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| Stakeholders are always represented in any project planning |
Glider Survey Project
Wahminda Grove - Powerlink Revegetation Project
Bob Cassimaty Park habitat enhancement project
Restoring Corridors
Kalinga Park Restoration Project
Fish Snapshots
Frogs Surveys
Bird observations
School - Education
Weed Project
Greenway Art and Sculpture Project
Funding-General
This page gives an overview of our main projects and some directions on the type of funding assistance that is available to our environmental groups and network. More details of these projects are given in the specific sub-section pages linked from this page.
Survey group watches a Squirrel glider
Glider Survey Project
This project is being carried out at Ferny Grove with the support of Brisbane City Council, the Lord Mayor's Suburban Initiative Fund and Enoggera Ward.
Following an initial launch of the project at Arbor Park on 6 November 2010, there was a small workshop held on 20 November for people interested in conducting glider surveys at Ferny Grove. Local ecologist, Damian White, discussed the background to the surveys, and described the six glider species with a past history within Queensland, and the various techniques that are used to locate and identify gliders in their habitats. This workshop was immediately followed by the first survey. It was led by Damian over the next two hours looking for gliders in bushland adjacent to the Ferny Grove High School and in Arbor Park.
After several Ringtail possums were spotted, the group was thinking it was unlikely a glider would be spotted. However, this turned out to not be the case with two Squirrel gliders spotted; one even gliding between the trees for the group. A Tawny Frogmouth was also spotted on the evening.
It is fantastic to know in our project that there are in fact gliders in Ferny Grove. Two surveys were carried out with similar success. The results of the three surveys will help in planning future actions to help gliders and other wildlife survive in the suburbs.
To celebrate the success of the Glideways in Ferny Grove Project (i.e. that we found Squirrel Gliders!) the Kedron Brook Catchment Branch wrapped up the project with a community tree planting day in the bushland at Tramway St, alongside the Ferny Grove State High School where our furry friends were found. It was held on Saturday 9 July am followed by a morning tea. A tree planting was carried out to increase the glider habitat for the future.
Wahminda Grove - Powerlink Revegetation Project
In 2008, Powerlink assisted the Wahminda Grove Bushcare Group to successfully rehabilitate 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, a formal partnership was formed between Powerlink, the Wahminda Grove Bushies and the Kedron Brook Catchment Branch. Powerlink further demonstrated its commitment to improving the environment with a generous approval of the funding to support a three-year project. This allows the bushcare group to continue this habitat restoration eastwards along the bank of the Brook which forms the southern boundary of Powerlink's property. The basis of this partnership is $20,000 in monetary support for work at the site over the next three years. This will help the group tackle high priority weed problems with the assistance of an ecological restoration contractor.
An unfortunate incident involving surveyors, axes and lines of vision saw some damage in the bushcare site on the Samford Road side. During a meeting with Bob Barker of Powerlink in September to assess the damage, an extra 10 000 dollars of contractor work was generously offered to assist the group to tackle high priority weeds. The group has since met with the contractor and work has already begun (October, 2011) on the site . Although a painful way to receive extra funding, the group are pleased to be able to use this additional finance to further the weed removal and ecological restoration efforts onsite.
Bob Cassimaty Park habitat enhancement project
As part of the railway upgrade from Ferny Grove to Keperra over 2010-2012, Queensland Rail is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and is working with our local bushcare groups to sponsor revegetation of nearby areas at Bob Cassimaty Park.
Kedron Brook Catchment Branch, alongside Brisbane City Council (Habitat Brisbane & Creek Ranger Field Services), are working with Men of The Trees on a four stage plan to plant over 3,300 native plants and trees in Bob Cassimaty Park to compensate for the loss of various native trees and vegetation that had to be removed for the railway upgrade.
Full details are given on our special project page.
Restoring Corridors
The upper reaches of Kedron Brook and its major tributary, Cedar Creek, have been identified as one of the focus areas for this project. These parts of the catchment maintain strong corridor linkages with Brisbane Forest Park and are important for protecting downstream water quality.
The project has built new partnerships with land managers in this area as well as supporting community groups who are already involved in catchment management activities. Extension of this project will be considered by our Committee should additional funding be obtained. Details are given on our web page.
Kalinga Park Restoration Project
Late in 2008 the Kedron Brook Catchment Branch was awarded a Federal Grant to undertake a habitat restoration project on the northern banks of Kedron Brook in Kalinga Park (Nundah). The grant was a Federal Caring for Our Country Grant. Details about the initial project are given on our project web page. There is now a Habitat Brisbane bushcare group established to maintain the past progress at Kalinga Park with their web page in the 'Bushcare section' for this site.
Fish snapshots
Fish snapshots have been an important part of the Kedron Brook Catchment Branch and Network projects since at least 2002. These relate to water quality measurements at four to five representative locations along the Brook at least once a year. There are a series of illustrative web pages in the Education section about Ferny Grove State High School students carrying out such a water quality study including fish observations. References to procedures are also given.
