News
Read the latest GBSAN and Granite Belt sustainability news below.
Worm Farm at the Farmers Market Precinct
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.
Friends of Broadwater
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.
Landscape Linkages
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
GBSAN Bushcare Group Activities
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.
GBSAN Schools Project
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.
Launch of the Friends of Broadwater Group Sunday 24th May
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.
Varroa mite in Southern Downs beehives
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.
Friends of Broadwater State Forest
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
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).
GBSAN Bushcare Group Activities
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.
GBSAN Schools Project
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.
GLOSSY BLACK COCKATOOS – WHERE ARE THEY?
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
Apple & Grape Float
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.
EV vs Petrol vs Diesel fuel costs
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).
Successful EV Show & Shine
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.
Bell’s Turtle
Granite Belt Sustainable Action Network (GBSAN) and the Ballandean Primary School have teamed up to protect the endangered Bell’s Turtle.
Magnetic sign & Stage 2 Landscape Linkages
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.
GBSAN Bushcare Group Activities
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,
GBSAN Schools Project
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.
Apple and Grape 2026 – GBSAN Float
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.