Locals Reap the Benefits of the ClimateSmart Home Service

Ipswich residents have embraced the ClimateSmart Home Service since its launch in January. So far more than 500 households have received their Service and a further 760 have appointments booked for the coming months.

Camira local, Craig Booth, believes the Service is great value and has helped his family realise new ways to make their home more energy efficient and reduce their energy bills.

"We had our appointment in February and it's made us more aware of how much energy we use around the home. To help track our energy costs we were given an energy monitor which shows our spend by the hour. I find that whenever there's a higher-than-average reading, I ask myself what we're using that could be turned off to save money," he said.

"We have young kids too, and I want them to be aware of what effect our actions have on the environment. The monitor and advice is a great way for them to learn."

For $50 a licensed electrician will visit your home to conduct a thorough energy audit and install a wireless energy monitor, up to 15 free energy efficient light globes (CFLs) and a free water and energy efficient showerhead. Shortly after the Service you will receive a customised plan with more tips and advice to further reduce your energy use.

To find out more or to make a booking call 13 20 40 or visit www.climatesmarthome.com

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Urban Bushland Demonstration Days

City-wide there are 170 urban bushland reserves covering 651 hectares. Urban Bushland Reserves are generally small in area, have little to no facilities, and attract visitors primarily from the immediate neighbourhood. The major values that urban reserves offer include scenic, recreation, education, biodiversity, habitat, corridor/connectivity, water quality and urban breaks.

In 2007/2008, Council implemented an Urban Bushland Reserve Demonstration initiative for reserves across the city.

The initiative involved two components, an investment of capital by the Divisional Councillor, and a community event component.

Council's focus for the urban bushland demonstration site activities is revegetation. The activities involve local communities undertaking native planting within the designated areas of the reserves. This approach provides savings from a resource perspective, whilst aligning onground outcomes with strategic goals. It also provides an avenue for the community to link with bigger events such as National Tree Day.

The community and the urban bushland reserves specifically benefit through an increased community ownership of urban reserves and their natural values.

If you would like to get involved with a community planting day within your area, come along and be part of an active team to enhance the values of your urban bushland reserve.

The following table lists the dates and locations of each Urban Bushland Demonstration Days to be held in 2009.

Division	Date	Site
7	30 May	Gladstone Road Reserve, entry via Tallon Street, Sadliers Crossing
10	16 May	Mason's Gully, John Street, Rosewood
6	5 September	Denman Park, Waterworks Road, Brassall
4	12 September	Fail Park, Gledson Road, North Booval
3	tba	Bailey Street Reserve, Collingwood Park
8	17 October	Jim Finimore Oval, Old Toowoomba Road, Leichhardt
5	15 November	Moreton Family Park, Horton Drive, Chuwar

Please note dates may change due to unforseen weather conditions. If an event is cancelled, Council will try and reschedule for another date.

For further information on Urban Bushland Demonstration Days, please contact Council on (07) 3810 6666.

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Kids Kick the Waste Habit

With Ipswich City Council's What a Waste! education program, a new generation of waste wise individuals are kicking the waste habit. Children as young as three are learning about the issues caused by our wasteful habits and challenging them by adopting simple yet effective waste minimisation techniques.

Students in Ipswich Schools and kindergartens are becoming experts in the 3R's. No, I'm not talking about reading, writing and arithmetic, but ways to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle which includes:

• Reducing disposable packaging especially in school lunches
• Knowing to buy and use things that will last a long time such as green bags
• Reusing waste items for craft, storage or to make other things rather than putting them straight in the bin
• Knowing how recycling works and the types of waste that can and cannot be recycled
• Using worm farms and compost bins donated by Ipswich City Council for organic waste recycling

Through the interactive education program, students learn how our excessive consumption and waste disposal habits have caused major challenges for our city and the environment. To combat the challenges caused by our old wasteful habits, this popular program aims to enlighten children who are our future, on sustainable use and disposal of resources.

Over the next eleven years the population of Ipswich will almost double. That means mountains of more waste! We need to think about ways to reduce, reuse and recycle our waste instead of it ending up at landfill sites.

Would you like to know more about practical and easy ways to minimise waste? Ipswich City Council also conducts a community based education program. Book a FREE presentation for your community group or workplace today by contacting ipswichwasteservices@ipswich.qld.gov.au, phoning 3810 8100 or visiting www.ipswich.qld.gov.au.

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Caring for Our Waterways

The conservation of our waterways is in our hands. It's important to remember that what we let into stormwater drains flows to our creeks.

The stormwater drain is just for rain!

