You are here: ANRA home » Natural resource topics » Rangelands » Overview » Queensland
This web site is no longer being updated
In this section you will find detailed information, including national overviews and state and regional level assessments, from the 2000-2002 National Land and Water Resources Audit theme assessments.
Rangelands - Overview
Desert Uplands
Summary
- Straddles the Great Dividing Range in northern Queensland between Blackall and Pentland.
- Dominated by sandstone ranges and sand plains.
- The region lies with the eastern margin of the Great Artesian Basin.
- Thickly vegetated with eucalypt woodlands with open spinifex and Acacia woodlands.
- 80% of the land is leasehold and is used for cattle grazing.
- Semi-arid climate with variable rainfall.
ATSIC Boundaries
Catchment Basins
Statistical Local Areas
Introduction
The Desert Uplands bioregion is an area of about 70,300 sq. kms, which lies in central northern Queensland. The term ‘desert’ is usually associated with areas of little or no vegetation, but the Desert Uplands bioregion is thickly vegetated. and the term has perhaps been used because there is an abundance of spinifex (Triodia spp.) which is a grass commonly associated with drier areas of Australia.
The bioregion straddles the Great Dividing Range between Blackall and Pentland and is dominated by sandstone ranges and sand plains. Barcaldine and Aramac are the major population centres and Prairie, Torrens Creek, Pentland and Jericho are smaller centres within the region. The climate is semi-arid with variable summer-dominant rainfalls.
Natural Environment
Climate
The bioregion is too far north to receive reliable winter rain and too far south to receive monsoonal wet periods typical of northern Australia. In general, there is a decline in rainfall from east to west, correlating with two broad categories of vegetation types: brigalow dominant scrubs in the east; and gidgee blackwood and open grasslands in the far west.
The mean annual rainfall ranges from approximately 400mm to 800 mm. The summer mean daily temperature for Barcaldine ranges from 23° C to 35.8° C. Winter mean temperatures for Barcaldine range from 7.7° C to 22.5° C.
Climate averages are available for Barcaldine, Queensland: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/map/climate_avgs/a37.shtml.
For monthly rainfall and temperature graphs refer to Bureau of Meteorology website: www.bom.gov.au/climate/forms/map_forms/new_imagemaps/qld_name.html.
Current seasonal conditions and their historical context can be provided by satellite imagery. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is a measure of the vegetation ‘greenness’. The NDVI for the Desert Uplands bioregion for this year and previous years can be found at: http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ndvi/ttrace/deu.html.
For additional climate information the Queensland Department of Natural Resources ‘The Long Paddock’ at: www.dnr.qld.gov.au/longpdk provides seasonal variability information and the latest El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) information. ‘Silo’ at: www.dnr.qld.gov.au/resourcenet/climate/#silo provides agro meteorological data, such as rainfall, temperature, radiation, climate outlook products. The Queensland Department of Natural Resources’ Patched Point Dataset and Data drill at: www.dnr.qld.gov.au/resourcenet/silo/index.html, provides information on climatic risk management in agriculture, pastoralism, water resources and natural resource management.
Desert Uplands landforms are the remnants of ancient, deeply weathered plateaus made up of plains sloping slowly to alluvial frontages with occasional steeper areas fronting low ranges and escarpments. The Great Dividing Range forms a low watershed in most of the bioregion.
The main waterways draining the Desert Uplands are the Belyando, Cape, Campaspe, Barcoo and Alice Rivers and Aramac and Torrens Creeks. Two significant internal drainage basins in the centre of the region form the catchments of Lake Galilee and Lake Buchanan. These brackish lakes fill only in above average wet seasons (Land Planning and Management, 1998).
The bioregion lies on the eastern margin of the Great Artesian Basin and parts of it are important intake areas for the aquifer of the basin (Morgan, et. al., 1997; Sattler & Williams, 1999).
The bioregion partly lies within the Galilee and Eromanga Basins. These basins consist of Mesozoic to Tertiary (less than 251 million years ago) sediments including major coal and gas deposits.
For more detailed geological information and map refer to the Australian Geological Survey Organisation website: www.agso.gov.au/map/ and the Department of Mines and Energy, Queensland: www.dme.qld.gov.au/gsd/index.htm.
The bioregion consists of predominantly sandy, infertile and poorly-structured soils. Most of the sandy soils are red in colour but sandy yellow soils are widespread in the north. These soils are very well drained, denying plants moisture during long, dry periods. Texture contrast soils with sandy surfaces are common on the lower slopes and in depressions.
