17-Feb-2012

SEQ Catchments, Redland City Council and Point Lookout Bushcare have joined forces to eradicate a weed threatening North Stradbroke

Island’s 18 Mile Swamp, a wetland site of international significance.

The project will concentrate on removing Singapore Daisy from the popular South Gorge adjacent to Main Beach as well as on nearby private properties where much of it is found.

South Gorge is one of the most highly visited part of the island, with 4x4 access to the Main Beach located less than 50m away, and consequently Singapore Daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata) can be spread very easily by vehicle and people movement.

A Point Lookout Bushcare coordinator, Jan Johnman, said Singapore Daisy was one of the most significant invasive species threats to the wetland and dune ecosystems adjoining Point Lookout.

Although we have been weeding and re-planting for several months now, it would not have  been possible to remove all the Singapore Daisy from the Gorge without assistance from the council and SEQ Catchments,” Ms Johnman said.

‘‘This is an extremely important project as Singapore Daisy poses a significant threat to these dune and coastal wetland systems. We are pleased that this project has been able to bring together the community and different stakeholders to achieve a great outcome and keeping the community engaged from the start is vital to ensure the longevity of this project’’

Local contractors will carry out the initial control of this weed, and volunteers from the local Bushcare group will continue essential manual control, revegetation and maintenance of the site.

Signage will also be installed at the site for visitors and locals alike and the local Bushcare group will carry out an education campaign to engage community members in planting and monitoring.

Redland City Council Community Grants program funding of $11,000 will go towards spraying and signage at the Gorge. A WetlandCare Australia grant of $10,000 will mainly address the sources of the Singapore Daisy invasion of the Gorge. The value of in-kind support of the Bushcare group of 15 volunteers is estimated to be between $20,000 and $30,000.

2012-2013 Community Action Grants are now open - Applications close 27th March 2012. If you are a community group interested in similar types of project in the SEQ region please contact SEQ Catchments. Ph: +61 7 3211 4404, Email: admin@seqcatchments.com.au