Land for Wildlife Case Study – Morag McNichol Reserve

Morag McNichol Reserve (MMR), located off Wattle Street in Andergrove, is approximately 13.67ha of native bushland which backs on McCready’s Creek Reserve. Morag McNichol Reserve became a Land for Wildlife property in 2003, when the group, Friends of Morag McNichol, formed and held monthly meetings to discuss management of the
reserve. As the land is owned by Mackay Regional Council, the group has always worked very closely with Council officers to achieve outcomes, including: removal of weeds, (Guinea grass, lantana, white thunbergia), removal of rubbish, monitoring of boundaries for weed incursions, repairing of fence lines and implementation of plant/tree labels along the walkway. Friends of Morag McNichol meet monthly to conduct working bees and inspect the site for any arising issues. The group is led by Jim McNichol whose family were the original owners of the land (James and Morag McNichol owned the land before selling it to Pioneer Shire Council on the understanding that most of it be retained as a natural Reserve). The group’s goal is to rehabilitate and conserve the native bush land so that future generations can appreciate the rare ecosystem with its diverse range of local flora and fauna.

The Morag McNichol Reserve is comprised of remnant vegetation and habitat trees. There are tree hollows in old growth sections and many juvenile trees that have come up as a result of natural regeneration. A large Melaleuca leucadendra tree found along the trail is a testament to the longevity of vegetation in this area, a true example of what the landscape looked like pre-settlement. Thanks to the conservation efforts of community members like the McNichol family and Friends of MMR, this Land for Wildlife property will be enjoyed for future generations to come. This land is exemplary to the positive outcomes of conservation efforts and is a true champion of the Land for Wildlife program.