Uniform clay soils occur, to an extent, in association with old lakebed deposits and as extensions of the western plains into the Desert Uplands bioregion. These clay soils expand when wet and crack when dry and, although reasonably fertile, growth is limited by rainfall.
The soils in general are very low in essential mineral and trace elements, particularly phosphorus. Where slopes occur within the bioregion, the sandy topsoils are prone to sheet erosion by water and hardpans that restrict the movement of water and the growth of plant roots. Despite these limitations, the soils support a diverse range of native plant species.
For further information on soils refer to Gunn et al. (1967), Perry et.al. (1964), Sattler & Williams (1999) and Turner et.al. (1978 & 1993) and the Digital Atlas of Australian Soils at:
www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=D2C48F86-BA1A-11A1-A2200060B0A05758
.Rainfall declines from the east to the west of the bioregion and this has a significant effect on the type of vegetation that is supported in specific areas within the bioregion. In general, the brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) dominant scrubs in the east are replaced by gidgee (A. cambagei) and blackwood (Acacia argyrodendron) and open grasslands in the west.
To understand the vegetation types of this bioregion, it is possible to categorise them according to the three dominant land types: clay soils; sands and massive earths; and skeletal soils. Clay soils support brigalow, Dawson River gum (Eucalyptus cambageana), gidgee) and blackwood. This vegetation represents the most fertile areas of the bioregion. The sands and massive earths support eucalypt woodlands such as ironbark (Eucalyptus whitei, E. melanophloia, E. crebra), box (E. populnea, E. brownii), bloodwoods (Corymbia spp.) and yellow jack (Eucalyptus similis), which make up about 86% of the bioregion. The skeletal soils support a range of eucalypts, narrow-leaved ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra), bendee (Acacia catenulata) and thickets of lancewood (Acacia shirleyi), which grow on the ranges and rocky outcrops (Land Planning and Management, 1998). Acacia ramiflora and the Lawrencia buchananensis are listed as vulnerable (by ANZECC) and can be found in the area close to Lake Buchanan. Desmodium macrocarpum, Leptosema chapmani and Acacia gnidium are also species occurring in the region that are rare or threatened (Morton, et. al., 1995).
For a list of rare and threatened flora and vegetation descriptions of the bioregion refer to Sattler & Williams (1999).
The skink (Ctenotus capricorni) is regionally endemic and the spectacled hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes conspicillatus) occurs uncommonly across the bioregion (Morton, et. al., 1995). Artesian mound springs in the bioregion support endemic species such as the fish red-finned blue-eye (Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis). The wetlands of the bioregion, including Lakes Buchanan and Galilee are of national significance for waterbird breeding (Sattler & Williams, 1999).
About 33 fauna species are listed as rare and threatened, of which the western quoll (Dasyurus geoffroii geoffroii) is presumed to be extinct. There has been substantial decline in some bird species such as the Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae), red goshwak (Ethrotriorchis radiatus), star finch (Neochmia ruficauda) and plain wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus). For a list of rare and threatened fauna and fauna surveys refer to Sattler & Williams (1999).
Land Tenure & Use
Europeans first settled in the area in the 1860s and 1870s spreading from established holdings in more fertile land further east and west. These early settlements were predominantly part of closer settlement initiatives and proved too small to be viable. The climatic conditions of the area, along with commodity price pressures, production costs and invasions by pest species made it difficult for these early Europeans to sustain a profitable enterprise from the land. This appears to be an ongoing story for the Desert Uplands.
Today, the majority of land tenure is leasehold (about 80%) with the remainder comprising freehold, reserves and other tenures in small parcels of land (Land Planning and Management, 1998).
White Mountains National Park (180,000 hectares), White Mountains Resource Reserve (12,056 hectares), Moorinya National Park (32,607 hectares) and Forest Den National Park (5,890 hectares) all lie within this bioregion.
Cattle grazing on native pastures is the main land use. However pasture development with buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)following clearing for more intensive cattle production has occurred, initially on the better soils carrying Acacia forests. Of recent times more clearing of eucalypt woodlands on the infertile soils is occuring. Some sheep grazing for wool production is undertaken in the western areas of the region. Citrus, date palms and Geraldton wax are being grown as alternative crops although production is on a very small scale only (Land Planning and Management, 1998).
Condition Of The Landscape
Land degradation
The major threats to biodiversity in the Desert Uplands bioregion are land degradation as a result of inappropriate grazing practices, and broad acre clearing for pasture development. Of significance is the reduced density and diversity of native pastures. By mid 1995 less tha 10% of the bioregion had been cleared for pasture development (Morgan, et al., 1997).
