Friends of Broadwater State Forest

Written By Michelle Ethernest

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. The work also supports the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) with on ground conservation and increases community awareness and connection. The project aligns with the Friends of Parks Queensland program by fostering volunteer participation, enhancing protected area management, and building long term stewardship capacity.

Project Objectives

  • Establish a formal Friends of Broadwater group with GBSAN governance, safety systems, and volunteer coordination.

  • Deliver community engagement activities that build awareness, education and participation

  • Implement pilot conservation actions including fauna and flora surveys weed removal, litter clean ups, and citizen science monitoring.

Project Activities

  • Launch communication channels (social media, flyers, email list)

  • Recruitment of volunteers and Inaugural community meeting

  • Develop volunteer code of conduct and safety framework

  • Establish partnership with QPWS

 Community Engagement and Education

  • Ecological walk through with QPWS rangers, Quoll Society Australia, and members of Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium.

  • Map tracks, access points, and monitoring sites for trail cameras

  • Citizen science monitoring (wildlife sightings, photo points, trail cameras). Volunteers learn how to set up trail cameras and bait stations, how to retrieve and share data with QPWS, Quoll Society of Australia, WildNet and iNaturalist.

Planning & Evaluation

  • Review outcomes with QPWS, Quoll Society Australia and the Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium

Project Outcomes

  • Established Friends of Broadwater group with governance and safety systems

  • Improved understanding of ecological priorities

  • Regular volunteer program delivering ongoing conservation work

  • Strengthened partnerships with community and QPWS

  • Improved habitat condition and reduced invasive species

  • A sustainable Friends group contributing to long term conservation

  • Strong community ownership and connection to the forest.

 

If you would like to learn more about this Project or are interested in getting involved, please contact us at community@gbsan.org.au and please come along to the launch on the 17th May.

 

Michelle Ethernest
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