Welcome readers to our last newsletter for 2022. A big thank you to our Secretary Lynn for her excellent work collating information to keep us all up to date via the newsletter and for her ongoing commitment. We would welcome a volunteer to help with the newsletter.
Our Annual General Meeting is happening again on 29 November commencing at 6.00pm in the Red Shed at the Oxley Creek Common, Sherwood Rd, Rocklea. Our guest speaker is Genevieve Deaconos, Senior Development Director at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and she will talk to us about the work of the Conservancy in conservation of endangered fauna and their habitats. So please join us on the evening and, if interested, please consider nominating for our Management Committee.
Now is a good time to renew your membership, or if it has lapsed, to re-join as a fully-fledged member. Details on the process are available on our website at Join OCCA – Oxley Creek Catchment Association
November is turning out to be a busy month with our postponed Queens Jubilee planting at the Oxley Creek Common on Sunday 6 November, several spotlighting events in Logan, four Brisbane Big Butterfly Count survey events, as well as our regular monthly activities. Please see the information provided in this newsletter for timings and locations.
Congratulations are due to those volunteers who were successful in being recognised for their efforts recently receiving Moreton Volunteer Awards including Mary Lou Simpson (Tuesday Common Carers) and Noel Standfast (Creekcare) and Dave Kent (OCCA President and volunteer).
There won't be a newsletter in December and January - the Editor is taking a rest but will be back on deck in the New Year - so look out for a newsletter in February.
Happy Reading and enjoy your break over Christmas.
Dave Kent
Ph: 0406 251 027
OCCA ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
OCCA Office
The OCCA office at 9 Macdevitt Street, Coopers Plains, is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am – 3pm. Drop in for a chat and a coffee with our friendly staff and volunteers if you’re passing.
Attend OCCA Management Committee meetings - next one is on Tuesday 15 November
We've changed the date of our Management Committee meetings to the third Tuesday of the month so the next one will be on Tuesday 15 November from 5 - 7pm at the Catchment Centre, 9 Macdevitt Street, Coopers Plains. If you’d like to join us either in person or online, please contact OCCA on info@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au.
OCCA volunteers awarded
OCCA volunteers Dave Kent (OCCA President), Mary Lou Simpson (Tuesday Common Carers Coordinator) and Noel Standfast (CreekCare Coordinator) were recognised in the Moreton Volunteer Awards presentation on 15 October.
Dave was recognised for his decades-long involvement with the Oxley Creek Catchment Association, his volunteering al a wide range of OCCA events, and for his single-handed ongoing rehabilitation of a stretch of the Brisbane River.
Mary Lou's contribution to the rehabilitation of the Oxley Creek Common through OCCA and Friends of Oxley Creek Common through various activities was acknowledged.
Noel was awarded for his support for OCCA and the establishment and coordination of the CreekCare team which assists at various bushcare sites in the lower catchment.
Congratulations to Dave, Mary Lou and Noel from all at OCCA.
Ingrained Foundation grant
OCCA is grateful to have received a grant from Stone and Wood's philanthropic arm, the Ingrained Foundation. The funding will allow us to support the Tuesday Common Carers by planting 500 plants on the Oxley Creek Common to replace those washed away, drowned or damaged from the floods in February and assist regeneration of mangroves by working to control Broad Leaved pepper trees.
Dave, Annika, Lynn, Phil and Will joined other grant recipients at the Stone and Wood Brewery to celebrate the grant program.
Walk and Weed at the Common - Saturday 5 November
This group normally meets from 7 - 9am on the first Saturday of each month for a gentle walk along the path at the Oxley Creek Common and pulls up a few weeds at the same time. However, in September, the coordinator, Mary Lou, is taking some well-earned time out. Join her in October.
Queen's Jubilee planting - Sunday 6 November 2022
Due to the inclement weather on 23 October (i.e. it was bucketing it down - good for the plants but not for us) the event has been rescheduled to Sunday 6 November.
So - from 9 - 11am come and join OCCA to help plant 500 native trees and shrubs at the Oxley Creek Common, Sherwood Road, Rocklea, to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
This project is supported by the Australian Government’s Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program. This project takes place on Yuggera Country.
This is a family friendly event. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please wear enclosed shoes, sun safe clothing and hat. We recommend bringing a water bottle and gloves (additional gloves will be available).
Our CreekWatch partner Rockpress and OCCA volunteers continue to maintain this park on the banks of Oxley Creek at the corner of Success Street and Beatty Road, Acacia Ridge. The next working bee will be Wednesday 9 November from 7.30 – 9.30am. You are welcome to join us. For more information contact Corbin at partnerships@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au.
Rockpress is celebrating 50 years in the business of steel fabrication suppliers. Rockpress supplies “off the shelf” materials in steel and other metals but their real expertise is in manufacturing and fabricating custom-made work – either for one-off projects or in quantities for ongoing or high volume demand.
OCCA is proud to have Rockpress as one of its CreekWatch partners and we wish the company another 50 years of sustainable business.
Bushcare and Beers - 2pm, Sunday 20 November - Note the earlier time
Bushcare and Beers is on the 3rd Sunday of the month in partnership with Helios Brewery. We'll be at the Oxley Creek Common again to work on some of the damage done by the recent flood. Meet at the Red Shed at 2pm for a couple of hours work before we retire to Helios for a well-earned free beverage. Wear appropriate clothing and bring water. Tools will be provided. For more information contact partnerships@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au
If you haven't yet been to Helios Brewery, check out their range of craft beers at https://heliosbrewing.com.au/beer/
Please note that Bushcare and Beers is taking a break in December and January and will resume on Sunday 19 February 2023.
OCCA Nursery – 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 November, and 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23 December
The Nursery activities are going ahead in leaps and bounds. Join Jill Ridgway and her band of enthusiastic volunteers to help propagate plants for use in our bushcare and project sites. You can come on either or both of Tuesdays from 1.30 - 3.30pm and Fridays from 8 - 10am at the Catchment Centre, 9 Macdevitt Street, Coopers Plains. For more information contact Jill on 0478 771 694.