Anything that enters a stormwater drain, other than rain, can flow into our waterways and pollute the water and surrounding environments. Much of the pollution is made up of everyday waste including:

• Litter such as cigarette butts, plastic bags and food wrappers
• Chemicals such as detergents, oil and fertilisers
• 'Natural' pollution such as leaves, garden clippings and animal droppings

Apart from the obvious visual impact, stormwater pollution in our waterways can be harmful to aquatic plants and animals. It also reduces our ability to enjoy the waterways for swimming and boating.

You can help to conserve our waterways

It's as easy as ensuring that your waste does not reach a stormwater drain and end up in our rivers.

Our waterways are precious; you can do your part to protect them by taking personal actions such as these:

• Do the right thing' by placing your cigarette butts and other litter in a rubbish bin
• Wash your vehicle over gravel or grass and use a minimum amount of detergent
• Use fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides sparingly, and ensure runoff doesn't carry these chemicals into the stormwater drain
• Compost your garden waste – don't dump it near waterways
• Pick up your dog's droppings and dispose of them in the rubbish bin
• Dispose of household chemicals, paint, thinners, radiator coolants, etc responsibly and never near gutters and drains

For more information about caring for our waterways, check out the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website at www.epa.qld.gov.au.

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Staff Profile - Andrew Bailey

Programs Officer (Natural Resources and Conservation)

I have recently joined the Ipswich City Council's Health, Parks and Recreation Department in the position of Program Officer (Natural Resources and Conservation) within the Conservation and Catchment Branch. My career in the environment industry has largely been with the Victorian Government as a Pest Plant and Animal Officer, as well as a Habitat Restoration Officer with a private company.

My new role here with Council involves supporting private land owners through the Land for Wildlife program and Council's Conservation Partnerships Program, as well as supporting the various environmental education activities conducted throughout the year.

I look forward to learning more about Ipswich's natural environment and hope that I can assist its protection for future generations to enjoy.

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Staff Profile - Tanya Oertel

Indigenous Land Use Partnership Coordinator

I am a member of the Ugarapul People, one of the three Traditional Owner groups of Ipswich and have lived in the area most of my life. A large portion of my career had been spent in an administration/wages capacity before accepting a representative position within my tribe. I am currently implementing the Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) which I'm finding extremely interesting. As a direct result of the ILUA information sessions, artefacts have been returned and other sacred sites have been identified by members of the community. It is a great example of reconciliation to have Council and community members taking such an interest in my culture. I look forward to implementing more Traditional Owner values and processes within Council's policies and procedures.

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Focus on Erosion and Sediment Control

At the end of 2008 the Queensland Government passed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 which changed the definitions of stormwater contamination and increased the fines.

Depositing earth or another water contaminant at a place which could wash into a stormwater drain or creek now carries on the spot fines of $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for businesses. Court imposed penalties can be as high as $83,500. Council officers are responsible for implementation of this Queensland Government legislation and regularly conduct inspections across the city to make sure that Ipswich waterways are protected from contamination.

For more information about erosion and sediment control, visit www.healthywaterways.org and follow the 'Stormwater Pollution Building Site Brochure' link.

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Rock Wallabies and Climate Change

^*A World Wildlife Fund Australia Article

Rock wallabies are endemic to Australia and form the largest group of macropods (kangaroos and wallabies and their relatives) representing 31 percent of macropod species alive today.

Rock wallabies have been severely impacted upon since European settlement and are highly endangered as a group. Numerous populations have disappeared from Australia because of land clearing, changed fire regimes, competition for food with introduced herbivores and predation by introduced species.

Rock wallabies are found in scattered localities on the Australian mainland and on offshore islands. Presently there are 15 species and an additional eight subspecies of rock wallaby. They live in rocky habitats, which provide shelter and home sites, and may be found in colonies of up to several hundred animals.

The decline of rock wallabies is likely to continue as a consequence of global climate change, with changes to and losses of habitat and food resources and the increasing occurrence and severity of drought.

The threat of climate change

The distribution of flora and fauna is expected to shift in response to climate change and is problematic for species like rock wallabies that are largely restricted in habitat and range, with several species being isolated to a few off-shore islands. Further, ecological specialisation is thought to increase the susceptibility of a species to population declines and extinction because more specialised species cope less well with environmental change. Climatic factors, especially extreme events such as droughts, are known to directly influence the demography of rock wallabies.

Climate change will have an impact by increasing the probability of extreme events and therefore increasing population fluctuations with likely genetic and demographic consequences. The main threatening processes that have led to the decline and extinction of rock wallabies are a combination of native vegetation clearing, which can increase aridity, introduced predators (foxes and cats), competitors (rabbits and goats), drought and changes in fire regime. The terrestrial vertebrate fauna of Australia has already undergone profound changes as a consequence of European settlement; climate change is likely to compound the problem.

Variations in future climate may negatively or positively affect species distributions by influencing their associated habitat. Most rock wallabies tolerate a fairly broad range of habitats surrounding their rocky refuge habitat and generally cover a wide range of climatic conditions over Australia. Presently they are constrained by their habitat requirements and predator pressure rather than by climate.

