Scheme Withdrawn from Degree tropical rainforest plants Rasheda KEANE (UQ) Analysis of long-term supply of Dr J Herbohn (UQ) • Rainforest CRC Research (Jul 2003) timber on the Atherton Tablelands Dr G Slaughter (UQ) Support Scheme Suspended Studies Anna RICHARDS (UQ) The functional importance of Dr S Schmidt (UQ) • Australian Postgraduate (July 2002) biodiversity for carbon A Prof D Lamb (UQ) Award Suspended Studies sequestration Dr R Dalal (DNRM) • Greenhouse Accounting CRC • Rainforest CRC Research Support Scheme


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Milestones – Communication and Technology TransferSet Milestones 2004/2005 Achievements 2004/2005 Predicted Milestones 2005/2006

1. Coordination of conferences or − Assistance with Australian Farm − Rainforest meets Reef Joint workshops as determined on an Forestry Financial Model Conference with CRC Reef annual basis, including: Demonstration/Workshop held Research Centre scheduled for − Joint conference with CRC Reef in August 2004 in Cairns. November 2005 in Townsville Research Centre; and − Healthy Country, Healthy Reef Joint (final conference event for − Two rounds of Program Support Rainforest CRC and CRC Reef Rainforest CRC). Meetings. Research Centre Conference held − Major sponsor of and secretariat to November 2004 in Cairns. Tree-kangaroo Ecology and − Program Support Group meetings Conservation Conference scheduled were discontinued following for November 2005 on Atherton Summit and Fifth Year Review held Tablelands. in June 2004.

2. Continued production of technical − 2003/2004 Annual Report published Continue production of hard copy reports, information sheets, Issues and distributed. publications and newsletters, and papers, newsletters and other − Two best-practice manuals published, contribute to publishing of communication products. including a three-volume set. scientific books. − Two workshop proceedings published. − One research report and one special report published. − Two editions of Forest Matters published and distributed. − Hardcover Freshwater Fishes of North Eastern Australia published and available for sale through CSIRO Publishing. − Hardcover reforestation book at final stages for publishing by Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC).

3. Continue development of − Final draft of history of Australian − Finalise Australian Canopy Crane information products and training Canopy Crane glossy magazine magazine and publish in time for courses as required. completed. Canopy Crane Open Day on 19 September 2005 and for distribution at 2005 Joint Rainforest meets Reef Conference in November 2005.

4. Improve internet communication − Rainforest CRC and Australian − Allow more time for updating of services, including expansion of Canopy Crane websites updated in Rainforest CRC and Australian network and database. June 2005 to reflect changes over past Canopy Crane websites; continue twelve months. to update specific pages including − Facilitated loading of new Head- latest news, media releases and quarters computer server with 100 Gb conferences. data capacity. Put in place new − Monitor Headquarters computer structure for data storage, including server usage and data storage project home drives. to ensure project-based files − Continued updating of Rainforest remain in place. CRC central mail list.

5. Establish partnerships to develop − Major sponsor of and secretariat to − Provide major sponsorship and protocols and products. Deliver Wildlife Disease Association secretariat support to Frugivores products and events for research International Conference held in conference scheduled for July 2005. users. June 2005 in Cairns.



Set Milestones 2004/2005 Achievements 2004/2005 Predicted Milestones 2005/2006

6. Assist programs in coordinating − Assisted with coordination of a − Continue liaison with project their own communication activities number of official product launches. leaders and researchers to ascertain with stakeholders. − Assisted with distribution of media areas where Communications team releases on behalf of project researchers. may provide assistance.

Milestones – Education1. Continue competitive funding − Research Support Scheme continued: − Undertake Round 14 (Sept 2005)

opportunities through Research − Round 12 (Sept 2004) $50,000 funding (final Round before close of Support Scheme, and continue granted to 17 students. Rainforest CRC in June 2006). award of Travel Bursaries. − Round 13 (Mar 2005) $29,333 − Continue award of Travel Bursaries granted to 7 students. until close of Rainforest CRC in − Travel Bursaries totalling $8,809 June 2006. granted to 3 students. − Top-Up Funding for APA Holders totalling $7,500 to 3 students.

2. Facilitate media training course at Not carried out. 2004 Annual Conference.

3. Continue to encourage students to − Student oral and poster presentation − Offer oral and poster presentation write information sheets, participate prizes offered at Healthy Country, prizes at Rainforest meets Reef Joint in media opportunities and present Healthy Reef Joint Conference. Conference. their work to the public. − Sponsorship for student prizes at − Provide sponsorship for student Ecological Society of Australia 2004 prizes at 2005 meeting of Ecological Conference. Society of Australia. − Articles in January 2005 and June 2005 − Continue student highlights editions of Forest Matters. in Forest Matters. − Assistance provided to students wishing − Publish Issues paper on camphor to distribute media releases to promote laurel forestation. their research. − Continue assistance with media distribution of student research and outcomes.

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Documents

COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY transfer