The signs are good in the west
Travelling out west just got more interesting and even educational for locals and tourists alike with new interpretive signage providing an added incentive to stop and appreciate Western Queensland.
Hard at work during the December heat installation of a sign at Hamilton rest stop
The sign series is the result of a collaborative project between Desert Channels Queensland (DCQ) and local councils and aims to increase awareness of important natural resource management (NRM) issues in the region.
The NRM Sign Project spans nine local councils - Diamantina, Longreach, Winton, Boulia, Barcoo, Bulloo, Quilpie, Blackall and Barcaldine - totalling 61 signs over an impressive 510 000 km²!
DCQ’s Industry Liaison Officer Colleen James ensured the smooth running of the project from beginning to end by working in partnership with people from across the region.
Colleen said that the project was a great opportunity for the councils in the region and they were eager to jump on board.
“Our major objective was to provide an information service to the community through the placement of interpretive signs across the region.”
“Through this project we hope to educate visitors and residents throughout the Desert Channels region and spread important natural resource management messages as well as other information,” Colleen said.
The signs provide information on a range of topics including native plants, invasive weeds, threatened species, feral animals, regional aquatic life, fauna, reptiles, land type and historical information.
“This initiative will benefit our Shire greatly, as it will improve the quality of the travel experience for visitors to the region, by providing points of interest where they can stop for a rest and learn a little more about the Shire and its history,” Bulloo Shire Council Community Services Manager Donna Gentle said.
“It also gives locals a greater sense of pride in their community, and increases their awareness of the attractions and the history that are on offer in our Shire.”
Wendy Groves of Clifton Station, south of Jundah said, “We stopped and looked at the DCQ 'Birds of the Channel Country' sign at the cross roads and are very impressed. Congratulations to those involved.”
The NRM Sign Project is a great example of how Desert Channels Queensland and local government across the region are working together to create a better understanding of our natural assets.
