Fraser Island Conferences only come around every two years

Original story by  John Sinclair, Fraser Coast Chronicle

IF YOU’RE interested in Fraser Island then consider attending the coming Fraser Island conference on August 8 at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens auditorium in Brisbane.

Conference organiser, John Sinclair from the Fraser Island Defenders Organisation said it will more than justify people’s interest and participation as it brought together a rare mix of scientists and stakeholders to discuss the issues of Fraser Island.

He said the conference also aimed to advance the island’s case for its wider use as a natural laboratory and to better see the island’s values with a global perspective.

“The hot topic of Fraser Island dingoes will be addressed by University of Queensland’s Dr Greg Baxter who will report on the results of a satellite-tracking program that followed 18 Fraser Island dingoes over eight months to see what could be learnt on dingo behavior,” Mr Sinclair said.

Climate Change, Biodiversity and Fraser Island is the subject of an address by Professor Roger Kitching, a co-ordinating lead author engaged in production of the next report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Writer, broadcaster and Australia’s longest serving science minister Barry Jones will deliver the keynote address drawing on his experience with UNESCO and as vice-president of the World Heritage Committee.

Mr Sinclair said the contributions of Prof Kitching and Dr Jones should add more justification for Fraser Island to be treated as a natural laboratory for climate change and this was the theme of this year’s conference that is supported by the Fraser Island Natural Integrity Alliance and the Fraser Island Scientific Advisory Committee.

A global spotlight will be shone on the Fraser Island patterned fens in November when 10 leading peat scientists from the International Mire Conservation Group will visit Fraser Island fens following up the research of Patrick Moss, who will be reporting on his discoveries to the conference.

Another researcher, Jock McKenzie from James Cook University will report on his studies of the mangroves of Great Sandy Strait he has undertaken as part of his doctoral studies

“It won’t only be scientists talking because Fraser Island is acclaimed as much for its outstanding aesthetic qualities as it is for its natural beauty and aesthetic qualities that are going to be discussed by leading Australian artist, Liz Cumming,” Mr Sinclair said.

Additionally there will be poster presentations covering topics from visitor responses to dingo management, ground orchids, monitoring sediment movement, managing weeds and the coordination of research effort.

The conference will be held at the Mt. Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium from 9am to 5pm on Thursday, August 8.

Registrations are now open at fraserislandconference2013.eventbrite.com.au.

Further details can be found at www.fido.org.au.