Project Flashjack is a major initiative in conjunction with the
Queensland Government, the focus of which is to provide support to
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in the reintroduction and subsequent
recovery of the Bridled Nailtail Wallaby, an endangered species that used to be
very widespread. The animal was actually thought to be extinct at one point.
Flashjack is the local, common name used for the wallaby.  

The project is based around Emerald in Central Queensland at two major sites.
Both sites are restricted access. The majority of work will occur South of Emerald
in a nature refuge of 1100ha, and cats and foxes are the primary target species,
although we will also be controlling dingos and rabbits depending on the numbers. Participating members will be also trained in survey methods, species identification and data collection. As part of our agreement we will collect data both for QPWS and to build our own database. This will allow us to refine our techniques and measure how successful we are being.  
 

The second site is an 80ha breeding
property surrounded by an electrified predator
proof fence. There is large population of rabbits
that are damaging the fence line, so H&C will
control them. Maintenance work urgently needs
to be carried out on their facilities, i.e. holding
pens, shed, water pipes etc, and we will help
with this too.

The project requires excellent marksman and hunting skills, as the cats are extremely elusive and are the major threat to the wallabies. Significant areas of the reserve are accessible on foot only, and this will allow us to get a detailed knowledge of the land and hopefully the predator movements over time.

This project provides members with varied and ongoing opportunities to be involved in conserving one of Australia’s most endangered animals.