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Home » Stories "outside" of the Travel genre » What you may not know about Moreton Island

What you may not know about Moreton Island

July 23, 2017 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Last updated 24 March 2020

Moreton Island in south east Queensland is unique for many reasons. But this one is pretty special. It’s 170 square kilometre expanse is one of the very few places in Queensland that can declare itself completely free of that noxious invasive pest – the cane toad.

Cane toad – (image from google images)

If you’d like to know more about this phenomenon, read my feature story originally called “Island unto itself” published in the July 15-16 edition of the Courier Mail’s Qweekend.

Image: Qweekend July 15-16, 2017 edition p 18

Here’s the link to the story published on Courier Mail’s online site as Detection dogs keeping Moreton Island free of cane toads

There are a few stars in the story – among them are a trio of impressive dogs, whose job on Moreton Island is to seek out any rogue cane toads. Owned by Sydney based canine handler and trainer Steve Austin, these dogs are trained to detect many feral creatures including fox and cat, but are on Moreton as “cane toad detection dogs.”

Tommy on eastern section of Moreton Island (photo courtesy: Simon Box)

In researching the story, I was fortunate enough to visit the stunning Moreton Island and spend some time with Steve Austin and his incredible dogs.

Canine handler and trainer Steve Austin with Tommy

My son Fraser meets Emma – a working cocker spaniel.

And I also met a passionate conservationist, Christine Sanders – a long time visitor to Moreton Island and member of the Moreton Island Protection Committee.

MIPC Volunteer Christine Sanders with Steve Austin

I feel very fortunate as a writer, when the opportunity presents itself to learn more about your environment and the amazing work people are doing to maintain it. This was one of those stories.

Time to relax! Emma chases the ball at Blue Lagoon.

Moreton Island wrecks

 

 

Filed Under: Australia, Destinations, Queensland, Stories "outside" of the Travel genre, Why have me write for you? Tagged With: #MoretonIsland, Cane toad detection dogs, facts about cane toads, facts about Moreton Island, keep cane toads off Moreton Island, MIPC, Moreton Island, Moreton Island is cane toad free, places to visit in Queensland, Steve Austin, Who is helping to keep cane toads off Moreton Island, why visit Moreton Island

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