Friends of Dularcha National Park conservation group to launch next month
By Sonia Isaacs
A NEW community-led conservation group, Friends of Dularcha National Park, is set to launch in February, bringing together volunteers to protect and enhance the unique ecosystems of Dularcha National Park in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
This initiative, the first entirely volunteer-run group in the region, will operate in partnership with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and focus on removing invasive species, monitoring threatened wildlife, and hosting educational events.
Regular activities are planned for the second Saturday of each month, encouraging consistent community involvement.
Leading the group is Ryan Moore, an ecological restoration expert and former QPWS ranger with extensive conservation experience. He says volunteers are central to the success of the initiative.
“Volunteers are indispensable,” Mr. Moore said. “Their passion and commitment fuel everything we do. Every hour spent in the park, every weed pulled, and every threatened species monitored contributes to a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. Dularcha National Park, located between Landsborough and Mooloolah, is home to diverse flora and fauna, including several threatened species. Mr. Moore highlighted the park’s ecological and cultural significance.
“Protecting it is not just an environmental responsibility but also a way to preserve the character of our community,” he said.
Friends of Parks Queensland, Executive Officer, Jessica Lovegrove-Walsh, said she was thrilled about the launch of a locally driven conservation group.
“Friends of Parks groups are the unsung heroes of conservation, working alongside Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers to connect with and preserve our natural treasures,” Ms. Lovegrove-Walsh said. “Real change begins at the grassroots level. When communities come together to protect their local environment, the impact is both immediate and enduring.
Dularcha National Park is a relatively unknown gem, and it’s up to all of us to ensure its unique ecological and cultural values are protected for generations to come.”
She added that practical, on-ground initiatives like those planned by Friends of Dularcha National Park complement larger environmental strategies, creating a ripple effect of awareness and action.
Dularcha National Park faces increasing challenges from invasive species, habitat degradation, and growing visitor impacts. Friends of Dularcha National Park aims to address these issues head-on with hands-on conservation projects, educational workshops, and community engagement events.
A spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) said the department was pleased to support Friends of Parks Queensland in their efforts to assist community conservation groups. “We work in partnership with these volunteer groups and recognise the importance of volunteers in achieving on-ground conservation, research, and education activities aimed at enhancing protected areas across Queensland,” the spokesperson said.
Friends of Dularcha National Park welcomes individuals, families, and local businesses to join their efforts. Regular working bees, educational workshops, and community events will offer numerous opportunities for the community to make a difference.
The inaugural event will be held on Saturday, February 8, at 8:30 am, inviting locals to participate in this grassroots conservation effort. For more information, visit www.friendsofparksqld.org or follow Friends of Dularcha National Park on Facebook.