Land degradation occurs in many different forms and the processes can be quite complex (Hynes, Lorimer and Marshall 2000). One factor is critical in its prevention: the ability to manage the land according to the inherent limitations of each land type and the seasonal variations in climate.
The reduction in density and species diversity of the native pastures represents the most extensive form of land degradation in the region. This has decreased the amount of feed available and led to invasion of wire grasses (Aristida spp.)and woody species. Overgrazing and the misuse of fire have both been implicated in the loss of pasture diversity (Land Planning and Management, 1998).
Sheet erosion is a common form of erosion in the region, occurring when high intensity rain falls on heavily grazed or burnt pastures. This decreases rates of infiltration of moisture and pasture growth is reduced due to the consequent sealing of the soil surface (Woinarski, et. al., in prep.).
Some dryland salinity is present in small patches.
The State-wide Landcover And Tree Study (SLATS) undertaken by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, provides vegetation cover and cover change information using Landsat Thematic Mapper ™ satellite imagery. SLATS provides baseline land cover mapping over the entire State of Queensland (www.dnr.qld.gov.au/resourcenet/veg/slats/index.html).
The main animal pest species are wild dogs, pigs, goats and feral cats. Red and grey kangaroos and wallaroos can also become a pest to pastoralists when their population becomes excessively large.
Pest plants in the region include parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus), rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora), mother of millions (Bryophyllum delagoense), parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata), noogoora burr (Xanthium pungens) and mesquite (Prosopis spp.). These species occur in isolated outbreaks. Other species identified as a threat to the region include prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica) and bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypifolia). These are identified as species present in close proximity to the boundaries of the region and may infest the area if not managed (The Desert Uplands Build-up and Development Committee, 1996).
Poison heartleaf bush (Gastrolobium grandiflorum) and pimelea (Pimeleaspp.) causes losses in production, and the thickening of various Acacia species are identified as a problem in areas after fires have occurred in spinifex pastures.
Social & Economic Aspects
People
The Desert Uplands is geographically divided in two by the Great Dividing Range with only two sealed roads running through the region. This divides the bioregion socially. Those from the northern parts of the region tend to go to Charters Towers and Townsville, while the people in the south use the services of Barcaldine, Longreach or Emerald.
In response to issues associated with declining financial viability of graziers and the decline of land condition the Desert Uplands Build-up and Development Strategy Committee (DUBDSC) has been formed (Hynes et.al. 2000). This is investigating methods to improve the viability of communities and sustainable land use practices, as well as supporting and facilitating research projects and submissions and providing information to assist graziers. The Committee is made up of landholders, local government, financial institutions, rural industry, government departments and community groups.
Under the structural adjustment scheme the Desert Uplands Community Scheme 1998-2004 was established to provide assistance through interest subsidies, development incentives, re-establishment grants and lease rental subsidies. This program is administered through the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority.
The Queensland local governments of Flinders, Dalrymple, Belyando, Jericho, Barcaldine and Blackall cross the bioregion. The bioregion is within the ATSIC regions of Townsville and Rockhampton and are managed by their respective regional councils (McLennan, 1997). For more information on the Aboriginal people of this region refer to Horton, (1994) and the relevant websites in the reference list.
Resources, References & Contacts
Publications
Desert Uplands Build-up and Development Committee 1996, ‘Position Paper’, a paper identifying the issues affecting the viability and sustainability of the population and land within the Desert Uplands, Desert Uplands Build-up and Development Committee.
Gunn, R.H., Galloway, R.W., Pedley, L. and Fitzpatrick, E.A. 1967. Lands of the Nogoa-Belyando Area, Queensland. Land Research Series No. 18, CSIRO, Australia.
Horton, D. R. 1994, The Encyclopaedia of Aboriginal Australia, Aboriginal Studies Press for the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Canberra, ACT.
Hynes, R. Lorimer, M. and Marshall, L. 2000. The Desert Uplands Community Scheme 1998-2004 — A Strategy for Integrated Regional Development. Proceedings Australian Rangeland Society Centenary Symposium, Broken Hill, pp. 115-119.
Land Planning and Management 1998, ‘DNR Land Facts’, Land Planning and Management, Department of Natural Resources, Queensland.
McLennan. W. 1997, 1994 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey: Social Atlas, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra, ACT.
Morgan, G., Lorimer, M., Perry, T. & Kemp, J. 1997, The Desert Uplands Bioregional Conservation Strategy: Project N305, Northern Regional Office, Department of Environment, Townsville, Queensland.
Morton, S.R., Short, J., & Barker, R.D. with an Appendix by Griffin, G.F., & Pearce, G. 1995, Refugia for Biological Diversity in Arid and Semi-arid Australia, Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, Canberra, ACT.
