Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Mt Cotton scouts for sustainable land management
Gavin Hammermeister (Redland Shire Council) checks the progress of recently planted shrubs
Barriers put up to help stop erosion caused by rainfall and dirt bikes
Material mesh used to help stop prevent plants from slipping
Scouts camping at Mount Cotton south of Brisbane will have a rare opportunity to see sustainable land management in action.
The 150-hectare Karingal Scout Camp is one of the targets of a partnership between Redland Shire Council's Rural Support Program and South East Queensland (SEQ) Catchments.
The partnership was developed to provide incentives for property owners in Mount Cotton and surrounding areas to help improve water quality and protect native species.
Emanuel Ganser from SEQ Catchments says the scout property was chosen because it was a substantial area of unfragmented bush, with many important species like koalas.
Funding
The Australian Government has provided $50,000 towards the initiative, with additional funding coming from Redland Shire Council.
Scout representative, Branch Commissioner - Resources, Ross Hunter said they were approached by Council and asked if they wanted to be part of the program.
"The majority of our site is bushland, with only around 20 per cent used for camping. We are part of a major wildlife corridor and this program helps us in providing a more suitable habitat for native animals like koalas, sugar gliders and a great variety of birdlife.
Activities and achievements
"This has given us the opportunity for young members of the scouting movement to see what management systems are needed for controlling weeds and pests, preventing erosion of creek banks and replanting," Ross said.
"We're also concerned about the quality of the water in Eprapah Creek which flows through our property.
"It's our responsibility to see that we don't allow things like noxious weeds to be carried downstream. Eprapah flows past another scout camp site and environmental centre near Moreton Bay and we can see the results of what's been done upstream!
"Being part of this program is a big plus for us. It'll be like a working model where people can actually see what's happening, rather than just looking at pictures.
"It'll also help us achieve a scouting objective - carers for the environment."
Gavin Hammermeister from Redland Shire Council says the scouts were able to develop a management plan for their property as a result of the project.
He sees one of the best aspects of work on the scouts' property as being the three-way partnership between Council, SEQ Catchments and a private landholder.
"We don't usually get as good an opportunity as this to be involved in encouraging sustainable land management on a large tract of private land," he said.
More information
- Redland Shire Environmental Education Centre: www.redland.qld.gov.au/indigiscapes
- Scouts: community@scoutsqld.com.au
- SEQ Catchments: www.seqcatchments.com.au
See also
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