Wahminda Grove Bushcare Group

A quiet pool near the headwaters of the Brook. (link to larger image)

History and location

The Wahminda Grove Bushcare Group site is accessed off Samford Rd, just west of Ferny Grove near the Wahminda Scouts and Guides Halls in Wahminda Park (UBD Map 117, ref. F17). It lies in the vicinity of several popular recreational areas, with Maureen Lawrence Park lying just west of the group work site, and Lomandra and Ironbark Gully Picnic Areas situated across the other side of Samford Road in Brisbane Forest Park.

Of all the bushcare groups working along Kedron Brook, this site is the closest to the source of the Brook. It has become a popular choice for a stopping point in the Kedron Brook Catchment tours, particularly for the natural atmosphere enjoyed within the edge of Brisbane Forest Park.

At the location of this bushcare area, Kedron Brook forms the boundary between Ferny Grove in Brisbane City (BCC), and Ferny Hills in the Moreton Bay Region (MBRC). The name of the group reflects both regions, with ‘Wahminda’ taken from Wahminda Park (MBRC) and ‘Grove’ from Ferny Grove (BCC). Working bees are conducted on both sides of the waterway.

The group was started by Lyn Lutz who, in 2001, submitted a five-year plan to BCC for rehabilitation of a specified area approximately 750 metres in length along the Brook. Approval to form a new Bushcare Group was given, and the first gathering was held on 28 July 2001. About a year later the leadership role was passed onto Ray and Di Loughrey, who at the time were also responsible for heading up another Bushcare Group at Dawson Parade, Arana Hills.

Subsequently a working relationship was also established with the former Pine Rivers Shire Council (now MBRC), and both Councils continue to support the group with the supply of equipment, plants and advice.

At the beginning of 2011, the leadership baton was passed onto Lyn and Ann Ellerman.

Native Flora and Fauna

Significant native vegetation still exists in this part of Kedron Brook, albeit covered in parts by exotic plants. Under the weeds is a beautiful natural area well worthy of restoration, and once the weeds (particularly Lantana) are removed, the native flora quickly re-establishes itself. The variety of native plants growing naturally in this area includes Eucalypts, Lillipillies, Sandpaper Figs, Acacias, Lomandras, Dianellas and a number of different native ferns, vines and grasses.

The area supports a wide variety of native birdlife, with an increase in numbers and species observed over the years as the native vegetation and habitat has been restored. To date, over sixty different bird species have been identified. It is now common to hear Whipbirds calling during working bees.

In addition, sightings of large lizards such as Water Dragons and Goannas occur, with Green Tree snakes and Carpet Pythons seen quite regularly. Also, encouragingly, Koalas still exist in this area.

Top

Revegetation activity on 18 November 2007

Weeds

The usual types of weeds are encountered such as Lantana, Ochna, Guinea Grass, Cobblers’ Pegs, Easter Cassia, Wild Tobacco, Asparagus Fern, Ageratum, Mistflower and Mother of Millions to name but a few, plus many other escaped garden plants as a result of irresponsible dumping of garden waste. Most threatening of all the exotic plants are the invasive vines prevalent in the area such as Glycine, Madeira and Velcro Vine.

Activities

Weeds and rubbish are removed from the site. In the early days, this rubbish even included a car body. Lantana, cleared from areas marked for revegetation, is recycled and used as effective mulch. It also is used for building wigwams; structures that provide protected hideaways for small birds when their former cover has been removed.

Over the years, the creek crossing has been cleared and a pathway lined with Lomandras has been created. This is now part of a popular walkway through the area for recreational use. This revegetation process has been assisted by the planting of hundreds of native plants, many of which have been propagated by members of the bushcare group. Specific butterfly host plants and food and habitat plants for bird and other wildlife have been a priority in the restoration efforts.

Creek Ranger, Anna Bourke, with Ray Loughrey, Adam Christison (MBRC), Ann Ellerman, Di Loughrey and Lyn Ellerman on 14 September 2010. A discussion of funding for local projects.

In addition to the activities conducted on public land, over the past two years the group has also successfully rehabilitated a large strip of weed-infested private property that runs along the top of the creek bank, adjacent to the bushcare site. The cost of the native plants and mulch required for this restoration was borne by Powerlink; the company that owns the land.

In September 2010, joint discussions were held between Adam Christison (Bushcare Officer, Moreton Bay Regional Council), Anna Bourke (Brisbane City Council Creek Ranger for Kedron Brook Catchment) and some representative members of Wahminda Grove Bushcare Group led by Ray Loughrey. This concerned a proposal to extend these rehabilitation activities adjacent to and along the bushcare site. Agreement by the group led to a formal proposal developed by Anna, supported by Kedron Brook Catchment Branch-WPSQ, for submission to Powerlink as a possible new environmental project with mutual benefits.

In July 2011, Powerlink further demonstrated its commitment to improving the environment with a generous approval of the funding to support a three-year project to continue this habitat restoration eastwards along the bank of the Brook which forms the southern boundary of Powerlink’s property.

There have been difficulties and setbacks encountered by the group over the years; particularly the past two weather-turbulent years marked with violent storms and floods that caused major damage to trees and severe bank erosion. Despite these trials, the group has had some major achievements and is pleased with the progress that has been made.'

The group has been very pleased with the progress that has been made on this site, despite the damage to trees and bank erosion over the last two stormy years marked with storms and flooding rains.

We would like to thank our band of volunteers for their efforts and also extend an invitation to others to join us.

Group Contact

Our regular project activities are held on site on: For further information, contact Lyn & Ann Ellerman phone 33511805