Tuesday Common Carers – 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 November, and 6, 13, 20 December
The Tuesday Common Carers are back at work on the Oxley Creek Common on Tuesday mornings from 7 - 9am. Mary Lou and her team would love you to join them. For more information contact Mary Lou Simpson on 0429911555 or maryloulit@hotmail.com
CreekCare - 3, 10, 17, 24 November and 1, 8, 15, 22 December
Many of our Bushcare sites were affected by the rain and floods but Brisbane City Council has gradually been assessing them and allowing access so CreekCare activities are happening once again on Thursday mornings. For more information contact the CreekCare Coordinator, Noel Standfast on 0417 703 442 or email hstandfa@iinet.net.au
3 November Dyson Avenue, Sunnybank
10 November Benarrawa Park, Corinda
17 November Cliveden Avenue Reserve, Corinda
24 November Gaddes park, Sunnybank
1 December Russ Hall Park, Salisbury
8 December Lawson and Kendall Streets, Oxley
15 December Nosworthy Park, Corinda
22 December Oxley Creek Common, Rocklea
More Butterfly Surveys - 12, 13, 19, 26 November As part of Brisbane’s Big Butterfly Count, OCCA is once again hosting surveys at 4 sites in the lower catchment – Nosworthy Park, Oxley Creek Common, the Fort Bushland Reserve, and a new site – Archerfield Wetlands. All surveys will run on Saturdays from 9 – 11am. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing and bring water. For more information contact OCCA at info@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au
12 November – Nosworthy Park, Hall Avenue, Corinda. Meet at the shelter shed
13 November – Oxley Creek Common, Sherwood Road, Rocklea. Meet at the Red Shed
19 November - Archerfield Wetlands. Meet at the yellow gate on Bowhill Road
26 November - The Fort Bushland Reserve. Meet at the shelter shed on Fort Road
The speaker at the AGM will be Genevieve Deaconos, Development Manager (Qld) for the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. Genevieve’s talk is titled ‘Australian Wildlife Conservancy – providing hope to Australia’s wildlife.’
Join us at the Red Shed, Oxley Creek Common, at 6pm on Tuesday 29 November to hear about the wonderful work of the AWC, then after light refreshments, hear about OCCA’s activities over the past year and help to elect a new Management Committee.
Join or Renew your OCCA membership
November also means that it’s time to renew your OCCA membership. If you're not already a member, we’d love to have you join our OCCA community. It’s only $15 for an individual or $20 for a family membership. If you have a concession card, it’s only $10. If your school or community group or business would like to join, we ask you for just $30.
For your membership you can join us at our bi-monthly free BBQ at the Catchment Centre, listen to great speakers about environmental issue and activities at our bi-monthly public meetings, enjoy free bus tours as part of the Peaks to Points Festival, and a limited number of free plants from our nursery.
And of course you’re always welcome to make a donation to OCCA as well as your membership and all donations over $2 are tax deductible. So - what are you waiting for – join us now, either pay at the AGM or pay by EFT or online – whichever way you choose we and the environment will be eternally grateful.
OUT AND ABOUT IN AND AROUND THE CATCHMENT
Webinar - 'Economics of the environment - natural capital accounting' Wednesday 2 November, 15:00 – 16:00 AEST
When we exploit minerals, fish, timber, wetlands, wildlife or degrade our water resources, we are depleting Australia’s wealth. Natural capital accounting incorporates the value of these natural assets into the country’s accounts to make better economic decisions but to date, with few exceptions, when we evaluate national economic performance to assess effectiveness of development policies and plans, natural capital is not taken into consideration.
Conventional wealth indicators, based on national income accounts like GDP (gross domestic product), say nothing about longer-term sustainability of current growth patterns. Relying on GDP alone to assess economic performance is misleading. Short term growth may be running down natural capital assets. Three speakers will address this issue.
Natasha Cadenhead is aPhD researcher at the University of Queensland, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science. Natasha investigates ways for financial institutions to incorporate biodiversity into their decision making.
Adjunct Professor Mike Grundy is at the Sydney Institute of Agriculture, University of Sydney and is a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, and a Specialist Advisor at TERN. Mike chairs the Standards and Accreditation Committee of Accounting for Nature Inc.
Professor Hugh Possingham FNAS FAA is Chair, TERN Advisory Board, and University of Queensland Professor. Hugh was the inaugural Chair and Professor of Environmental Science and Management at University of Adelaide before moving to the University of Queensland in 2000 as Professor in Mathematics and Biological Sciences, followed by 4 years as Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy in Washington DC. Most recently he was the Queensland Chief Scientist.
Springfield Great Cane Toad Challenge – first Friday of each month
The first Friday of every month is Cane toad catching night in Springfield. These events will continue until the end of the breeding season in April 2023.
Bring a lidded bucket and torch or head torch as well as mossie repellent. Springfield Lakes Nature Care is hosting these events and will supply gloves.
Spotlighting in Logan – 18 and 19 November, 2 and 3 December
Over the next 10 weeks OCCA is hosting 8 spotlighting events - 4 in Boronia Bushland and 4 in Berrinba Wetlands, all funded by Logan City Council. Come along and find out what’s out in the bush at night.
These family friendly events are free but tickets are limited. Sign up now via the Eventbrite links
Boronia Bushland – Nov 18 and 19, From 6.15 – 8.15pm
Catchment group AGMs As well as OCCA, some of our neighbouring catchment groups have their Annual General Meetings in November. You might like to drop in and find out what they're up to in your area.
Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee (B4C) has its AGM on Wednesday 9 November from 10am at the Sustainability Centre, Wright Street, Carindale. RSVP for catering purposes to b4cgeneral@bulimbacreek.org.au
Wolston and Centenary Catchments (WaCC) has its AGM from 4 - 6pm on Friday 11 November at the Pooh Corner Environmental Centre, Wolston Road, followed by a free BBQ. RSVP for catering purposes to info@wacc.org.au
Karawatha Forest Protection Society has its AGM on Thursday 17 November from 7pm at the Sunnybank Hills Library, (in the shopping centre). RSVP to secretary@karawatha.com
FrogID Week – 11-20 November 2022 Australia has more than 240 native species of frogs and many are under threat from habitat loss, pollution, disease and climate change. Frogs are an essential part of a healthy ecosystem so we need to understand how they are faring.
FrogID week is an annual snapshot of Australian frog species. In 2021 citizen scientists recorded over 37000 frog calls. Scientists can match FrogID submissions to weather and habitat to learn more about how different species are responding to a changing environment.
Join our growing team of citizen scientists this FrogID Week Use the free FrogID app to record the frogs calling around you – in your garden, local parks and bushland - and help us identify and count Australia's frogs.
