Paluma residents, visitors and holiday-makers please note that the Rainforest Inn at Paluma will be closed over the period 30 December 2020 to 30 January 2021.
This means that with the exception of the vending machine (for snacks) at the Paluma Education and Environmental Centre (PEEC) there are no places or facilities to buy food, drinks or other supplies whilst visiting the village. Please bring your supplies with you to avoid disappointment (and being hungry!).
A couple of weeks ago, we were gifted with the rare treat of boobook owls. Boobooks are Australia’s smallest and most widespread owls, and, as with most owls, are seldom seen. In the Hawk Owl family (genus Ninox), these fledglings appear to be the more commonly distributed subspecies, Ninox boobook ssp boobook, rather than the rainforest subspecies of lurida, which is interesting as it means both subspecies must overlap in range here at Paluma.
We had heard both boobook and lesser sooty owls the previous evening, and saw at least one of the adult parent birds very early, from the bedroom window. The photos were taken from the lounge room window. These fledglings were being guarded by an adult bird, who quickly flew into the forest when spotted, but the fledglings stayed put for most of the morning, giving us a glorious opportunity to watch them watching us!
Owls are apex predators in many environments, and are at risk of consuming or accumulating toxins used to control pest species such as insects and rodents. While in Paluma, commercial spraying of pesticide is not a threat to these birds, the indiscriminate use of rodent poison certainly is. We ask all residents to consider live trapping for control of rodents over use of toxic baits. This provides not only the opportunity to identify the trapped animal, and release in a suitable location if one of our valuable endemic species, but also prevents the inevitable leeching of these toxins into our environment. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to have more owls around so that they can control the rodents instead!
Article & Photos by Sarah Swan
The PDCA ended the year on a high note on Saturday night (12/12/20) with the final social event of the year, the Paluma Tropical BBQ.
The Community Hall was lit up like a Christmas tree (literally!) and the tropical shirts were as loud as the lively chatter emanating from the hall. The residents of Paluma came armed with a feast of sumptuous dishes and Don fired up the BBQ with his usual finesse. Barman Les reported a lively trade and he made sure that everyone remained hydrated with their favourite beverages on the night.
Colin and Jill were the outright winners of the ‘Best Dressed’ tropical costume, arriving as if they had just stepped off the cruise boat (hopefully not the Ruby Princess!) adorned in sarong, board shirts, frangipani leis and tropical cocktails in hand.
Despite a challenging 2020, the community spirit is alive and well at Paluma as these few photographs clearly show. Merry Christmas Paluma-style!
Text & Photos by Michele Bird
There is no doubt that we co-habit with a diversity of interesting critters at Paluma, but this moth has to be admired for its remarkable and distinctive appearance. Spotted at Peter and Jan Cooke’s place just recently, this moth flew in and spent a few hours resting around the place before heading off back to the forest.
Check out the big hair-do and the antennae. A good leg wax is certainly well overdue !!!!
Have you spotted any interesting insects or other critters around your place with the warming of the weather and the first summer showers? If so, please send us a photo so we can share your discoveries with other residents.
Photo by Peter Cooke. Text by Michele Bird.
Good afternoon everyone,
TMR anticipates that the full road closure of Mt Spec Road will be completed this Sunday night and the road will be operational at all times from 6am Monday 14 December 2020.
Construction crews are in the process of demobilising the project sites and expect to be finished on Mount Spec Road over the next few days.
We will provide a project update to stakeholders by email and an SMS when works are completed, and Mt Spec Road is fully open to motorists.
TMR thanks you for patience during these important works. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 1800 625 648 should you require any further information.
Kind Regards,
Meghan
Customer and Stakeholder Management (Northern) | North Queensland Region
Program Delivery And Operations | Infrastructure Management & Delivery Division |
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Floor 6 | Townsville Government Office Building | 445 Flinders Street | Townsville Qld 4810
PO Box 1089 | Townsville Qld 4810
P: 1800 625 648 | F: (07) 4421 8725
E: engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au
W: www.tmr.qld.gov.au
Good morning everyone,
Please be advised that the bottom gate closure for the Mt Spec reconstruction works has been relocated up to the Little Crystal Creek Bridge. This means that you will need to be at the Little Crystal Creek Bridge by 6pm Saturday to Thursday and 7pm Friday to travel up Mt Spec Road before the closure of the road for the evening.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information about the project.
Kind regards
Meghan
Customer and Stakeholder Management (Northern) | North Queensland Region
Program Delivery And Operations | Infrastructure Management & Delivery Division |
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Floor 6 | Townsville Government Office Building | 445 Flinders Street | Townsville Qld 4810
PO Box 1089 | Townsville Qld 4810
P: 1800 625 648 | F: (07) 4421 8725
E: engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au
W: www.tmr.qld.gov.au
Good afternoon everyone,
Thank you for your patience while the Department of Transport and Main Roads continues to complete important reconstruction works on Mt Spec Road.
While the weekend did see the project experience some inclement weather on Saturday night, concreting works at Windy Corner and Culvert 161 were able to be completed on Sunday evening.
Please be advised that TMR will not be completing a second weekend closure this weekend. Existing closure times for Mt Spec Road (6pm-6am Saturday to Thursday, 7pm-7am Friday) will be in place for this weekend.
Again, thank you for your patience while we complete these important works and please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.
Kind Regards
Meghan
Customer and Stakeholder Management (Northern) | North Queensland Region
Program Delivery And Operations | Infrastructure Management & Delivery Division |
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Floor 6 | Townsville Government Office Building | 445 Flinders Street | Townsville Qld 4810
PO Box 1089 | Townsville Qld 4810
P: 1800 625 648 | F: (07) 4421 8725
E: engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au
W: www.tmr.qld.gov.au
The final Social Event for 2020 is the Paluma Tropical Breeze BBQ to be held on Saturday 12 December at 6.30 pm at the Community Hall.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please bring along:-
The Bar will be open as usual with low cost beverages for thirsty people.
Please come along and join your friends and neighbours in marking the start of the Silly Season and the closing of 2020. See you there!