Dry Rainforest Plants
Introduction to Carroll Nature Area


The above Information boards give a brief introduction to the special place Carroll Nature Area (CNA) has in our local environment.
Along the main track shown on the map we have placed labels stationed adjacent to selected plants. There are 25. Each label contains the scientific, common and family names of the plants as well as a QR code, which provides a link to more information that has been placed on this web page (Scroll down to discover these links). We are grateful for the generosity of the authors in allowing us to take this information from the book Rainforest Plants of Australia- Rockhampton to Victoria. This book is available as both a printed text and a phone app at https://rainforestpublishing.com.au/
CNA was named to acknowledge the pioneer Carroll family, which donated it to the Shire of Kingaroy. It is a 4.23 hectare, botanically significant bushland reserve – one of the last Dry Rainforest (Softwood Scrub, or semi-evergreen vine thicket) remnants within the South Burnett Region, and is a threatened ecosystem. It was set aside with the following aims, described in a report dated December 1987 and entitled Carroll Nature Area, “compiled by the Kingaroy Shire Council with the assistance of S. James, D. Kent and C. Kratzmann”:
- the land would be retained as natural bushland and would be called the “Carroll Nature Area”.
- existing grazing leases would be terminated.
- adjoining landowners would be required to limit maintenance activities to within 3 metres of the common boundary.
- a programme of regeneration would be implemented, including the clearing of nuisance plants and the undertaking of supplementary tree planting using naturally occurring species.
- public access would be limited until an acceptable level of regeneration has occurred.
These recommendations should ensure the conservation of a wildlife habitat which will provide an opportunity for public enjoyment of; and education about wildlife.
Softwood Scrub has special characteristics, such as the ability to grow and thrive in relatively dry conditions, and the prevalence of prickly and thorny plants. These plants protect small birds and animals from predators, which cannot penetrate the prickly layers. Vines are common in the understory. Much of the South Burnett region was originally covered with these scrubs, but extensive clearing for agriculture has reduced them to a few scattered remnants. They are poorly represented in conservation reserves and what remains is at risk from development, fire, grazing, weed invasion, roadside clearing, climate change and recreational use. Many of the species found in these scrubs are now rare and endangered.

Rod taking another load of Asparagus Fern to the trailer
Native Plants Queensland Kingaroy and Districts Branch (the Branch) and South Burnett Regional Council (the Council) have had a long joint history (with others) as stewards of CNA. Unfortunately, CNA is weed infested. Invasive weeds are smothering emergent vegetation, out-competing indigenous plants and preventing regeneration. Without hand-weeding, natural revegetation is unlikely to occur. Weed control commenced in 1987 and has continued with working bees by Branch members and others since the Branch was established in September 2000.
In 2023 the Branch commenced the design of this interpretive sign and sought grant funding. Its primary objective is to raise the profile of CNA, so as to attract and inform increasing numbers of visitors. We hope that it will act as a catalyst to encourage community engagement in its care, maintenance and protection.
In August 2024, the Council, with funds made available through our Divisional Councillor, stepped in to manufacture and install the sign, and it was erected in December 2024.
National Tree Day each year in July is an occasion that the Branch uses to welcome members of the public and other like-minded community groups such as Landcare, to undertake weeding and some revegetation. Because suitable dry vine species are not commercially available, we rely on Branch members to collect local seed and raise the endemic plants. These endeavours coincide with the aims of Native Plants Qld, which are conservation, cultivation and education. If you would like to join us, please e-mail kingaroy@npq.org.au