Communities in the northern hemisphere have been celebrating the importance of pollinators since June 2007. Australian Pollinator Week was founded in November 2015 by Dr Megan Halcroft, of Bees Business (beesbusiness.com.au), after a community project called “Bee Aware of Your Native Bees”, which was funded by Western Sydney University and the Environmental Trust.
Pollinator Week acknowledges our important and unique insect pollinators and provides an opportunity for communities, businesses and organisations to come together to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and support their needs.
Through group activities, community members can learn and laugh together as they help to support our pollinators. Pollinator Week activities focus on raising awareness of the importance of pollinators to our agriculture and local environments. In Queensland activities include community-led picnics, a photo competition, a ‘waggle dance’ and a webinar.
Attracting native bees to your garden
CSIRO has a short guide on how to make your garden an oasis for our native pollinators. The guide provides information on the types of bees found in Australia and suitable plants and shelter requirements.
Healthy Land and Water’s annual report card on the health of the Brisbane River and its tributaries will be launched on Thursday 17 November. From that date you can find out how the water quality in your area has changed over the last 12 months. As well as water quality, the report card also reports on socio-economic indicators addressing the use and people’s perception of the waterways. For more information check out the website https://hlw.org.au/report-card/
Brisbane Koala Forum – Thursday 17 November
Hear from the experts about the latest koala conservation work being done in Brisbane and Southeast Queensland at the Brisbane Koala Forum on Thursday, 17 November from 5-7:30 pm.
You'll have the opportunity to hear from those on the ground working to protect our iconic koalas and ask your questions during our live panel discussion. Engage and educate yourself on koala hospital admissions and trends, Brisbane City Council's agenda, the latest AI research, habitat restoration and more from speakers including Susan Dymock (BCC), Matthew Harding (DES), Jaimee Blouse (RSPCA), Angela Christofoulou (Qld Koala Society), Trish Venz (QKS volunteer), A/Prof Jun Zhou (Griffith Uni) and David Mackenzie (Qld Koala Crusaders).
Birdwalk – Sunday 4 December
Friends of Oxley Creek Common (FOOCC) are having their quarterly bird walk and meeting on Sunday 4 December 2022. The birdwalk will be led by Prof. Hugh Possingham and will be between 6:30 and 9:30am. The general meeting will commence at 10:00am with light refreshments served from 9:30am. People will need to register for the birdwalk and numbers will be limited. Registration will open in November via the Friends of Oxley Creek Common FaceBook page. Everyone is welcome to either or both events.
Survey – your thoughts on the Oxley Creek corridor
If you’re interested in the Oxley Creek Transformation Project, the team want to gain a better understanding of how you currently use and value the waterways and surrounding spaces of Oxley Creek. This includes Graceville Riverside Parklands, Oxley Creek Common, Archerfield Wetlands, Warril Parklands or another location along the creek you visit. Access the survey here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XMRX986
Complete the survey by 5pm Sunday 6 November for your chance to win one of 5 x $50 market vouchers at both the Rocklea Saturday Fresh and Sunday Discovery Markets (Terms and conditions on the first page of the survey).
If you would like more information on the Oxley Creek Transformation Project, please visit sustainablebrisbane.com.au
Nature stewardship survey
A University of Queensland research study wants to find out more about the experiences of people who volunteer to help nature. They are interested in any type of nature activity such as rehabilitating a small patch of local bushland, working to save wildlife, or focusing on larger ecosystems - and any type of volunteering - helping a large organisation, or coordinating your own group. The study will then look at ways to help people to volunteer.
Invitation to participate in research about Inclusion in Citizen Science
Tamara Pinkerton from the University of Western Australia is conducting research about inclusion in Citizen Science and she would like to interview practitioners about their experiences. The interview will only take an hour of your time. If you would like to be part of this study, please contact Tamara at scicom-sbs@uwa.edu.au or Dr Heather Bray at heather.bray@uwa.edu.au
Weed Spotter training
The Weed Spotter Network has a new eLearning module to help you identify weeds in Queensland.The eLearning course has been designed to provide members of the Weed Spotters Network of Queensland, and interested members of the public with information on how to:
understand how Queensland manages the biosecurity risk of invasive weeds
learn more about weeds in Queensland and where they might occur
understand your general biosecurity obligation for weeds
identify Queensland prohibited category weeds using key characteristics
how to report a prohibited weed
be an effective and informed member of the Weed Spotter Network of Queensland
stay safe and minimise health risks and hazards while weed spotting.
At the end of the online course, we will tell you how you can contact the Weed Spotter Network of Queensland coordinator to confirm your successful completion.
Access the online course at Weed Spotters Network Queensland eLearning.
Weed ID made easy
Brisbane City Council has upgraded this field resource to now contain all 359 weed species within the Biosecurity Plan, including State and Council listed plants. It also contains information on how to control weeds as well as other useful links.
Treating Cats Claw Creeper
And talking of weeds - Cat's Claw Creeper is an invasive weed that is the bane of many Bushcare groups and landholders. Its bright yellow flowers make it an attractive garden plant but it quickly takes over and gets out of control. So - check out the new video, produced by City of Gold Coast, on the cut, scrap and paint, and foliar spot-spray techniques for treating Cat's Claw Creeper, as well as other videos on weed management techniques. Check them all out at https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Council-region/About-our-city/Environment-sustainability/Private-land-conservation/Landholder-conservation-resources
A couple of years ago, OCCA also produced a video on identifying and managing the dreaded Cats claw creeper featuring Biodiversity Services environmentalist Lee-Anne Longton. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGaYBH1GTq8
Pest Distribution Surveys
The Pest Distribution Survey (aPDS) is a grid-based spatial dataset covering Queensland and containing information on the broad-scale distribution and information of more than 100 invasive species. Each grid cell is approximately 17km squared. The Invasive Plants and Animals spatial team is updating the Pest Distribution Survey (aPDS) through mapping workshops across Queensland. The workshops will update 58 weed and 4 deer species and a further 38 species will be updated using existing mapping.
The aPDS is a useful dataset for decision-making: policy, strategic planning, pest prioritisation and reporting at a regional and state government level. Download the dataset now from the Queensland Spatial Portal https://qldspatial.information.qld.gov.au/catalogue/custom/index.page
Ipswich residents can treat Fire Ants for free!
Fire ants may be small, but they can severely impact our way of life, restricting outdoor activities and rendering backyards, playgrounds and parks unusable. Now residents in selected Ipswich suburbs can now receive free fire ant bait to treat their yards as part of a new self-treatment initiative.
