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.

Granite Belt Sustainable Action Network (GBSAN) and the Ballandean Primary School have teamed up to protect the endangered Bell’s Turtle.

The Linkages team is preparing to commence planning for Stage 2 of the Landscape Linkages Project in early March. And our new magnetic car sign.

The Bushcare group worked at Haley’s property, Sugarloaf, on Wednesday, 11th February 2026. This follows up on support provided to the Quoll Society’s planting efforts at the same site in 2024,

Great news! We have received funding from the Philanthropist group NED (Nurturing Evolutionary Development) to implement our year-long GBSAN/Ballandean SS Bell’s Turtle Project.

We invite members of the community to lend a hand with the assembly of the float on Friday, 6th March, starting at 9:00am at 25 Lock St. Support will also be needed to help dismantle the float after the parade on Saturday, 7th March at Lock St. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Electric Vehicle Show & Shine Sunday 22 February, from 2-4pm.

Visitors can chat to the owners and find out what they like about their vehicles. FREE entry.

Stanthorpe has been selected to take part in the Ready Communities program, a nationally recognised place-based approach that supports regional towns to shape their own future, on their own terms. The first step is a series of community forums on 10 and 11 February, open to anyone who cares about Stanthorpe’s future.

The outcome of our grant application to the Queensland State Government’s Grassroots Environmental Grant for the Granite Belt Landscape Linkages project is still pending, with an announcement expected in February.

The Bushcare group will be kicking off activities for the year with a tree planting event at Haley’s property on Wednesday, 11th February 2026.

GBSAN has commenced work with Granite Belt schools, starting with Ballandean State School, to incorporate local biodiversity into the curriculum.