Kingaroy Heights Park and Environmental Area

Introduction to Kingaroy Heights Park and Environmental Area

In late 2023, Kingaroy & Districts (K&D) Branch of Native Plants Qld (NPQ) designed an interpretive sign to be placed in a local dry vine scrub and in mid-2024 was successful in obtaining a grant to complete the project.  Then in August the South Burnett Regional Council, with funds made available from the State Government, stepped in to manufacture the sign and it was installed in December at Carroll Nature Area (CNA).

The grant donor Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) allowed the Branch to redirect its funds to another dry vine scrub, and Kingaroy Heights was chosen.  A deteriorated and outdated wooden sign was removed and a metal canopy similar to the one at CNA was erected in Tarong Drive in April 2025.  Information for both sides of the sign was provided by the Branch and compiled by a local graphic designer.  Printing was carried out by another local business.  As part of the grant conditions, in-kind contributions were required and our members volunteered much of their time and skills to bring the project to completion.

Our members pleased with a job well done in constructing the shelter for the sign

The two-sided sign depicted above provides information on the Area, one of the few remnants of semi-evergreen vine thicket within Kingaroy township accessible to the public.  The extent of clearing for agriculture and forestry has led to there being less than 8% remaining of the original vine thicket (softwood scrub) communities (labelled “BVG7” in the following maps).  At the time of the Kingaroy Heights residential subdivision in the mid-1960s, the-then Kingaroy Shire Council required a portion to be set aside as an Environmental Reserve.  So the former farmland to the west, plus the rocky scarp and some existing dry rainforest vegetation (16.4ha in total) became Kingaroy Heights Park and Environmental Area.  It provides a rich and diverse habitat for a wide variety of insects, birds, reptiles and mammals.

The following maps show the stark changes in the landscape following settlement of the region.

Pre-clearing extent of rainforests (Broad Vegetation Groups) in the South Burnett

Remnant (2021) extent of rainforests (Broad Vegetation Groups) in the South Burnett

(Maps are by courtesy of Bill McDonald)

More information on the 25 plant species listed on the sign can be found in the book Rainforests Plants of Australia-Rockhampton to Victoria.  This illustrated text, as well as a desktop or phone app, is available from https//rainforestpublishing.com.au  Kingaroy & Districts Branch acknowledges the authors and thanks them for permission to use their material.

A list of trees, shrubs and vines identified as at March 2025 is included below. The 14 birds illustrated on side 2 of the sign, which are examples of the birds that may be found, are listed below. Each is linked to further information, including their call. Thanks to eBird for permission to use this content.

The refurbished park sign adjacent to the new Information Board

The reserve is not immune to invasion by environmental weeds. Concerns exist that these weeds will flourish in the canopy breaks and restrict natural revegetation by out-competing and replacing the indigenous plants. In particular, the woody shrub, Lantana camera is growing readily along the margins of the reserve and is particularly prevalent along the Ergon easement, which dissects the area. Following loss of habitat to exotic plant species, and because of the interdependence of living organisms, the diminishing shelter and food reserves impact all endemic fauna.

It is hoped that the comprehensive information provided on the interpretive sign will inform local residents and visitors alike, and lead to community engagement in the maintenance and protection of this site.

Native Plants Queensland is a community-based organisation committed to growing, conserving and studying Australian plants. Please join us. Our branch contact e-mail is kingaroy@npq.org.au