Receive two rounds of fire ant bait in the mail (November 2022 and February 2023)
Treat your property by sprinkling the bait over open green areas of your yard.
This self-treatment initiative is an expansion of the Gold Coast trial earlier in 2022 that had 1 in 3 houses participating. For more information and to find out if you are eligible, go onto our website and register.
Even if you have not seen fire ants, you should still register and apply bait as they could be hiding underground or on a nearby property. The bait is safe for people and pets and is available to both homeowners and renters.
Birds of SEQ
Springfield Lakes Nature Care has purchased some of the 'Birds of South East Queensland' books from Birdlife Australia. The book contains hundreds of images of birds found in this region and is a very useful guide to birds when you’re out in the bush.
The RRP is $15. If you would like to purchase a copy, please email secretary@slnc.org.au and we will send you the bank account details. Postage will be extra but we can organise a time and place for you to collect the book from Springfield Lakes.
ClimateWatch app
ClimateWatch was developed by Earthwatch Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology and the University of Melbourne to understand how changes in temperature and rainfall are affecting the seasonal behaviour of Australia’s plants and animals.
You can be involved in collecting and recording data that will help shape Australia’s scientific response to climate change.
Peaks to Points Festival - 15 to 30 July 2023
It might be some 10 months away but it will be on us before we know it!
So - now's the time to start thinking about what activity your group can run to highlight your environmental/community activities during those16 days, or if you can have a display on the Family Day on Sunday 16 July.
We're going to be looking for volunteers to help us organise the activities and to keep things running smoothly on Family Day, so now's your chance - just contact OCCA at volunteers@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au
NEWSLETTERS
Birdlife Australia
Find out what is happening in the world of birds by subscribing to the monthly Birdlife Australia newsletter. Subscribe to Birdlife Australia emails here
Australian Citizen Science Association
Check out the website https://citizenscience.org.au/ if you would like to promote events or contribute content to the next newsletter, or join ACSA or subscribe to the newsletter, contact ACSA at acsa.qld@citizenscience.org.au
Healthy Land and Water
HLW provide a free regular newsletter for the South East Queensland area called ‘Nurture’. It It showcases some of the amazing work happening in South East Queensland to building the prosperity, liveability, and sustainability of the region as well as information on grants, field days, talks and workshops. If you would like to subscribe, please click here and a free e-news update for South East Queensland will be delivered directly to your inbox at the beginning of every month.
Logan City Council Environment News
Logan City Council put out a monthly e-newsletter with information on environmental activities happening across the city in the coming month. To find out more go to https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/environmentalevents
If you'd like to get involved in your local area and help out with a local Bushcare group, here's some information on where and when to find a group in the Oxley Creek catchment near you:
Benarrawa Bushcare Group, Corinda
Meets last Saturday of the month
Noel Standfast 0417 703 442, hstandfa@iinet.net.au Cliveden Reserve Bushcare Group, Corinda
Meets first Saturday of the month, 8am
Carole Bristow 3379 1453, bristowc@bigpond.net.au Faulkner Park Bushcare Group, Graceville
Meets third Sunday of the month, 8am
Jane O’Sullivan 0427 420 743 Friends of Sherwood Arboretum, Sherwood
Meets third Sunday of the month
Peter Hayes 3379 4137 Forestdale Bushcare group
Simon Christen 0413 597 258 Friends of Sherwood Arboretum Association
Meets third Sunday of the month
Carole Bristow 3379 1453 bristowc@bigpond.net.au Gaddes Park Bushcare Group, Sunnybank
Meets third Saturday of the month
Ian Lees, 0431 910114, ianlees@hotmail.com Greening Moorooka Group
Meets first Sunday of the month, 9 – 11am
John Hegarty 0497 555 836 Hilda Street Bushcare Group, Corinda
Meets second Sunday of each month, 8 – 10am
Carmen Mendel 0412 470 769 hilda.st.bushcare@gmail.com Kev Hooper Park Bushcare Group, Inala
Meets second Saturday of the month at 8.30am
John Maelich 0429 196 294, jmaelich@gmail.com Lawson/Kendal Street Bushcare Group, Oxley
Meets third Sunday of the month at 8am
Rod Goldsworthy 0409 050 249, Rod.goldsworthy@gmail.com Les Atkinson Park Bushcare Group, Sunnybank
Meets fourth Saturday of the month at 8am
Mick Richardson 0428 950 251, mrich48@hotmail.com Nosworthy Park Bushcare Group, Corinda
Meets first Saturday of the month
Marie Hollingworth 3278 2229, marie.hollingworth@bigpond.com Oxley Creek Common – Tuesday Common Carers
Meets every Tuesday, 7 – 9am
Mary Lou Simpson 0429 911 555, maryloulit@hotmail.com Oxley Creek Common – Walk and Weed
Meets first Sunday of the month, 7 – 9am
Mary Lou Simpson 0429 911 555, maryloulit@hotmail.com Oxley Creek Common - Bushcare and Beers
Meets third Sunday of the month, 2.30 - 4pm
Camilla Duff Burford 0409 768 348, partnerships@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au Pennywort Creek Bushcare Group, Corinda
Meets third Saturday of the month, 6.30am
Trevor Armstrong 3379 2488, trevor.r.armstrong@gmail.com Rikki Bailey Park Bushcare Group, Oxley
Meets fourth Sunday of the month, 8 – 10am
Bronwyn Rigby 0419490 925, bronwynw7@bigpond.com Rocky Water Holes Bushcare Group, Salisbury
Greg Tasney 0411 019 377, rockywaterholesbushcare@gmail.com Spring Mountain Reserve Bushcare group
Meets fourth Sunday of the month
Steve Simmons 0413 617 250 Strickland Terrace Parklands Bushcare Group, Sherwood
Meets second Saturday of the month
Jocelyn Clarkson 3379 6021, qldquolls4h.jc@gmail.com Yeronga Bushcare Group,
Meets fourth Saturday of the month from 2 - 5pm
Janice Monroe 0414310326 jesssudiarchie@gmail.com
This newsletter is funded through a Brisbane City Council Envirogrant.
Oxley Creek Catchment Association (OCCA)
Newsletter August 2022
President's message
Welcome to our readers
With the current upsurge in COVID I hope that you are all staying safe and healthy.
Most of the recent efforts by OCCA and other community environmental groups have been focused on post flood recovery which will be ongoing. One focus for recovery has been the Oxley Creek Common with more recent plantings impacted. As part of National Tree Day we planted 1200 native plants in the corridor. There will also be a planting at the Common later in the year as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.