Yet if the vegetation in which they feed was to change under climate change and become too much like dry scrub or rainforest, the appropriate food would no longer be produced. Further, there is cause for concern as the populations are isolated and are extremely sensitive to local extinctions, particularly those restricted to offshore islands.

Bioclimatic modelling suggests that the Recherche Archipelago, the Western Australian Wheatbelt and Barrow Island further north will become climatically inadequate for the black-footed rock wallaby with temperature increases as small as 0.5°C. moreover, impacts of climate change on islands also include changes in cyclone or storm activity and an increase in sea level. Changes in rainfall seasonality could lead to extremely wet seasons with flooding or greater dry spells leading to extreme and/or prolonged drought. Future differences in seasonality and extreme weather events (drought, flood or cyclone) may have drastic implications for those island species already living in a highly variable climate.

Southeast Australia is also predicted to undergo drought with climate change. It is suggested that a temperature rise of up to 3°C and anything less than a 10 percent rise in rainfall will result in increased dryness. This may have serious implications for the brush-tailed rock wallaby, as their predicted range is suggested to contract with increasing global temperature. The recent contraction in the species is thought to be due to lower rainfall and a decline in rainforest vegetation. Further research into this little known species is required to assess the extent of its current populations.

In contrast, predicted changes in rainfall patterns for the tropical north of Australian are highly uncertain. As climate change is likely to further increase the variability of seasonal rainfall, the long-term future of these species is not assured.

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Nature Conservation Strategy 2008

Ipswich City is known to support over 1,500 species of flora and 550 species of fauna. Since many significant species are threatened, including the city's floral and faunal emblems (plunkett mallee and brush tailed rock wallaby), a Nature Conservation Strategy (NCS) was established in 2000. The NCS identified core areas of habitat for the City, targeting management activities in priority areas and further developing our landholder partnership programs.

In 2008 the NCS was updated to reflect the significant growth and pressures on the city's natural environment.

This new document outlines a four year direction and action plan on how to achieve the long term I2020 vision for the conservation of natural assets across the city. This will achieved by:

• Identifying significant vegetation communities for protection and linkage
• Protecting and rehabilitating waterways
• Enhancing nature conservation values in rural, urban and industrial areas
• Managing the Conservation Estates and bushland reserves
• Supporting partnerships with private landholders
• Delivering community education and awareness programs
• Addressing global impacts on natural areas such as climate change

The NCS recognises that conserving Ipswich's diverse nature needs to be a collaborative effort by all stakeholders - state and local government, private landowners and industrial partners.

To find out more about the Council's NCS 2008, copies can be found in the Council's libraries or downloaded from the ICC website

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What is Enviroplan?

The Ipswich Enviroplan is an initiative of Ipswich City Council. The program aims to 'promote important environmental issues and provide innovative and effective programs for the safe keeping and management of this city's natural resources'. Enviroplan continues achieving many critical outcomes for the city. Achievements and major milestones in the last 12 months include:

Partnerships and Support Actions:

Council has increased the total area of land under voluntary partnerships to over 9,000 hectares.

Environmental Weed Control Rebates

Council has assisted with over $19,000 to landholders within the past 12 months for the removal of environmental weeds from their land through Council's Environmental Weed Control Rebate Program.

Securing the City's Green Space and Quality of Life

Through Enviroplan funds, Council has purchased over 5,000 hectares of land through voluntary acquisitions. These acquisitions ensure long term protection and provides a protective habitat for native wildlife

Weed Control

Declared and environmental weeds have a huge impact on our conservation estates. The main weeds targeted in our Conservation Estates are Mother of millions, Annual ragweed, Lantana, Chinese celtis, Torelliana, and Green panic.

Capital Projects

Some of these projects completed in the past 12 months include trail bike barrier fencing, interpretation signage, pathways, shelters, and surveillance cameras

Illegal Activities

Council Officers are currently conducting off road patrols to remove trail bike riders and four wheel drivers from the conservation estates. Fines are issued when offenders are caught.

Flood Mitigation

Recent rain has caused damage to service track throughout the White Rock and Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estates, a total of $10,000 has been spent on repairing these service tracks.

Revegetation

Revegetation and mulching has been conducted around the day use areas of the conservation estates, and is an ongoing program.

Fire Track Maintenance

All service/fire tracks are maintained on an annual basis. Extra maintenance is carried out due to heavy rainfall. The upkeep of these tracks ensures a safe access for all service and fire vehicles.

Visitor Management

All amenity areas are inspected twice weekly. These inspections are carried out for vandalism, litter, graffiti and vegetation management

Pest Animal Control

Council Currently undertakes monitoring for declared animals within the Conservation Estates. Different monitoring/trapping techniques are conducted which include, sand plots, physical inspections and camera surveillance. The main animals targeted are Wild dog, Feral pig, and European red fox.

