Little critter has big impact in Qld

A tiny mouse-like marsupial is standing in the way of a $25 million investment in central west Queensland.

The Stockman’s Hall of Fame has had to halt earthworks for a multi-purpose equestrian centre at the Longreach tourist attraction because the site might be the habitat of the rare Julia Creek dunnart.

Hall of Fame CEO Ben Maguire says the Longreach Regional Council can’t confirm if the tiny animal does in fact call the proposed site home.

However, in the ensuing confusion about what environmental impact studies may be needed, the project has had to be postponed and may be delayed up to two years, he says.

Mr Maguire said the expansion would inject millions of dollars into the west Queensland economy.

But far from blaming the endangered critters, Mr Maguire said he was frustrated at the red tape surrounding the issue.

“It’s not the animal we’re frustrated with, it’s the process,” he told AAP.

“We want to respect the environment and do the right thing, but I’m more frustrated by the process it takes to get through to finding out what we’ve actually got to do.”

Mr Maguire said he was still committed to the project.

The Julia Creek dunnart is a nocturnal marsupial that feeds on small insects and is mostly found in a small part of northwest Queensland.

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