We would also like to recognise the help and understanding being provided from our support organisations including Brisbane City Council.
The main shared pathway through he Archerfield Wetlands is now open so take the opportunity to walk it and enjoy the wetlands. More work will happen in the next few months including weed management and plantings and construction of the public facilities.
And finally, congratulations to Trevor Armstrong who correctly identified the deliberate mistake in the July Newsletter - the Logan Eco Action Festival was of course held at Meadowbrook - not Meadowbank which is of course in Sydney. Thanks Trevor - at least someone reads the newsletter!
Regards
Dave Kent
Ph: 0406 251 027
OCCA activities
OCCA Office
The OCCA office at 9 Macdevitt Street, Coopers Plains, is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am – 3pm. Drop in for a chat with our friendly staff and volunteers if you’re passing.
.OCCA Public Meeting - Tuesday 26 July
Our speakers were Will Charlton and Annika Werny, who have taken over from now-retired Chris Jensen as Biodiversity Services Operations and Planning Manager respectively. They spoke about the history of Biodiversity Services - originally a one-man band established by Rob Scott, and now with a staff of about 10. They also outlined some of the diverse projects that Biodiversity Services has been involved with - from small scale bushcare sites to large industrial sites. , The sites they specifically talked about were Granard Wetlands which has a variety of ecosystems and limitations including a transmission line easement and Stable Swamp Creek which floods regularly. The revegetation of the site has ben subject to much trial and error but is ultimately successful. They spoke about the UQ research plots and the direct seeding trials at the Oxley Creek Common. Of particular difficulty were projects at Enoggera Creek and Cubberla Creek which required significant erosion control with jute matting and construction of swales. The largest project is 3 BMI sites which require large scale rehabilitation and week management and resulted in a change of planting style. Not all projects have been in Brisbane. Biodiversity Services was funded by Logan City Council to work with about 40 property owners, initially those along Crewes Creek and later in the upper Oxley Creek catchment to develop weed management plans and assist with weed control over more than 6km of the creeks.
National Tree Day - Sunday 31 July
OCCA again hosted a National Tree Day planting at the Oxley Creek Common, Sherwood Road, Rocklea. about 100 people registered including families and groups from Mitsui, UQ Medical, UQ Green Ambassadors, HP, Springwood Adventurers and Queensland Conservation Council. Over 100 adults, children and a dog helped plant 1200 native plants.
Farewell Chris
We said goodbye to Chris Jensen, OCCA's Biodiversity Services Manager, with a few ales at Helios Brewery. Chris has retired and is going to spend some time travelling with his lovely wife Sarah, as well as doing some home maintenance (Sarah has a list) and also some volunteering with OCCA.
Attend OCCA Management Committee meetings - next one is on Tuesday 16 August
We've changed the date of our Management Committee meetings to the third Tuesday of the month so the next one will be on Tuesday 19 July from 5 - 7pm at the Red Shed, Oxley Creek Common, Rocklea TBC). If you’d like to join us either in person or online, please contact OCCA on info@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au.
Walk and Weed at the Common - Saturday 6 August
This group meets from 7 - 9am on the first Saturday of each month for a gentle walk along the path at the Oxley Creek Common and pulls up a few weeds at the same time. Contact Mary Lou Simpson on maryloulit@hotmail.com or 0429911555 for more information.
Success Street Park Working Bee – Wednesday 17 August
Our CreekWatch partner Rockpress and OCCA volunteers continue to maintain this park on the banks of Oxley Creek at the corner of Success Street and Beatty Road, Acacia Ridge. The next working bee will be Wednesday17 August from 7.30 - 9.30am. This is a week later than usual as the previous Wednesday is the EKKA holiday in Brisbane and we'll be enjoying strawberry sundaes.
Bushcare and Beers - Sunday 21 August
Bushcare and Beers is back on the 3rd Sunday of the month in partnership with Helios Brewery. We'll be at the Oxley Creek Common again to work on some of the damage done by the recent flood. Meet at the Red Shed at 2.30pm for a couple of hours work before we retire to Helios for a well-earned free beverage. Wear appropriate clothing and bring water. Tools will be provided. For more information contact partnerships@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au
If you haven't yet been to Helios Brewery, check out their range of craft beers at https://heliosbrewing.com.au/beer/
OCCA Nursery – 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 August
The Nursery activities are going ahead in leaps and bounds Join Jill Ridgway and her band of enthusiastic volunteers to help propagate plants for use in our bushcare site. You can come on either or both of Tuesdays from 1.30 - 3.30pm and Fridays from 8 - 10am at the Catchment Centre, 9 Macdevitt Street, Coopers Plains. For more information contact Jill on 0478 771 694.
Tuesday Common Carers – 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 August
The Tuesday Common Carers are back at work on the Oxley Creek Common on Tuesday Mornings from 7 - 9am. Mary Lou and her team would love you to join them. For more information contact Mary Lou Simpson on 0429911555 or maryloulit@hotmail.com
Last month the Tuesday Common Carers celebrated 7 years of dedication to improving the riparian corridor on the Oxley Creek Common. Their number has grown in that time and Mary Lou now has about 15 people supporting her efforts. Check them out in the photo.
CreekCare - 4, 11, 18, 25 August
Many of our Bushcare sites were affected by the rain and floods but Brisbane City Council has gradually been assessing them and allowing access so CreekCare activities are happening once again on Thursday mornings. For more information contact the CreekCare Coordinator, Noel Standfast on 0417 703 442 or email hstandfa@iinet.net.au
4 August Oxley Creek Common, Rocklea
11 August Pennywort Creek, Corinda
18 August Strickland Terrace park, Sherwood
25 August Dyson Avenue, Sunnybank
1 September Benarrawa Park, Corinda
8 September Cliveden Avenue Reserve, Corinda
15 September Gaddes Park, Sunnybank
22 September Russ Hall Park, Salisbury
OCCA Public Meeting - Tuesday 23 August
Join us to hear OCCA's Corbin Zeller talk about revegetation techniques. 5.30pm for 6 - 8pm at the Red Shed, Oxley Creek Common, 428 Sherwood Road, Rocklea (TBC). For more information email info@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au
Mooorooka Family Day - Saturday 27 August, noon -4pm
OCCA will have a display at the Moorooka Family Day at Peggs Park. Drop in and have a chat and find out what we're doing in your area.
