Upper Dawson Branch
CONTACT US
© Tamielle Brunt

Wildlife Queensland Upper Dawson Branch member outing, Mt Walsh.
Our story
Formed in 1985, Wildlife Queensland Upper Dawson branch is a community-based group that works hard to protect environmental values in the Upper Dawson, Fitzroy Region in Central Queensland.
The Dawson River rises in the Carnarvon Range, draining through the Carnarvon National Park, northwest of Upper Dawson. The flow of the river is of high importance, especially for native fish and platypus to move within the system and reproduce successfully.
What we do
Projects:
- Ongoing environmental DNA (eDNA) testing for the presence of platypus in the Dawson River.
- In 2020, we completed the construction of a bird hide on the bank of Castle Creek in Theodore. In 2022, interpretive signage was placed along the walkway to the hide, and First Nations art was added to the walls of the hide. Native bird-attracting shrubs and vines have also been planted around the hide.
Advocacy and planning:
- We endeavour to respond to developmental proposals for our catchment.
- We write to various levels of government to take stronger action to prevent damage to water, soil, and ecosystems through inappropriate development and under-resourcing of protected areas.
- We have had input into Shire and State Environmental Plans and Stock Route management plans.
- We continue to support the Banana Shire in its cat management program.
- We collaborate with natural resource management associations.
Community engagement and education:
- Our branch organises regular outings for branch members and members of the community to Central Queensland’s National Parks, sandstone gorges, gas fields, coal mines, boggomosses, wetlands and forests.
- We publish a monthly newsletter to keep members and communities up-to-date with our activities.
- Our branch holds four meetings a year at locally significant sites, and visitors are welcome.

The Theodore Bird Hide along Castle Creek Walk.

Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) swimming in the river.
Get involved
join our branch
Join our local branch supporters helping to protect and conserve Queensland’s at-risk species and habitats.
Branch meetings
Our branch meets 4 times p/year. Email for more info or call 0427 504 560 (Secretary) or 0427 283 290 (President).
Newsletter
Subscribe to our monthly branch newsletter to receive the latest updates on our branch activities and achievements.
Branch newsletter
Download the most recent issues of our newsletter below.
2024
- September 2024 edition (pdf)
- August 2024 edition (pdf)
- July 2024 edition (pdf)
- May 2024 edition (pdf)
- February 2024 edition (pdf)
2023
- Dec 2023-Jan 2024 edition (pdf)
- November 2023 edition (pdf)
- October 2023 edition (pdf)
- September 2023 edition (pdf)
- August 2023 edition (pdf)
- June 2023 edition (pdf)
- April 2023 edition (pdf)
- March 2023 edition (pdf)
- February 2023 edition (pdf)
- Dec 2022-Jan 2023 edition (pdf)
2022
- August 2022 edition (pdf)
- July 2022 edition (pdf)
- June 2022 edition (pdf)
- May 2022 edition (pdf)
- April 2022 edition (pdf)
- Jan–Feb 2022 edition (pdf)
Latest branch news
Unveiling the remarkable achievements of Wildlife Queensland’s branches across Queensland
On 9 September, more than 40 people joined Wildlife Queensland on the beautiful Sunshine Coast to attend the Society’s Annual General Meeting and the 60th birthday celebrations for the Sunshine Coast & Hinterland Inc. Branch. Find out what our branches have achieved this past year.
Supporting waterway health this National Water Week
This National Water Week, we’re highlighting the importance of healthy waterways by reporting on a current and future threat to the health of the Dawson River in Central Queensland and the many species that inhabit it, including our iconic platypus.
Dawson Valley Butterfly Weekend a flying success!
More than 30 enthusiastic participants helped Upper Dawson branch celebrate Wildlife Queensland’s 60th anniversary and learnt about Central Queensland’s many butterfly species at the Dawson Valley Butterfly Weekend events on 15 October in Taroom and 16 October in Theodore.
Contact Wildlife Queensland Upper Dawson Branch
address
Wildlife Queensland Upper Dawson Branch
PO Box 262, Taroom, QLD 4420
Australia
phone
0427 504 560 (current Secretary)
0427 283 290 (current President)