WHY SEPT-OCT?
As it nears the end of the dry season, cane toads become
vulnerable. Being amphibians, they must have water and they
must have shelter from the sun and drying winds. As water
becomes scarcer in the landscape toads can be found congregated
around whatever water remains. Experts agree that this is
the ideal time to reduce toad numbers and push their frontline
back toward the east.
WHY TIMBER CREEK?
The Foundation has identified a primary buffer zone on the
Whirlwind Plains and surrounds. This country is very inhospitable
to toads during the Dry season. The only toads surviving the
extremes will be where permanent water and daytime refuges
can be found.
Timber Creek is the nearest settlement that can provide logistical
support and the Muster headquarters will be established there.
Many of the permanent waterbodies that will be targeted during
the Muster can be reached from Timber Creek. Some others will
require temporary camps for 3-4 night exercises.
 WHAT
HAPPENS IN TIMBER CREEK?
Participants will gather in Timber Creek over the course
of the Muster and form into operative units of 4 -12 people
each with a trained team leader.
Timber Creek will be our base and camping facilities and
food will be provided there. Fuel and training will also be
provided. There is a pool and some powered sites and air-conditioned
accommodation will be available also. A daytime relaxation/training
area will be established.
Some groups will operate from satellite camps out of Timber
Creek with ‘tours of duty’ ranging from 2-5 days,
returning then to Timber Creek for R&R. Other groups may
visit remote targets on special reconnaissance missions of
1-3 night durations.
WHY MUST I REGISTER?
We need to know about you before you arrive so that we can
provide for you when you do, and to help you to be the best
asset you can be in the toad effort.
When you call to register you will be asked what dates you
will be available, whether you have any special needs, what
equipment you may be able to bring eg. vehicle, swag, etc.
People’s levels of fitness and experience of the north
will be considered when allocating you to field objectives.
You will not be asked to over-extend yourself.
First priority will be given to people who:
1) are able to get to Timber Creek unassisted
2) have their own 4wd vehicles
3) have bushcraft and/or experience of northern Australia
4) have other specialised skills, eg current first aid certificate
However, there is also expected to be room for people who
do not meet all (or any) of these criteria. So please register
early and be open and realistic about your needs, and what
you can contribute.
The safety and wellbeing of participants is the prime concern
of the Muster organisers. All registrants will need to complete
a CALM volunteer insurance form, a medical self-assessment
form and an agreement to adhere to all established rules and
methods for operations.
PLEASE NOTE: Initial registration DOES NOT guarantee a place
on Muster teams. This is because organisers will not deploy
a unit unless all logistical and safety needs are met. The
number of units that can be deployed at any time is dependent
upon a variety of factors, some of which cannot be known at
this stage.
HOW DO I GET TO TIMBER CREEK?
People who have the capacity to get to Timber Creek at their
own expense will have priority.
Assistance MAY be possible for others and this will be discussed
when you register. The Foundation is currently seeking support
from airlines, bus companies, fuel companies and other potential
sponsors of the Muster to assist willing participants to get
to the Muster.
Once you are registered, we will advise you of any opportunities
which arise to assist or subsidise your travel, including
connection with other persons who may be travelling from your
area.
YOU ARE INVITED!
The conditions might get tough – it can be hot at this
time of year. And dispatching and disposing of thousands of
dead toads isn’t everyone’s idea of a romantic
holiday.
BUT it is BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY! And you will be PROTECTING OUR
PRECIOUS AUSTRALIAN BIODIVERSITY. You are invited to .. THE
GREAT TOAD MUSTER 2006!
REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL CALL NOW … 1300 788
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