OCCA BBQ - Friday 30 September
Join us at the Catchment Centre, 9 Macdevitt Street, Coopers Plains, on Friday 30 September at 5pm for a free BBQ. Meet our staff and volunteers and enjoy a culinary feast of sizzling sausages, superb salads and delicious desserts. Vegetarian and Vegan food available.
State of the Environment Report
The health of Australia’s environment is poor and has deteriorated over the past five years due to pressures of climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and mining, according to the State of the Environment Report released in mid-July.
The 2021 State of the Environment report (SoE 2021) provides an independent, comprehensive and evidence-based assessment of the state of Australia’s environment. The five-yearly report found abrupt changes in some Australian ecosystems over the past five years, with at least 19 now showing signs of collapse or near collapse.
The report found that there was not enough funding dedicated to the environment and there had been a lack of coordination across jurisdictions to properly address the cumulative impact of the threats. The natural world as the source of food, water, air and raw materials is an integral part of the economic and social worlds and should not be considered separately.
The report found improving the state of the environment would require national leadership, integrated management across federal, state and territory systems, new forms of funding and improved monitoring and reporting.
The new Federal government has indicated that the environment will be back on the priority list and expects to introduce changes to environment laws, including the creation of the Environment Protection Agency, to parliament in 2023.
Key points from the state of the environment report include:
Since 2016, 202 animal and plant species have been listed as threatened matters of national environmental significance, following 175 being added to the list between 2011 to 2016. This has happened while the rate of discovery and description of new species has slowed considerably over the past decade. There are many more species that are unknown than those known.
While a government threatened species strategy had improved the trajectories of 21 priority species, many others did not show improvements. The list would increase in coming years as the impact of the catastrophic 2019–20 bushfires – which killed or displaced between 1 billion and 3 billion animals – became clearer.
Australia has lost more mammal species than any other continent, and has one of the highest rates of species decline in the developed world. More than 100 Australian species have been listed as either extinct or extinct in the wild. The major causes of extinction were introduced species and habitat destruction and clearing.
Almost half the country is now used for grazing and the areas committed to forestry and cropping having increased. More than 6.1m hectares of primary native forest (an area more than six times the size of suburban Melbourne) had been cleared since 1990. Over the five years to 2019 nearly 290,000 hectares of primary forest and 343,000 hectares of regrown forest was cleared.
Australia has more foreign plant species than natives. Hundreds of billions of dollars have been spent over the past 50 years attempting to manage introduced species, diseases and invasive pests.
Water levels in the Murray-Darling Basin were at record lows in 2019 due to extraction of water and drought. Rivers and catchments are mostly in poor condition, and native fish populations have declined by more than 90% in the past 150 years, a trend that appears to be continuing.
Marine heatwaves caused mass coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef in 2016, 2017 and 2020. (The report was finished before the latest mass bleaching in March this year.) Ocean acidification – caused by absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – is nearing a tipping point that will cause the decline of juvenile coral.
Reefs around the country, and species that rely on them, are in poor condition. Sea urchins pushed south by rising sea temperatures have devastated kelp beds along the country’s south-east, threatening rocky reef ecosystems and 150 reef species.
Waterways, beaches and shorelines are in generally poor condition in areas near urban centres, but mostly in good condition in more remote areas. The broader marine environment is generally in better shape than the terrestrial environment, with 86% of populations classified as not overfished.
Sea level rise has affected many low-lying areas, including the Kakadu wetlands. Saltmarshes across much of Australia’s coast are losing territory to mangroves.
Changes in land use mean Australia has the third largest cumulative loss of soil organic carbon in the world behind China and the US, a change that has implications for the climate crisis.
Destruction of Indigenous heritage continues at an unacceptable rate against the wishes of Traditional Owners. Indigenous protected areas make up nearly half the national reserve system, but Indigenous people have poor access to finance and other critical support needed to manage their country.
Most major Australian cities are growing at a faster rate than other developed cities across the planet. The pace of growth has increased urban heat, congestion, pollution and waste and put rising pressure on water and energy resources.
At least 19 Australian ecosystems are showing signs of collapse or near collapse. Ecosystems experiencing collapse span the continent and include Antarctic and sub Antarctic ecosystems. Abrupt changes include the loss of Tasmania’s giant kelp forests.
Some of the subsequent analyses for your further reading includes:
State of the environment: shocking report shows how Australia’s land and wildlife are being destroyed (Guardian). Read.
VIDEO: Report finds majority of Australia's environment in 'poor' state. (ABC). Watch video.
This is Australia’s most important report on the environment’s deteriorating health. The Conversation presents its grim findings. Read.
‘That patch of bush is gone, and so are the birds’: a scientist reacts to the State of the Environment report (The Conversation). Read.
Australia has lost more mammal species than any other continent, damning environment report warns. (Nine News). Read & watch video.
Healthy Land and Water Community Workshop – Online workshop Friday 5 August, 11am - 3pm
HLW is hosting community workshops to help drive action for SEQ communities and will help guide government, business and industry on where they need to target investment across the region. Each workshop will include:
Local enviro health snapshot – quick overview of the latest data on the condition of your catchment and current trajectory towards environmental and sustainability aims for the area. Integrating the data, science and community satisfaction for a renewed look at what's required for a liveable region
Determining water quality management actions and targets for catchments and the region, and how to progress.
Latest information and advice on lessening the impact of flood, fire and climate extremes.
What has changed since we set our local targets in the community’s South East Queensland Natural Resource Management Plan (NRM Plan). Mapping out local actions, changes, policy change, management practice change to get us to where we want to be.
How we best drive adoption across all sectors (government, industry, community, First Nations people.).
How to drive investment into key resilience measures, instead of the current reactive response to disasters.
How do we build more robust, resistant and resilient ecosystems for the long term supporting our biodiverse and productive region.
How the new ‘Future Card’ (which is currently being designed) could be built to help guide investment into the best areas for optimal results for the spend, keep track of activities locally, track progress towards local targets, and promote the great work being done.
Brainstorming ways of realising and responding to the challenges of 2032 in SEQ.
Join the scientists at the University of Queensland Institute of Molecular Bioscience (IMB) Family Day for a range of activities and see what you discover. Featuring our Junior Scientist Hub, our youngest science enthusiasts can extract DNA from strawberries, explore tiny worlds through microscopes, discover how microbes live on our hands (and why hand hygiene is a must!) and participate in our Soils for Science themed game. Take in a tour of our lab areas!
Keep an eye on the events page for more information.
