We have some engaging activities planned over the next few months. Come along and hear the latest at our next Pubchat on 14 June at 2pm at the Granite Belt Brewery, Glen Lyon Drive, Stanthorpe.

Stage 1 of the Landscape Linkages Project along the riparian zone of Accommodation Creek at Wyberba and Lyra begins this month. We have also purchased a 20-foot storage container to house new tools for loan to GBSAN members.

Members of the GBSAN Bushcare Group combined with the SDRC (council) staff for a working bee at Heritage Park on Wednesday, 20th May. With the assistance of a chainsaw operator we managed to fill a large truckload of privet (large and small leaved species) branches, leaves and invasive vines from the popular site near the heart of Stanthorpe. Thank you to everyone involved.

During Term 2, Barb Benham continued working with students on nature journaling as a playful and engaging way to observe and record what is happening at the creek.

The Friends of Broadwater Group is GBSAN’s newest initiative, and it was launched with an enthusiastic response from more than 45 community members who value this natural landscape on the edge of Stanthorpe.

Our first field event will be held on 7 June, starting at 9:30 am at the Sims Lane entrance to the forest.

The Resource Recovery Team has been funded by GBSAN to purchase a Worm Farm which will be situated at the Farmers Market Precinct and which will serve to use organic inputs and to produce worm castings. Initially we will aim to learn how to operate the unit and will keep records of inputs and outputs so that we can fully evaluate the project.

Don’t forget to come along to the launch of our new project – setting up the Friends of Broadwater group on Sunday 24 May at 2pm at the Granite Belt Brewery.

We were successful in securing the Queensland State Government’s Grassroots Environ-mental Grant for the GBSAN Landscape Linkages project - Stage 1. We received funding for $44,579 for this 3 year project

Our Bushcare Group is now coordinated by Andrew Pengelly. Andrew has extensive knowledge and experience with plant identification, management of plantings and weed management as well as medicinal and food uses of native plants and weeds.

Our GBSAN Ballandean SS Bell’s Turtle project welcomed Senior Ecologist Dr Darren Fielder to speak to the school community and take the years 4 to 6 to Accommodation Creek to check the turtle traps.

You are invited to the launch of our Friends of Broadwater group. We have received funding from Friends of Parks Qld to set up this group. The project aims to establish and support a regular volunteer programme delivering ongoing conservation work in the Broadwater State Forest.

Confirmed reports of parasitic varroa mite in Southern Downs beehives mean that local beekeepers will now need to be extra vigilant in detection and treatment against varroa.

This 6-month project will be launched on 17 May 2026, from 2:00pm at the Granite Belt Brewery. This project responds directly to community demand and provides a structured platform for stewardship. Establishing a Friends of Broadwater group will create a structured programme for volunteer involvement, environmental education, and collaborative Bushcare activities.

Landscape Linkages

GBSAN has been busy writing grant applications, and the autumn season has seen the fruits of these endeavours. Not only did we receive funding for the school project from NED, but we also gained $2,500 from Friends of Parks to launch and support a Friends of Broadwater State Forest group and $45,000 from the Qld Government Grassroots Environmental Grant to establish Stage 1 of Landscape Linkages, run workshops for Landholders and acquire $15,000 worth of equipment (more to come about this project).

The Bushcare group not only helped to prepare tracks for the students at Ballandean SS to explore the creek, they also worked at Sally’s property, in Eukey.

Thanks to funding from philanthropist group NED (Nurturing Evolutionary Development) the GBSAN/Ballandean SS Bell’s Turtle one year project is well underway. Students are fired up to learn more about how we can protect the endangered Bell’s Turtle and its habitat at Accommodation Creek near the school.

Birdlife Australia and the Glossy Black Conservancy are collecting data on the Glossies in an area from the ‘Bunyas to the Border’. You can help submit sightings of the birds, feed trees and nesting trees

A representative and colourful float at the Apple & Grape Harvest Festival showcased GBSAN. With the 60th celebration of the event a diamond drop came from our large yellow tap, feral cats were caged on the back of the ute, our precious earth and biodiversity were displayed for all to see.

Fuel costs of a trip from Stanthorpe to Toowoomba and return

Diesel: $66.49
Petrol: $43.62
EV: public charger: $26.40; home charging: $14.40; solar charging: $4.15 (foregone solar income).

An electrifying success at Twisted Gum Wines on 22nd February. We had 16 electric cars, 12 e bikes, a robotic lawnmower, electric golf buggy, farm ATV and an electric ride on mower, not to mention the 50 or so people in attendance. Thanks to Tim & Michelle for hosting us and to everyone who brought their vehicles.