Cooloola Coastal Conservation
Cooloola 4580, Queensland

For aspiring ecologists and students looking to gain valuable field experience, this is the trip of a life time. Volunteers will be staying and working at the stunning Freshwater Campsite just south of Rainbow Beach adjacent to Great Sandy National Park.

In this region approximately 20% of pandanus plants (Pandanus tectorius) have died due to high infestations of jamella hoppers (Jamella australiae). These tiny insects originated in North Queensland where their populations are controlled by a parasitic wasp. Unfortunately through the transport of pandanus trees, jamella hoppers have made their way south and are wreaking havoc on our coastal ecosystems and causing dieback of pandanus trees.

Come and join the team as we strip dead pandanus leaves and relocate wasps to help control jamella hopper populations. Other tasks will include the removal of Eastercassia, lantana and asparagus fern to benefit threatened black-breasted button quails and marine debris collection and analysis.

*** PLEASE NOTE*** A student discount is available for full time students which brings the complete cost to $120 (this covers all food, accommodation and transport). Volunteers who can make their way to and from the project each day can join in for free as a walk-in-volunteer for either single or multiple days. If you would like to use a student discount or join in as a walk-in-volunteer please contact our office at brisbane@cva.org.au or call us on 3399 5761.