During the WPSQ Urban Wildlife Forum in June 2003, delegates agreed
that settled areas of south east Queensland have significant conservation value,
high levels of biodiversity and that there is an urgent need for improved management
of the natural values in this region. A resolution was passed to form an advisory
body to support stakeholders in urban wildlife management in working towards
the best possible biodiversity conservation outcomes for the future of South
East Queensland. On 15th October, an interim steering committee (ISC) of the
Urban Biodiversity Advisory Consortium (UrBAC) met to formulate strategies to
take the forum resolution forward. The interim steering committee initially
includes representatives from QPWS, Brisbane City and Redland Shire Councils,
Griffith University, University of Queensland and Dept Natural Resources and Mines, RSPCA and WPSQ.
Having reviewed the Urban Wildlife Forum workshop outcomes, the ISC has established a mission statement: "To gather and disseminate information, research and build experience in order to protect, enhance and manage biodiversity in settled areas of SEQ". UrBAC seeks the support and involvement of a wide range of stakeholders so that it can fulfil its aim of providing a common thread for decision makes and policy setters to make informed and consistent decisions for the best conservation and community outcomes in the SEQ bio-region.
The stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation will be invited to form a Reference Group, with one of the first activities being to develop a detailed scoping document. The reference group will include a wide range of representation from areas such as EPA/QPWS, Education, Local Governments, Departments of Natural Resources, Primary Industries, Main Roads and Natural Resources and Mines, Queensland Universities, Conservation and Landcare groups, nursery and pet industries, animal welfare and rehabilitation groups, as well as various commercial interests.
In
addition to the reference group, a number of working groups will be established
to address certain key issues raised at the Forum. These are Education, Research,
Monitoring, Planning, the establishment of a number of pilot projects and the
formation of a permanent steering committee. Nominations are currently being
called from the various groups, and a communication program is being developed
to keep all parties informed as UrBAC evolves. For more details about UrBAC
and to be put on our mailing list, please contact us via email.. The
Urban Biodiversity Awareness Consortium Website is hosted by the Wildlife
Preservation Society of Queensland