Article DetailsCommunity celebrates Centenary of Parks and historic handover at Mt Etna Caves |
| Date Added: October 05, 2008 10:12:37 PM |
| Author: |
| Category: Natural Heritage: Places |
| The Centenary of Parks celebration at Mt Etna Caves National Park on Saturday 27 September was a huge success, organisers and the community agree.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Manager Leigh Harris said about 600 people attended the event, held at Mt Etna’s Cammoo visitor area.
“There were fossil digs, guided cave tours, wildlife talks and discovery activities — all offering an opportunity for the community to discover more about Mt Etna’s treasures,” Mr Harris said.
“The event also had special significance as Cement Australia formally handed over its old Mt Etna mine site to the EPA, increasing the size of the national park and protecting the mountain, its caves, bats and fossils for the future.
“This year marks 100 years of national parks in Queensland, and there is no better way to celebrate that milestone than see the site of Australia’s longest running conservation campaign protected in national park.
“The importance of the day was further marked by the presence of so many people who had given many years, some 30-40 years, to protect the cave and their bats.
“Speleologists (cavers) attended from as far away at Western Australia to mark this historic event.”
Mr Harris said the celebration was held in partnership with Cement Australia and the Queensland Museum, and the feedback from the community was very positive.
“In coming weeks, there will be more Centenary of Parks events held in the region, from Blackdown Tableland National Park to Bluff Point on the Capricorn Coast.”
Mr Harris said more information about upcoming events can be found on the EPA website www.epa.qld.gov.au, or from the EPA Rockhampton office during business hours on 4936 0511. |
