Objectives

To conserve the biological diversity of the environments in which we operate and manage our activities to minimise impacts on flora, fauna and habitats.

Strategies  

Rail and other transport corridors often contain the only examples of vegetation or fauna that existed in an area prior to settlement. These areas also frequently provide the only remaining habitat suitable for a variety of species of fauna (marsupials, reptiles, insects etc). To ensure that ecologically significant areas on QR corridor are appropriately managed, QR is undertaking projects to identify these sensitive areas as well as develop and implement appropriate management strategies to minimise disturbance. 

Another key biodiversity issue is the management of weeds and feral animals which have, or could have, serious economic, environmental or social impact. These impacts can reduce farm and forest productivity, contributing to land degradation or causing loss of biological diversity. The cost of weeds to agricultural industries in Queensland alone has been estimated at several hundred million dollars per year. QR’s involvement in the State Land Pest Management Committee commits QR to proactive identification and management of pest species through the establishment of a Pest Management Plan.

In October 2002 QR won the corporate category of the Queensland Arbor Day Award for the rehabilitation of a severely degraded land site at Stuart Creek near Townsville. This Award gives recognition to companies and individuals that have made an outstanding contribution to tree planting and vegetation management / habitat restoration activities over the last three years.