Summaries of the results of most of the Fish Snapshot surveys are available in an irregular format from the Kedron Brook Babbler newsletters (see the downloads page for access or use our Search facility to get you there faster). Recently, the summary report, 'Kedron Brook Catchment Summary of Fish Snapshot Results 2002 - 2009', was compiled by Lorena Spangen and Anna Bourke covering the years 2002-2009. This report (656 KB pdf file) gives the information in a methodical and diagrammatical form.
Fish snapshots were not carried out in 2010 due to doubts raised about the required legislative changes needed for proper care and protection of animals (which affected certain aquatic wildlife). These surveys were recommenced in 2011 when our fish sampling and identification procedures were adjusted to be in accordance with recent Brisbane City Council policies relating to the legislation.
Frog Surveys
Kedron Brook Catchment Branch commenced a Frog Census in March-April, 2007. Following keen interest from members, there was a special workshop on frog identification and surveying their species and location in October. This project continued through 2008 and now is ongoing into 2011 as long as adequate rainfall occurs. Details will be given when relevant on our web page.Bird observations
Since 2008, small groups of our members have been carrying out a systematic approach to determine the number of bird species to be found at representative locations, mainly along Kedron Brook but also it's major tributory, Cedar Creek. These locations are in parkland with significant forest remnants along the Brook spread from near its source to its outfall into Morteon Bay. Walks are being carried out once per month at a specified locations so that year to year variations may be determined. Over a longer period, the results may indicate whether bird biodiversity is stable or at threat with time.
Three important items in the 'News and Events' section record the general approach used and the results obtained to date. 'Birds Survey 2008' gives the results for our first year. 'Bird studies 2009' gives the results for our second year of observations. 'Bird studies 2010' follows along with the observations being made in 2010. In particular, this item gives detailed summaries of the number of bird species per location observed over the previous three years and some initial conclusions about the results obtained.
'Bird observations 2011' continued with the results of observations from the present year as a separate news item in conformance with past recording of our bird observations. It also links back to the previous three years so it is a good place to start!
School - Education
The Kedron Brook Catchment Branch of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland has prepared an educational program on catchments and ecological monitoring. The program is tailored to schools within the water catchment of Kedron Brook and was introduced to some schools in 2007. An experienced educator and a biologist designed the two hour hands-on environmental science program. It is facilitated either by the Kedron Brook Creek Ranger, a KBCB educator, or the teacher, while the outdoor activities are facilitated by educators with experience in waterway monitoring.This opportunity will be available in 2012. Details are given on our web page.Weed Project
Weeds have always been a close interest of this network. Initial development of procedures and training of network members was carried out by our previous catchment coordinator, Kylie Withers. From late 2005, our Coordinator, Nathan Kirby, fine-tuned the existing survey worksheets so that they were more easily adapted by bushcare groups. He trained relevant individuals and groups throughout the catchment. Weed assessment and prioritisation training was carried out during 2006 on a 'tool-box' approach, branch and network meetings, and finally a catchment workshop in November 2006.
The results of surveys conducted on these 'remnants' have been appraised and action priorities determined based upon the types and severities found of weed infestation, in relation to the immediate and long-term needs of the bushcare groups, the community and the local authorities; Brisbane City Council and Pine Rivers Shire Council (now Moreton Bay Regional Council). Nathan developed and detailed procedures to determine the priority of various significant weed removal strategies and mapped the results of this information to assist responsible bodies to determine future actions required on a priority basis. Details are given on our special web page.
Greenway Art and Sculpture Project
One of the faces of sculpted sandstone
resulting from
this splendid project led by Sculptor Paul Stumkat
An Art and Sculpture Project was completed along the Brook at Mitchelton in 2008. Helen Moriarty and Janet White of the Osborne Road Habitat Brisbane Group were responsible for coordinating the project on behalf of KBCB and worked closely with BCC, Mitchelton Pony Club and other local groups and residents.
All of the three components of the project have been completed. Locals were invited to help sculpt the sandstone sculptures, many of the volunteers discovering a talent they never knew they had under the guidance of professional sculpture artist Paul Stumkat.
The artwork was unveiled on Saturday 2nd March 2008. The day was attended by over 60 people and proudly supported by Cr. Maureen Hayes. If you have not yet seen these wonderful sculptures it is well worth the time. The sculptures can be seen from McConaghy Street, Mitchelton through to Osborne Road.
The construction of the bikepath took place during January 2008 though the vital bridgework across the Brook near Osborne Road to the Mitchelton Pony Club grounds was delayed until the end of June 2008.
A mosaic tile covered seat is situated near the Osborne Road end of the bridge. It is covered with beautiful scenes depicting bird and aquatic wildlife. Link here to see part of its detail.
Funding - General
A range of grants and funding opportunities are available for external funding sources. Kedron Brook Catchment Branch (WPSQ) is happy to assist network groups and individuals with developing a project and applying for funds for projects aims at improving our catchment.
Landowners in the upper sections of our catchment have been able to take advantage of our specific project 'Restoring Ecological Corridors in Kedron Brook Catchment'
Details of some current grant opportunities for environmental-related purposes can be found at these external links:
- Landcare Queensland
- Brisbane City Council Grants and Funding
- Moreton Bay Regional Council- Community Assistance.
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CI 08/12/2011