The fascinatin' Channel Country

Submitted: Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 19:04
ThreadID: 38128 Views:2705 Replies:2 FollowUps:2
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Desert Channels Queensland, based in Longreach, has a good website. Visit www.dcq.org.au/

They produce an excellent newsletter called the Basin Bullet that I have been receiving for some while now. Visit
http://www.dcq.org.au/news/basin_bullet/september_06.pdf

Recently, while visiting DCQ on line, I saw a book advertised. I duly received it in today's mail, and I declare it to be one of the best resources I have seen for the Channel Country.

“A field guide to the Plants of the Channel Country Western Queensland"

is a fantastic book. It should be in the kit of every traveller to this region. It cost surprisingly little, and is written by Rhondda Alexander; published by the Channel Landcare Group.

Divided into sections that deal with trees, shrubs, grasses, sedges, forbs, and mistletoes, it also describes land types of the Channel Country.

For each plant species covered, it has excellent photographic illustrations, common & botanical names, accompanied by written descriptions covering habitat, palatability (to stock), nutrition (same again), toxicity and a notes section. There is useful glossary and a comprehensive index in the rear.

Is it possible that the Bob Y (who is an EO person) is the same Bob Y mentioned in the book? If so, take a bow, Bob - you and your group have created an asset that can only enhance understanding & appreciation of your region.

South Australia has a similar publication entitled: ' Field guide to the Plants of Outback South Australia" by B Lay & F Kutsche, published by the Dept. of Water Land & Biodiversity Conservation, Adelaide.

Cheers.
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Reply By: rhondda - Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 19:55

Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 19:55
Thank you Rick SA for your kind words about our book. I am busily working on a small follow-up to the book about weeds and problem plants of the Georgina Diamantina Catchment. These will be free to anyone that is interested. For extra reading it will refer back to the manin book, Plants of the Channel Country.

Regards Rhondda Alexander
AnswerID: 197208

Follow Up By: Rick (S.A.) - Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 21:23

Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 21:23
Thanks Rhondda.

Would love to be notified when it becomes available.

In April 2005 I travelled the Georgina River route, as best I could (by vehicle) from about 100 km N-N-W of Camooweal, and down to Goyders Lagoon where we could progress no further. The timing was such that there was water in almost the entire length of the system - some 1300 km.

Had a wonderful trip, some rough & tough country along parts, and a fascinating region. So much to explore & be aware of - land forms, flora, fauna, history - your back yard has it all. Thank goodness not every one likes it!

Is it possible to great access to Ethabuka, Cravens Peak etc?

I have yet to visit the Diamantina system. Maybe I can drop in & see Bob Y when I do.

Cheers

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FollowupID: 456009

Reply By: Willem - Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 23:09

Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 23:09
Hi Rick

Thanks for that insight.

Off topic, I visited an old friend in Burra this evening. He is acollector of many things. We were talking about this and that and Michael Terry came up in the conversation and I said that I had a hard time getting info on him. Blow me down, my friend has all five of Michael Terry's books. I will make an effort to go there one day and gather some notes from them.

Cheers
AnswerID: 197234

Follow Up By: rhondda - Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 22:57

Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 22:57
Hi again Rick,
Note your trip. Lucky you. I grew up on Herbert Downs and my husband and myself managed Marion Downs for 30 years. In 2001, 2 friends, my husband and myself travelled by vehicle from the Toko Gorge following the Mulligan from its head to the Marion Downs/Sandringham boundary, about one third the length of the Mulligan. I hope to finish it one day. Re Ethabuka and Craven's Peak. These properties are owned by Bush Heritage, so possibly you could contact them re travel in that area.
My dream is to do the Georgina and the Diamantina. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Yes the country is beautiful, and yes I hope not too many people find it, and if they do I hope they will respect and cherish it.
I will let you know about the weed deck.
Regards Rhondda
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FollowupID: 456043

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