State Library of Queensland - Monday 8 August, 6.30pm
Why is it that some of us love spending time in nature, while others prefer staying in? And can we rekindle a person’s long-lost love for nature? Spending time in nature alleviates many of the stresses and strains of modern life. Research has found that a regular “dose” of nature reduces the risk of depression, hypertension, diabetes, and a whole host of other non-communicable diseases. A love for nature might also spur a person to care more deeply about environmental issues. Yet many of us, especially young people, are spending less and less time outdoors, raising concerns of an impending health crisis.
Join this month’s BrisScience, where UQ’s Professor Richard Fuller explores his team’s recent twin study, finding that a love for nature is partly inherited, explaining why a penchant for the great outdoors seems to run in some families. Details and book here >>
Workshops - Can Brisbane be the first regenerative city to host the Olympics?
As Brisbane races toward the Olympic Games in 2032, what vision do we want to see for Brisbane's future? How do we build a regenerative approach to the design of our city and society? What do we want to see for the Games, but also for our society for Beyond 2032?
Regen Brisbane and the Queensland Social Enterprise Council (QSEC) have teamed up to host a series of workshops and discussions that provide an opportunity for people in Brisbane and SEQ to share ideas, explore their vision for the future and find ways to influence processes going forward.
Four workshops from July to September 2022 will generate a report that will be presented to a range of stakeholders, as well as State and local governments. The workshops will use the 'Doughnut Economics' and Greenprints frameworks to stimulate discussions and map out ideas for our future. The agenda for each workshop will include presentations on particular themes, followed by ample time for sharing your ideas.
Workshop: Our Environment & Bioregion - Friday 19 August, 10am-2pm. Book here >>
After the workshops QSEC will present the initial reports to the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) and QSEC and Regen Brisbane will also share the reports with governments and others. This initial ‘vision’ report will be used as a basis for a further series of workshops, research and ‘community think tank’ events, to develop a detailed report and set of scenarios for a regenerative future for Brisbane and SEQ to enable our communities, environment and economy to thrive.
Visit our website - www.regen-brisbane.net.au or email us at: info@regen-brisbane.net.au
You can check out all our upcoming Greenprints Exchange events and past event recordings here.
Inala Bushcare Community Plantings – 13 and 28 August 2022
Join John, Helene and their team of volunteers for the 2022 National Tree Day planting from 8.30am on Saturday 13 August.
Follow that up with a Community Planting from 9am on Sunday 28 August.
Contact John on 0429196294 or email jmaelich@gmail.com for more information.
Springfield Lakes Nature Care – Platypus Watch – Sunday 28 August
Springfield Lakes Nature Care is looking for volunteers for this year's Platypus Watch on Sunday 28 August.
You will need a vehicle in order to drive to the location points which will be along several creeks in the Opossum Creek Catchment area - Sandy Creek, Woogaroo Creek and Opossum Creek. Park in the car parking area on AIan Kieller Drive, Robelle Domain. We will meet at 5.45 am. Take the steps next to the car park down to the BBQ shelter where we will have a sign-in sheet. You will then be given a location and will be escorted to your assigned survey location.
We will be having a free breakfast after the Platypus Watch event. If you are attending the Platypus Watch survey, you do not have to register for the breakfast. It is not compulsory to attend the breakfast but please confirm if you will attend the breakfast for catering purposes only.
You will need to complete a spreadsheet to confirm that you are willing to take part in this project and print the observation sheet. Your registration will not be completed until this form is returned to info@springfieldnaturecare.org.au
If you cannot make it to the event, let Luise know by contacting info@springfieldnaturecare.org.au Thank you for your support in conducting this Citizen Science project.
QCC Art Competition – closes end August
The second Queensland Conservation Council art competition is now open for entries. The competition is open for all ages and the theme this year is Saving Wild Homes.
The competition is being run in support of one of Queensland Conservation Council’s major campaigns, Double It for Nature. This came about as in in 2016, the Queensland government promised to double the area of National Parks in Queensland as we have approximately only half the percentage area that other states have
In 2021 the Art Competition attracted about one hundred very artistic entries which showed that even very young children know the importance of National Parks and the threats to wildlife if these areas are not expanded and protected. Entries were gathered together in a book which was delivered to Meghan Scanlan, the Queensland Environment Minister and the pictures were also displayed the competition at a shopping centre and at a World Environment Day event at Pooh Corner Environment Centre.
To submit your artwork for judging, you will need to create a digital copy of the original artwork, and please aim for A4 (3510 x 2490 pixels, 300dpi) in size. This can be a photograph or scanned copy of your work but should not use any digital modification. Submit your work by August 31st.
Soil Week Australia Schools Competition - register by 4 September
The world under our feet is invisible, yet it is a world teeming with billions of microorganisms working together to keep our plants and animals, landscapes and water supplies clean and healthy. We would love to hear about what your research has revealed about healthy soil. This year's competition theme is ‘Healthy Soil’.
The competition is free to enter. There are two categories, one for primary students & one for secondary students. Healthy Soils and our food system is the theme for primary schools in years 4,5 & 6 and Healthy Soil, Agriculture and Climate is the theme for years 7,8,9, and 10.
Soil Entries can be in any digital format for example a video, a magazine, a picture, a speech, a play, a mural, a video game, or a book review. You just need to be able to send it to us, (or a link to it) in an email or upload it to a website. Students and their school could win prizes for the best entry. To become involved in the schools competition, you must register by 4 September.
Sign up for the Platy Project – September 2022
Platypus are unlike any other animal found on earth, but due to habitat loss, bushfires, drought and pollution this Aussie icon is threatened with extinction.
Have you seen a platypus? You might be surprised by where a platypus turns up. In urban rivers, suburban creeks, farm dams, and local reservoirs – they might live closer to home than you think.
By taking part in the Australian Conservation Foundation platy-project month of action, you’ll help researchers understand more about this elusive animal and how we can better protect it. By mapping where platypus live we can track - and then prevent - declines in numbers.
That’s where you can help. There are places within the platypus’ range where sightings have never been recorded, or where they haven’t been seen for a long time. These are our biggest gaps in knowledge. You can help researchers fill these gaps by visiting these priority areas, look for platypuses, and upload your findings.
Great Southern Bioblitz, 28-31 October 2022 – Organisers Needed!
The Great Southern Bioblitz (GSB) is a period of intense observing and documenting of the flora, fauna, fish and fungi in a designated area over a set period of time. In 2022 the GSB will run from the 28-31 October inclusive.
