Successful Launch of the Friends of Broadwater Group
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. Broadwater State Forest includes 295 ha of hilly forest, used and loved by naturalists, birdwatchers, walkers, bike riders and local residents.
There were four speakers (well five actually as Paul Revie gave two presentations under different hats). Paul’s first was on behalf of Friends of Parks Queensland and outlined what Friends of Parks represented and how they supported local groups. His second presentation discussed the Spotted-tailed Quoll and its gradual decline in south-east Queensland. He highlighted that recent work in the Broadwater State Forest had indicated a small population is present and outlined the opportunities this presented.
Boronia repanda
Geraldine Hollingsworth gave a presentation on the behalf of GBSAN and discussed some of the projects that the group is involved in. This included the Landscape Linkages Project and Bushcare.
The endangered Boronia repanda was highlighted as a species of special significance by Liz Bourne when she presented on behalf of Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium. She also discussed how Broadwater State Forest was a key component of the corridors identified in the recent Biodiversity Planning Assessment for the New England Tableland Bioregion and some of its unique regional ecosystems.
The submission to Friends of Parks for funding ($2500) to assist in the setting up of Friends of Broadwater was discussed by Chris Mitchell. The project aims to provide a structured platform for community stewardship through co-ordination of volunteer involvement with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), to provide environmental education and to increase community awareness and connection.
Spotted-tailed Quoll (courtesy of Paul Revie, QSA)
While the presentations were being given, the ubiquitous yellow sticky notes were being handed around for interested people to note why they were at the meeting and what they hoped to get out of the meeting and future Friends of Broadwater activities. The 46 completed notes indicated interests closely aligned with the original intent of the submission to Friends of Parks:
Citizen Science 15
Increasing protection 3
On-ground work 11
Socialising 4
Stewardship 13
Our first field event will be held on 7 June, starting at 9:30 am at the Sims Lane entrance to the forest. QPWS will lead an introduction to the forest, followed by the Quoll Society Australia’s senior ecologist, Paul Revie, and his team, who will teach participants wildlife detection techniques. This promises to be an exciting, hands‑on experience. The Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium will also support the group with flora survey activities later in the year.
If you’re interested in getting involved, contact GBSAN’s coordinator, Chris Mitchell (Mitch), at broadwater@gbsan.org.au to find out more.
Paul Revie presenting on spotted-tailed quolls wearing his quoll society hat.
Liz Bourne presenting.
Some of the participants at the initial meeting
The ubiquitous sticky notes