News
Oldest news is at the bottom, more recent entries are towards the top. Your media releases and other news are welcome!.
Big Tree Database for Australia
Ever wondered how big the largest specimen of a tree species is, or where it's located? A National Register of Big Trees is now being established to collect such information for Australia. Members of the public will be able to nominate native or exotic trees of significance in parks and gardens as well as natural habitats. Learn more at the website: National Register of Big Trees
Reforestation of land at Victoria Point
A piece of land in Victoria Point owned by Redland City Council will be part of a SEQ carbon offset trial initiated by the Council of Mayors. Restoration of the site in Bunker Road will also enhance the Eprapah Creek corridor, which contains significant flora and fauna. Read more here: Redlands site chosen for carbon offset tree planting trial (PDF)(May 2009)
New addition to Cameron's Scrub Reserve
Ipswich City council has increased the size of Cameron's Scrub Reserve with 13 hectares of land purchased with money from the Enviroplan Levy. This will increase recreational opportunities for residents as well help preserve significant animal and plant species. Source: Council increases Conservation Area at Pine Mountain (May 2009)
Cornubia Forest Park expanding
43 hectares of high biodiversity bushland in Cornubia has been jointly purchased by the Federal Government and the Logan City Council and will be added to Cornubia Forest Park. The $1.2 milion contribution from Logan City Council came from the Environmental Levy paid by ratepayers. Species the bushland is habitat to include koalas, powerful owls and glossy black cockatoos. Read more from the Council here: Council unveils major expansion for Cornubia Forest Park. (April 2009)
Ipswich native on critically endangered list
Notelaea ipsviciensis, also known as Cooneana Olive, has been officially recognised as critically endangered by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee. The plant occurs in the Ipswich suburbs of Dinmore and Ebbw Vale and only about 16 plants are known in the wild. It's a small, slow growing shrub that produces a purple fleshy fruit. More at Ipswich City Council website: Cooneana Olive on critically endangered list. (March 2009)
Vine identification in Moreton region
Weedy vines can be very damaging to native bushland. Moreton Bay Regional Council has released a new booklet to help residents identify and control pest species. Eighteen local vine species are also featured, including the Richmond Birdwing Vine (food source for caterpillars of the vulnerable Richmond Birdwing butterfly.) "Vines of the Moreton Bay Region" can be downloaded from www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au or collected from customer service centres, libraries, and environmental centres in the region. (December 2008)
"Frogs Booklet" updated
A new version of the popular publication from Moreton Bay Regional Council is now available. It contains hints on how to help frogs plus photographs and descriptions of 35 species local to the Moreton Bay area. More information about obtaining the booklet here: Free Frog Booklet for Frog Fans. (October, 2008)
Moreton Bay botanic garden a possibility
Following a request from the Society for Growing Australian Plants Queensland Region, Moreton Bay Regional Council will consider the establishment of a new botanic garden as part of an assessement of botanic and horticultural "values" in the area. A diverse range of ecosystems is now within the boundaries of one local authority (following amalgamation of Pine Rivers, Caboolture and Redcliffe councils). A floral emblem for the new council will also be considered. More from Moreton Bay Regional Council: Botanic garden review (October, 2008)
Something old, something new for Flinders St Mall
Townsville City council intends saving about 50 trees growing in planter boxes in Flinders St Mall for later use in the redeveloped Mall. The first tree has been removed as a trial. From their temporary home at the depot, the trees are destined for incorporation into a new-look streetscape, with plantings inspired by the region's ecosystems. More here: Plan to save Mall trees swings into action (Townsville City Council) (September 2008)
Council is a palm fan
Cairns Regional Council has adopted a new logo featuring the native fan palm Licuala ramsayi, which grows throughout the new authority's region. View the new logo here: Council unveils its new visual identity (August 2008)
Australian native seeds in space
Seeds of four Australian native species have recently been sent into orbit to test their response to microgravity and ionising radiation. This is a first step towards determining whether Australia, which is home to some of the toughest seeds on earth, might contribute plants for the colonisation of other planet at some time in the future. More from Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney, available here. (August 2008)
Boost for native bees
Gold Coast City Council wants to make developers responsible for hiring native bee spotters and catchers before bushland is cleared. Hives will be relocated to conservation areas. The survival of these pollinators may be particularly important if Varroa Mite or other pests or diseases of exotic honey bees reach Australia. More information at their website:
City's sweetener for Aussie bees could be a bonus for the bush (July 2008)
Australian native plant unextinct
Euphrasia arguta (Scrophulariaceae), last recorded in 1904 and considered extict, has recently been rediscovered in the Nundle State Forest, near Tamworth, NSW. Blast from the past: Rare plant discovered 100 years after last sighting (NSW Dept Primary Industries).
New features at Townsville botanic garden
A new cycad garden and an avenue planting of 50 Kauri Pines is opening at Anderson Gardens. One of three botanic gardens in Townsville, Anderson Gardens is developing a theme of "dry tropical and native flora". Read more: Council unveils new plantings at Anderson Gardens (Townsville City Council)
White Beech update
The project aimed at replenshing numbers of White Beech trees on Beechmont plateau has encountered a delay. Rains have stimulated vegetative growth instead of flowers from mature trees, interrupting plans for seed collection this year. However, it's hoped that seeds will be available for propagation next summer. For more information on the project, contact
Beechmont District Landcare Association Inc.
Leafy developments for Ipswich
Ipswich City Council's new tree retention policy aims for a compromise between development and environment, to the benefit of future residents. Retention of existing trees will be encouraged. Where this is not possible, a one-for-one tree replacement policy will require developers to either plant a new tree or contribute to a special tree fund for every tree they remove. Read more at the Ipswich City Council website: Council mandates tree retention in new developments (February 2008)
White Beech returns to Beech Mountain
White Beech (Gmelina) will be appearing in greater numbers on the Beechmont plateau in future. It's hoped that seedlings raised in Beaudesert Shire Council's nursery from seed collected by Beechmont Landcare will be available to Beechmont residents by late 2009. The once-plentiful beech trees, from which Beechmont (formally Beech Mountain) gets its name, have been greatly diminished in number by past logging. Read more at the Council website: Putting the Beech back into Beechmont (PDF)
Kosciuszko bursts into bloom
Rain and warm temperatures in Kosciuszko National Park, have produced one of the best displays of wildflowers of recent times, including the snow gums which are flowering for the first time in years. More at Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW: Sensational wildflower season in Kosciuszko (January 2008)
ANBG under pressure
The Australian National Botanic Gardens is reassessing its priorities in the face of changing environmental pressures and rising costs. In some cases, preservation efforts may be withdrawn from plants known to be held in other colections, which may have better conditions for certain species. The ANBG is collaborating with the nation's other major gardens to develop a conservation strategy for Australian plants. More information available here (PDF): New national role for the Australian National Botanic Gardens Department of the Environment and Water Resources (November 2007)
Flora of Australia Online
The Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) has now published a version of Flora of Australia online, making this very important resource available to everyone in searchable form. This is a major development in the study and advancement of native plants and environment. Flora of Australia Online
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Events
If you live in Queensland, take a look at The Queensland Gardening Pages Events Diary, which includes a variety of garden events happening around the state. It's the place to look for information on shows and workshops about native plants and related subjects in Qld.
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