Propagate and Plant: Cassowary Conservation

Locals couldn’t remember the last time Wongaling Creek flowed, but in collaboration with Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, we’ve completed the Wongaling Wetland Cassowary Corridor restoration project and the creek is now flowing again!

The Djiru Native Title Land at Mission Beach was choked with water weeds, guinea grass, lantana and Singapore daisy, and surrounded by urbanisation and development. The land was prioritised for restoration after it was identified as key cassowary habitat by the Traditional Owners.

The project also employed and trained Djiru Traditional Owners, many of whom had been displaced by Mission Beach’s rapid development and soaring property prices.

“The Girringun nursery and restoration team and the Djiru restoration team thank you for your support to help heal our country,” said Nina Dawson, Restoration Project Coordinator.

What we've achieved together:

• Removal of invasive Singapore daisy that had clogged the creek and prevented native species growth
• 1,500 Cassowary rainforest trees planted
• Seed collection of cassowary food trees to be grown in the Girringun nursery
• Training of Djiru people – plant identification, seed collection and restoration and propagation techniques
• Wongaling Creek flowing again