Observations are made (photographed) during this time and then may be uploaded over the next 10 days following the bioblitz period. The idea is to document as much biodiversity in our Southern Hemisphere as possible. At the same time lots of other people in countries in South America, Africa, New Zealand will be doing the same thing with their cameras and smart phones.
So far this year's Great Southern Bioblitz registered areas include Brisbane, Logan, Redland, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Ipswich, and the Whitsundays.
we need organisers. You need to be preferably over 18, an iNaturalist user and willing to learn some new skills. Our organisers are from all walks of life - students, Landcare groups, Scout groups, local councillors, local council officers, non-for-profits, university faculties and more.
If you’re interested, head to the website and fill in the form. Our volunteers will help you set up your project in iNaturalist and then you can get your local area mobilised! Find out more at https://www.greatsouthernbioblitz.org/organiser-information
Birdlife Australia Newsletter
Find out what is happening in the world of birds by subscribing to the monthly Birdlife Australia newsletter. Subscribe to Birdlife Australia emails here
Australian Citizen Science Association newsletter
If you didn't get to attend our last free on-line workshop with Helen Schwenke on Butterflies & Thomas Mesaglio about iNaturalist, the recordings have now been edited and are available on Youtube if you wish to watch them.
ACSA will be holding another free on-line workshop in August and you'll get to meet Dr. Wally Franklin, a marine biologist studying our very own Harvey Bay Whales. Dr. Franklin features in our Meet the Scientist column if you want to find out more about him and his research.
HLW provide a free regular newsletter for the South East Queensland area called ‘Nurture’. It It showcases some of the amazing work happening in South East Queensland to building the prosperity, liveability, and sustainability of the region as well as information on grants, field days, talks and workshops. If you would like to subscribe, please click here and a free e-news update for South East Queensland will be delivered directly to your inbox at the beginning of every month.
Logan City Council put out a monthly e-newsletter with information on environmental activities happening across the city in the coming month. To find out more go to https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/environmentalevents
If you'd like to get involved in your local area and help out with a local Bushcare group, here's some information on where and when to find a group in the Oxley Creek catchment near you:
Benarrawa Bushcare Group, Corinda
Meets last Saturday of the month
Noel Standfast 0417 703 442, hstandfa@iinet.net.au Cliveden Reserve Bushcare Group, Corinda
Meets first Saturday of the month, 8am
Carole Bristow 3379 1453, bristowc@bigpond.net.au Faulkner Park Bushcare Group, Graceville
Meets third Sunday of the month, 8am
Jane O’Sullivan 0427 420 743 Friends of Sherwood Arboretum, Sherwood
Meets third Sunday of the month
Peter Hayes 3379 4137 Forestdale Bushcare group
Simon Christen 0413 597 258 Friends of Sherwood Arboretum Association
Meets third Sunday of the month
Carole Bristow 3379 1453 bristowc@bigpond.net.au Gaddes Park Bushcare Group, Sunnybank
Meets third Saturday of the month
Ian Lees, 0431 910114, ianlees@hotmail.com Greening Moorooka Group
Meets first Sunday of the month, 9 – 11am
John Hegarty 0497 555 836 Hilda Street Bushcare Group, Corinda
Meets second Sunday of each month, 8 – 10am
Carmen Mendel 0412 470 769 hilda.st.bushcare@gmail.com Kev Hooper Park Bushcare Group, Inala
Meets second Saturday of the month at 8.30am
John Maelich 0429 196 294, jmaelich@gmail.com Lawson/Kendal Street Bushcare Group, Oxley
Meets third Sunday of the month at 8am
Rod Goldsworthy 0409 050 249, Rod.goldsworthy@gmail.com Les Atkinson Park Bushcare Group, Sunnybank
Meets fourth Saturday of the month at 8am
Mick Richardson 0428 950 251, mrich48@hotmail.com Nosworthy Park Bushcare Group, Corinda
Meets first Saturday of the month
Marie Hollingworth 3278 2229, marie.hollingworth@bigpond.com Oxley Creek Common – Tuesday Common Carers
Meets every Tuesday, 7 – 9am
Mary Lou Simpson 0429 911 555, maryloulit@hotmail.com Oxley Creek Common – Walk and Weed
Meets first Sunday of the month, 7 – 9am
Mary Lou Simpson 0429 911 555, maryloulit@hotmail.com Oxley Creek Common - Bushcare and Beers
Meets third Sunday of the month, 2.30 - 4pm
Camilla Duff Burford 0409 768 348, partnerships@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au Pennywort Creek Bushcare Group, Corinda
Meets third Saturday of the month, 6.30am
Trevor Armstrong 3379 2488, trevor.r.armstrong@gmail.com Rikki Bailey Park Bushcare Group, Oxley
Meets fourth Sunday of the month, 8 – 10am
Bronwyn Rigby 0419490 925, bronwynw7@bigpond.com Rocky Water Holes Bushcare Group, Salisbury
Greg Tasney 0411 019 377, rockywaterholesbushcare@gmail.com Spring Mountain Reserve Bushcare group
Meets fourth Sunday of the month
Steve Simmons 0413 617 250 Strickland Terrace Parklands Bushcare Group, Sherwood
Meets second Saturday of the month
Jocelyn Clarkson 3379 6021, qldquolls4h.jc@gmail.com Yeronga Bushcare Group,
Meets fourth Saturday of the month from 2 - 5pm
Janice Monroe 0414310326 jesssudiarchie@gmail.com
This newsletter is funded through a Brisbane City Council Envirogrant.
We post many more events and news on our website and social media accounts. Like and follow to hear more from us!
As part of Brisbane’s Big Butterfly Count, OCCA is once again hosting surveys at 4 sites in the lower catchment – Nosworthy Park, Oxley Creek Common, the Fort Bushland Reserve, and a new site – Archerfield Wetlands. All surveys will run on Saturdays from 9 – 11am. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing and bring water. For more information contact OCCA at 
ur Native Bees”, which was funded by 
oala hospital admissions and trends, Brisbane City Council's agenda, the latest AI research, habitat restoration and more from speakers including Susan Dymock (BCC), Matthew Harding (DES), Jaimee Blouse (RSPCA), Angela Christofoulou (Qld Koala Society), Trish Venz (QKS volunteer), A/Prof Jun Zhou (Griffith Uni) and David Mackenzie (Qld Koala Crusaders).
the public with information on how to:
ace for you to collect the book from Springfield Lakes.
