Fraser Island Revisited

Sandra Rutter

A rose tinged sunrise over the ocean was our wake up call signaling my husband and me to rise and prepare for the day’s activities. We would need costumes, towel, walking boots, binoculars and maps. We could visualize the clear freshwater lakes, forest walks and lookouts overhanging an ocean teeming with marine life (sharks, stingrays, dolphins, fish). But firstly we needed to don work gear and select tools because there was serious work to be done on this World Heritage Island.

It was October 2005 and a project initiated by Mary Tang with on-going communication with Fraser Island Defenders Organisation (FIDO) had drawn together eleven volunteer bush regenerators, to address the problem of environmental weeds on the road leading into and around Eurong Resort on Fraser Island’s east coast. Garden escapes and specific weeds including Lantana Camara, Senna Pendula, Madeira Vine, Fishbone Fern, Corky Passion Vine and others were targeted.

We worked early in the day. Our rewards came with the release of a slender Mydim, Dianella or Fig to the accompaniment of birdsong which seemed to start on our arrival at the site and didn’t finish until we finished our designated area. Our valiant crew strolled back sweaty and satisfied to our accommodation where our able chefs had prepared home made Anzac biscuits or freshly baked apple cake to have with our coffee. The afternoons were usually spent being driven by our wonderfully well informed driver and friend George Haddock to his special places. This is where we needed our day packs and picnic coolers. There was time to discover the Island and time to contemplate.

I personally felt privileged to have been on this inaugural weeding expedition to Eurong with such an expert team and felt that the work we undertook has made a valuable difference to the spaces targeted. In addition the interest shown by locals and visitors was positive. Mary is aware of the necessity of a sustained weeding program and has plans for a follow up trip. It was a holiday with a difference. I recommend it to anyone who cares about native bushland and beautiful sunrises.

The next expedition starts May 20, 2006. Please express your interest by telephoning her on 99090438 or email marymanlan@mac.com.