Mamu park news
What's new at the walkway
Alf Joyce with conservation volunteers. Photo: Alf Joyce.
Revegetating the bora ground. Photo: Alf Joyce.
Post-cyclone Yasi recovery on track
Since Cyclone Yasi affected the rainforest and parts of the walkway in February 2011, repairs have been underway.
Repairs to a short section of walkway, which sustained minor structural damage, will soon be completed. Several small signs along the tracks and walkways were damaged by tree falls and have now been replaced. The lush growth of the revegetated areas around the entrance, car park, office and walking tracks was set back somewhat by the cyclone. The rainforest canopy also suffered significant damage in places and several dangerous large trees have had to be removed over the months since the cyclone. Foliage lost during the high winds is growing back with a vengeance—many trees have the tell-tale ‘pom-pom’ growth of leaves at the ends of their branches.
A major revegetation program was undertaken recently with the help of volunteers from Conservation Volunteers Australia. The volunteers were local people from Innisfail and Babinda who had recently completed a qualification in Conservation and Land Management. Over 1000 trees were planted to help re-establish the rainforest and to screen an Aboriginal cultural site—a bora ground—adjacent to the highway. Traditional Owner Alf Joyce assisted with the project.
The rainforest generally shows little sign of damage; visitors to the facility since re-opening find it difficult to believe that a category five cyclone passed through the area early in 2011. Some visitors believe that the spectacular views over the gorge and mountains have improved with the thinning of the canopy!
Last updated 30 January 2012