Noble, J. C., Habermehl, M. A., James, C. D., Landsberg, J., Langston, A. C. & Morton, S. R. 1998, ‘Biodiversity Implications of Water Management in the Great Artesian Basin’, in Rangeland Journal, 20(2), pp. 275-300.
Perry, R.A., Steeman, J.R., Twidale, C.R., Pritchard, C.E., Slatyer, R.O., Lazarides, M. and Collins, F.H. 1964. General Report of Lands of the Leichhardt-Gilbert Area, Queensland, 1953-54. Land Research Series No. 11, CSIRO, Canberra.
Sattler, P. & Williams, R. (eds.) 1999, The Conservation Status of Queensland’s Bioregional Ecosystems, Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane, Queensland.
Thackway, R. & Cresswell I.D. 1995, An Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia: a Framework for Setting Priorities in the National Reserves System Cooperative Program, Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra, ACT.
Turner, E.J. Beeston, G.R., Lee, A.N., Ahern, C.R. and Hughes, K.K. 1978. Western Arid Region Land Use Study — Part IV. Technical Bulletin No. 23, Division of Land Utilisation, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.
Turner, E.J., McDonald, W.J.F., Ahern, C.R. and Thomas, M.B. 1993. Western Arid Region Land Use Study — Part 5. Technical Bulletin No. 30, Division of Land Utilisation, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.
Woinarski J., Fensham, R., Whitehead, P. & Fisher, A., with map production by Verhagen, C. in preparation, Biodiversity in the Australian Rangelands: a Review of Changes in Status and Threatening Processes. Draft report prepared as a resource document for Project 3: Developing an Adaptive Framework for Monitoring Biodiversity in Australia’s Rangelands, of the National Land and Water Resources Audit, Theme 4 (Rangelands monitoring) by the Tropical Savannas Cooperative Research Centre, Darwin, Northern Territory.
Aboriginal languages of Australia:
Aboriginal Studies WWW Virtual Library:
http://www.ciolek.com/WWWVL-Aboriginal.html
Australian Landcare Council:
www.dpie.gov.au/agfor/landcare/org/alc.html.au
Aboriginal Torres Strait Islanders Commission (ATSIC):
www.atsic.gov.au/
Australian Geological Survey Organisation, Geology of Australia:
www.agso.gov.au/map/
Bureau of Meteorology, Climate averages:
www.bom.gov.au/climate/map/climate_avgs/a17.shtml
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/map/climate_avgs/a37.shtml
Bureau of Meteorology, Temperature and rainfall graphs: www.bom.gov.au/climate/forms/map_forms/new_imagemaps/qld_name.html
Bureau of Rural Sciences, Digital Atlas of Australian Soils:
www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=D2C48F86-BA1A-11A1-A2200060B0A05758
Department of Mines and Energy, Queensland:
www.dme.qld.gov.au/gsd/index.htm
Desert Uplands web site:
www.sunzine.net/outback/desertuplands
Desert Uplands Build-up and Development Strategy Committee:
http://www.sunzine.net/outback/desertuplands
Department of Environment and Heritage, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) information including bioregional information:
www.environment.gov.au/erin/ndvi/index.html
National Property Management Planning Campaign, The Future profit program:
www.dpi.qld.gov.au/ruraldev/futureprofit/Welcome.html
Queensland Department of Natural Resources. ‘Long Paddock’:
www.dnr.qld.gov.au/longpdk
Queensland Department of Natural Resources. ‘Silo’:
www.dnr.qld.gov.au/resourcenet/climate/#silo
Queensland Department of Natural Resources. Patched Point Dataset and Data drill:
www.dnr.qld.gov.au/resourcenet/silo/index.html,
Queensland’s Environmental Protection Agency. National Park information, animal and plant species information including rare and threatened species:
www.env.qld.gov.au
Queenslands Parks and Wildlife Service:
www.env.qld.gov.au/environment/park/discover/
Rural Lifestyles Queensland:
www.rlq.dcilgp.qld.gov.au
State-wide Land cover and Tree Study (SLATS) Vegetation cover and cover change information using Landsat Thematic Mapper ™ satellite imagery:
www.dnr.qld.gov.au/resourcenet/veg/slats/index.html
Tropical Savanna Co-operative Research Centre:
www.savanna.ntu.edu.au/information/savannaexplorer.html
Link to the Map Maker to make a map using this information.
Before you download
Most publications are downloadable as PDF files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files.
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.
Key
Links to an another web site
Opens a pop-up window