Residents from Brookfield and surrounding suburbs are invited to learn about local conservation efforts as Dr Kate Dutton-Regester presents a talk on echidna monitoring at Kenmore Library.
Community Focus on Wildlife Conservation
An evening session at Kenmore Library on 24 June 2025 will highlight the importance of public participation in echidna conservation efforts across South East Queensland. The event features Wildlife Queensland’s Dr Kate Dutton-Regester, who will discuss the role of citizen scientists in improving understanding of the short-beaked echidna’s distribution and behaviour.
Background to the Initiative
In early 2025, Dr Dutton-Regester secured a $9,292 grant from the Wettenhall Environment Trust to launch the “Building a Baseline: Echidna Conservation Through Community Engagement” project. The program aims to address the lack of reliable data on short-beaked echidnas, a species often assumed to be common despite limited records in areas like the Lockyer Valley.
Aims of the Project
The project is focused on establishing foundational data on echidna numbers and locations. It includes the use of camera traps in the Lockyer Valley and other South East Queensland regions. Community members are being trained to install and monitor the equipment, building capacity for ongoing citizen-led monitoring.
Local Participation Encouraged
The Kenmore event invites participation from residents across nearby suburbs, including Brookfield, with the aim of boosting public interest in conservation. Attendees will gain insight into echidna biology, habitat needs, and methods to support long-term protection strategies. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the talk running from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Entry is via the library’s lift entrance, and refreshments will be available.
Future Outlook
The event supports ongoing efforts to expand community-led monitoring across South East Queensland. The project’s design includes potential collaboration with local councils and community groups in future phases. The project is subject to development and participation.
Published 18-June-2025
