Inland Rail is working with Toowoomba-based UniSQ to fund research into threatened species along the Darling Downs section of the Inland Rail alignment.
The partnership will help Inland Rail gain a better understanding of the ecology of several species in the area including koala, wild dog, and reptile populations, helping Inland Rail deliver our Environmental Impact Statement for the section.
UniSQ is also completing a range of wildlife research and survey activities including on several threatened reptile species including the yakka skink, Dunmall's snake, collared delma, five-clawed worm skink, grey snake, and Condamine earless dragon.
The research will identify the status of local populations, monitor and track individuals, and trial a variety of artificial habitats to see if these encourage population growth.
In addition, Inland Rail is working with UniSC for research on threatened flora species in the Border to Gowrie section, with the partnership providing mapping, genetic assessment, and propagation trials for four threatened flora species.
Protection of the landscape and local flora species is paramount to Inland Rail as we build this project through rural and regional Australia. UniSC is helping us deliver applied flora solutions in the Border to Gowrie section.
The work will inform research responding to commitments made in the Border to Gowrie draft EIS on propagation, by providing information on propagation effectiveness for target species that do not have recovery plans or propagation trial information.
The results of our work with UniSQ and UniSC will also help inform relevant management documents, such as the Border to Gowrie Construction Environment Management Plan, Offsets Area Management Plans, Rehabilitation Management Plan, and the Significant Species Management Plan, as well as informing future mitigation and conservation works.
Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Director of Safety, Environment and Engagement, said:
"Protection of the landscape and wildlife is paramount to Inland Rail as we build this project through rural and regional Australia. We are deeply aware of the connection people have to their land and communities.
"This is why it is so important that we partner with local experts in their field such as UniSQ and UniSC.
"Inland Rail has from the outset worked with communities along the alignment to draw on local knowledge to get the best environmental outcomes possible.
"These studies will inform how we build Inland Rail across the Darling Downs. I am proud that organisations like UniSQ and UniSC will be front and centre in the research being done to achieve better outcomes in our communities."
