07-Oct-2011

SEQ Catchments is calling on expressions of interest from landholders in Jimboomba, Harrisville, Gatton, Toogoolawah and surrounding areas to join the cause to help conserve one of South East Queensland's most critically endangered ecological communities – the Swamp Tea-tree forest.

Landholders in these areas will be able to access grants from an Australian Government and Powerlink Greenworks funded project to conserve the last remaining endangered Swamp Tea-tree forests in South East Queensland, the only place in the world where they are found.

Participating landholders will not only receive support to better manage remnant Swamp Tea-trees on their properties, but will also get assistance with improved property management practices to prevent erosion, protect waterways, and better manage weeds, pests and fire.

SEQ Catchments Biodiversity Conservation Manager, Liz Gould, said 11 landholders in South East Queensland had received a total $69,000 since the project started in 2009.

“A lot of this endangered vegetation is on private property so it is vital for us to work one-on-one with landholders to find the best ways to preserve the Swamp Tea-trees on their land,” Ms Gould said.

“We can also help meet specific property needs through customised property plans. Depending on the property needs, these may include a variety of works to manage fire and grazing, establish off-stream water points, fence remnant vegetation and habitats, or complete erosion control works.”

Powerlink GreenWorks Program Manager Bronwyn Ford said interest to date in the project had been strong with SEQ Catchments now seeking further expressions of interest from other landholders who may be interested in accessing funding.

Over 90 per cent of South East Queensland’s Swamp Tea-tree forest has been lost to fire, weeds, pests and land clearing since European settlement.

Remnant and regrowth patches that remain are fragmented and generally in very poor condition.

Come along to out field day in Jimboomba on Saturday 15th October, 9-11.30am, to find out further information on the SEQ Catchments Swamp Tea Tree Conservation Program. Download the flyer here. Further field days will be announced at a later date. Alternatively, please fill out an expression of interest or download and return the form. Or contact: Liz Gould on 0400 748 157, 07 3816 9723 or lgould@seqcatchments.com.au