Burrows, Damien W., Tait, Jim P., and Webb, Alan C. (1998) A brief biological survey of Idalia Lagoon, Townsville. Report. James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

[Extract] The wetlands of the Townsville-Burdekin aggregation are recognised as forming part of the most significant wetland aggregation on the north-east coast of Australia (Arthington and Hegerl 1988). The coastal complex between Alligator Creek and Cape Bowling Green is only the second site in Queensland to be listed under the 'Convention on Wetlands of International Importance' (RAMSAR Convention). Within the urban areas of Townsville, the Town Common is the best known wetland, attracting thousands of locals and tourists, and having an internationally-recognised reputation among birdwatchers.

Most of the Ross River floodplain in Townsville has been subject to urban and industrial development and only a few floodplain lagoons remain. These lagoons are within the Idalia/Oonoonba area where the Fairfield Land Development, which aims to house up to 5,000 people, is beginning construction. The largest of these lagoons are Oonoonba Lagoon and Idalia Lagoon. Oonoonba Lagoon is located adjacent to the Oonoonba State School on the northern side of Oonoonba Road and is within the development. Idalia Lagoon is behind the Townsville Pony Club and the cycling velodrome (Figure 1). This lagoon is surrounded by Crown land under control of the Townsville City Council and isleased to the Townsville Pony Club. It can be seen from Stuart Drive and is adjacent to the Fairfield Development.

Idalia Lagoon, Oonoonba Lagoon and Gordon Creek (into which these and other nearby lagoons drain) have all been identified as ecologically important wetlands and waterways by the Townsville City Council (1990) and in the Townsville-Thuringowa Strategy Plan (1996). Despite the development that will soon surround these lagoons, no survey of their ecological values has been undertaken. The only biological data available is that of waterfowl research conducted in the 1960's (Lavery 1970, Lavery and Blackman 1971). These surveys recorded a high diversity and abundance of waterfowl in these lagoons. This report describes a brief survey to assess the fish fauna and other ecological values of Idalia Lagoon.

Item ID:	36650
Item Type:	Report (Report)
Additional Information:	Report No. 98/24
Date Deposited:	14 Dec 2016 01:02
FoR Codes:	05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050205 Environmental Management @ 100%
SEO Codes:	96 ENVIRONMENT > 9606 Environmental and Natural Resource Evaluation > 960604 Environmental Management Systems @ 100%
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