Catching Up

In the Stanley & Upper Brisbane Catchments

NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2013

LOCAL NEWS and EVENTS

Lowland Subtropical Rainforest Bus Trip

In June, landholders were taken on a tour of the rolling hills of the Mooloolah Valley to visit a few sites home to the nationally endangered Lowland Subtropical Rainforest. SEQ Catchments have been working with a number of landholders in the Stanley and Mooloolah catchments to help restore and connect remaining patches of this ecosystem, offering guidance, planning and financial support. Lowland subtropical rainforest is home to a wide diversity of animal and plant species. The soils are rich in nutrients and the moist environment supports the growth of many plants with fruits and leaves that have a high nutritional content. Due to extensive clearing, it is now found as fragmented patches. Much of this remaining forest is often found as narrow strips along waterways, making the edges quite vulnerable to weed infestations. For new homeowners, Sharon and Peter McMahon, knowing where to begin on their steep 20ha property was a daunting task at first, but one that they took on board in bite size amounts after identifying that their land was home to this unique rainforest. Blues musician Doc Span, who has lived on his property for over 20 years, admits that he may not have made the best decisions about what to plant and where when he first bought the property, but with guidance from SEQ Catchments has started to turn a small patch of this rainforest, which runs along the creek in his backyard, into a natural wonder.

Queensland Landcare Conference 27-29 Sep 13

Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group has launched registrations for the 24th annual Queensland Landcare Conference. Keynote speakers for the event include advocate for soil health, Sir Michael Jeffery and Shane Joyce, 2012 Winner Carbon Cocky of the Year, also Georgie Somerset, President of the Queensland Rural, Regional More information at http:// landcare.org.au/24th-annualqueensland-landcare-conference -27-29-september-2013warwick/

Flood Assistance Deadline Extension

The State Government has announced that it has extended the deadline for assistance measures under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). The assistance, which includes grants and loans through the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority, had been due to expire at the end of August, but will now expire on November 29. Primary producers, small businesses and not for profit organisations should contact QRAA on 1800 623 946 to discuss eligibility or visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au.

have literally been able to recreate a rainforest patch from what was once a degrading patch of land a true inspiration for all landholders demonstrating what can be achieved in a relatively short period of time. Land for Wildlife officers were also on hand to provide invaluable information on some of the species found in this rainforest, best management practices and

If you would like to find out more about Lowland Subtropical Rainforest, check out our new publication available on our website at: http:// www.seqcatchments.com.au/programs/biodiversity-priority-species-and-habitats -endangered-community-conservation-lowland-rainforest-of1

RESOURCES - GRANTS - EVENTS

Want to promote your event?
. Community

UBRCN - GROUPS CORNER Meetings - Functions Events - News

Upper Brisbane Region Catchment Network Group www.upperbrisbanecatchment.com.au

groups are invited to submit their events to the SEQ Catchments calendar. http://www.seqcatchments.com.au/submit-an-event.html Energex Community and Sustainability Fund Grant The Energex Community and Sustainability Fund supports South East Queensland organisations that, like Energex, are committed to sustainability and the environment. Please complete the online form to submit your application and Energex will contact you within two months from the application closing date, Friday 30 August 2013. Go to website https://www.energex.com.au/about-us/community-support/energexcommunity-and-sustainability-fund/energex-community-and-sustainability-fundapplication-form Scholarships for Women Available Supporting Women Scholarships are a Queensland Government initiative that opens doors for women to undertake study, and ultimately employment. The scholarships, worth up to $20,000, are being offered by the Queensland Government over four years. Applications for the next round will open in mid-2013. The scholarships are available for study in agricultural science, architecture, building services, engineering, geology, or information technology from certificate IV to postgraduate level. For more information on the scholarships visit www.skills.qld.gov.au/supportingwomen or call (07) 38360015. The Bjarne K Dahl Trust Grants The principal purpose of this program is the protection and enhancement of eucalypts as a significant aspect of the natural environment. Through small grants the Trust provides support to the community to undertake eucalypt education, promotion, cultivation, establishment and conservation. Grants are capped at $15,000 and are generally made for up to a 12 month period. Round 2 of the 2013 Small Grants Program will open 22 July and close 1 September. For more information see website http://dahltrust.org.au/ grants/ Living in Somerset Handbook Somerset Regional Council is about to launch a property management handbook for residents. The publication, Living in Somerset, is specifically designed for landholders. It covers a variety of topics including soil erosion, grazing management, water supply, fire management, pest management, remnant vegetation and much more. Limited copies of the free publication are available so residents are being encouraged to phone Council on 5424 4000 and reserve a copy. The handbook which has been developed by Somerset Regional Council and SEQ Catchments will be a must-have reference tool around the home

BARUNG LANDCARE
Ph: 5494 3151 E: info@barunglandcare.org.au

Barung Landcare Nurseries

Porters Lane, Nth Maleny 135 Forestry Road, Landsborough

BELLTHORPE PROGRESS ASSN/ ENVIRO GROUP Ph: 5496 5002

Enviro Group meets 1 Sat each month 8am at Reserve E: jabercrombie@skymesh.com.au
st

BRISBANE VALLEY-KILCOY LANDCARE Ph: 5497 1253.

E : bvklandcare@caliph.net.au

CROWS NEST CREEK CATCHMENT GROUP

Ph: Frank Burgess 4698 4161

EMU CREEK CATCHMENT LANDCARE GROUP

Ph: 4698 4748. E: frankb4@bigpond.com

FEAT (Friends of Earth, Animals &

Trees) Blackbutt and Benarkin Ph: 4170 0070. E : aliceob@bigpond.com

Friends of Cahills Scrub

Ph 5494 9061 E pumpkintimers@gotalk.net.au

Friends of Yarraman Creek

Ph 41638567 E: mammalid@people.net.au

RAVENSBOURNE & DISTRICT LANDCARE GROUP

Ph: 4697 8058

ROSALIE NORTH LANDCARE GROUP Ph: 4170 0158.

E: rosalienorthlandcare@hotmail.com

UPPER BRISBANE R EGION CATCHMENT NETWORK

facebook
Next Meeting AGM 29 Aug 2013 at RSL Kilcoy plus field visit on GRT control and the use of a key line water management system

SEQ Catchments Office - Upper Brisbane

The Hub, Shop 1, 47 Mary St, Kilkoy 4515 Ph: 54220516 Fax: 54220515

Ronda Williams
Engagement Support Officer E: rwilliams@seqcatchments.com.au

Bruce Lord
Community Partnerships Manager E : blord@seqcatchments.com.au M: 0427 013 284

Cheryl McLeod
Community Water Quality Monitoring Officer E: cmcleod@seqcatchments.com.au M: 0400919250