National Science Week: Species survival on Quandamooka Country

The Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS) and the Moreton Bay Research Station (MBRS) have been awarded a National Science Week grant from the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources.


Dr Brooke Williams led the grant application with the support of Associate Professors Carissa Klein, Karen Cheney, and Laura Sonter, and the project entitled “Species survival on Quandamooka Country” will be carried out by the CBCS Management Committee in collaboration with The University of Queensland’s MBRS during National Science Week, 10–18 August 2024. This initiative is poised to shine a light on the intricate ecosystems of Quandamooka (Moreton Bay), particularly focusing on threatened species on Quandamooka Country.

Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah.

Photo credit: Frankie Cho

 

Moreton Bay Research Station open day

There’s a lot happening in August on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). The MBRS will showcase the research and teaching that is done there by hosting the National Science Week Open Day on Saturday 10 August. This collaborative event, undertaken by the MBRS in partnership with CBCS, promises to be a beacon of celebration, knowledge-sharing and community engagement.

The involvement of CBCS will bring a biodiversity focus to this annual event, with an emphasis on “species survival in Moreton Bay”. From interactive exhibits to nature walks, attendees of all ages will be invited to explore Moreton Bay’s diverse ecosystems. With contributions from the Quandamooka First Nation community and esteemed scientists alike, including Professor Hugh Possingham, the event aims to ignite a passion for conservation and scientific inquiry. Held against the backdrop of Quandamooka Country, this collaboration promises to offer a unique blend of cultural appreciation and environmental stewardship.

Brewing for biodiversity

The science celebrations will continue with a CBCS-run “Brewery Science” event on Sunday 18 August from 2:30pm. The afternoon will include a panel discussion at the Straddie Brewing Co in Dunwich, Minjerribah, with CBCS researchers, including Professors Richard Fuller and Cath Lovelock.

Come along to this event and try a beer brewed especially for CBCS and learn more about some of Moreton Bay’s amazing biodiversity, from leopard sharks to eastern curlews. Our special edition beer will be available for purchase and proceeds will raise money for biodiversity conservation in Moreton Bay.

See you there!

Aerial view of Woody Point and Margate on the Redcliffe peninsula.

Photo credit: Martin Valigursky

Read more of these stories in Issue 18 of the CBCS Newsletter and follow us on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.

Project members

Dr Brooke Williams

Postdoctoral Research Fellow
School of the Environment
Sustainable Landscapes Group
Laura Sonter

Associate Professor Laura Sonter

Senior Lecturer
School of the Environment