Education

Council conducts workshops to educate landholders on the best practice for property management. Landholder participation also plays a huge part in delivering messages. Workshops have included understanding the correct vegetation to plant, fire management plans and weed Council will continue to target illegal activities in identification days.

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Introducing the Three Traditional Owner Groups of Ipswich and Their Totems

Presented by Tanya Oertel Indigenous Land Use Partnership Coordinator

An Aboriginal Totem is an entity that watches over or assists a group of people, such as a family, clan or tribe. The totem is the family, clan or tribe's identity.

Totems support larger groups than the individual person, although individual people do have personal totems. If the Apical of a clan is nonhuman, it is called a totem. Normally this belief is accompanied by a totemic myth which is passed down through oral history and visual arts such as painting and dance.

As Traditional Owners the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul People have unique connection to their ancestral land and have responsibilities to land under their Traditional Law and Customs.

The Jagera People

Totem: Brown Snake

The snake totem represents our family group's animal spirit, the brown snake. The language for brown snake is 'kuralbang' sometimes spelt 'guralbang'.

The Yuggera People

Totem: Sand Goanna

Our Totem the Goanna is one of the ancestors that led the battle against the dolphin (Gwonda) on the Eastern Coast. Well known as Yowo-Gurra. This is where the Yuggera and Quandamooka (Dolphin Storm) names derive from. Another name he is known by is Maroon, the same as the Lake and Mountain to the west of our country. A corroboree in 1915 held at the Maroon flat was remembered by our (Morton) elders in honour of him. Breakfast Creek, also known as Yowogura was another corroboree ground for this purpose.

The Ugarapul People

Totem: Green Tree Frog

The tribe took its name from the word Yurrang meaning frog. The Yurrangpul is a very powerful figure and a guardian of traditions and of sacred places and rests on Mt Flinders which is the most sacred of the Ugarapul sites. The Ugarapul People refer to their totem as Goupong which also means frog.

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The What a Waste! Program

Are you recycling correctly? Do you know the 3R's? Want to know more about composting or worm farming?

Ipswich Waste Services provide a FREE community based environmental education program to community groups and workplaces in the Ipswich area.

The What a Waste Program

• Offers free 20 – 45 minute presentations on minimising household waste for community groups and workplaces
• has an informative, practical and 'hands on' approach
• focuses on the 3R's - Reduce Reuse Recycle, how to use compost bins and worm farms…and much more

To Book, contact ipswichwasteservices@ipswich.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3810 8137.

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Fauna Spotlight

Glossy Black Cockatoo

The Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) is considered one of Australia's rarest cockatoos. The State Government's Nature Conservation Act 1992 recognises its limited distribution and population threats, listing this species as Vulnerable.

Southeast Queensland has some of the most significant populations in Australia, including areas within Ipswich. Sightings have been recorded on public land at White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, and Long Gully Road Reserve, Grandchester. Private land at Grandchester, and unspecified locations along Woogaroo and O'Possum Creeks have also recorded sightings.

In 2005, the Glossy Black Conservancy (GBC) was officially formed. It is an independent association of local Councils, environmental consultancies, birding groups and academic institutes in South East Queensland. Ipswich City Council became a member in April 2006 and continues to protect and manage their habitat.

The key aims of the conservancy are to:

• Co-ordinate the assessment of glossy black resources across SEQ local government;
• Continue community awareness and educational activities;
• Manage a database of sightings;
• Continue research into glossy black habitat; and
• Monitor key threats.

For further information on the GBC and how you can become involved in conservation efforts visit www.glossyblack.org.au

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Cooneana Olive

The Federal Government recently listed the Cooneana Olive (Notelaea ipsviciensis) as Critically Endangered under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

This species is literally on the brink of extinction, being found at only three locations within Ipswich City. Approximately 18 plants are spread out over an area of 2km2 from Ebbw Vale to Dinmore. The listing will ensure that any actions considered to impact plant populations such as a development application will need to be referred to the Federal Government for assessment.

There is little historical information about this plant. The first two specimens were discovered in 1976 in the grounds of the Cooneana Homestead but were destroyed by dumping of mining debris before they could be studied or described further by the Queensland Herbarium. Subsequently it was presumed extinct until its rediscovery in the 1980s.

An understorey shrub with attractive leaves, Cooneana Olive grows to about two metres tall, on the shallow infertile sandstone soils of Ipswich. It grows in association with Lloyd's Olive (Notelaea lloydii) and Netted Mock-Olive (Notalaea ovata). It has twiggy branches with stiff opposite leaves to 8cm long and 18mm wide. The fruits are red, maturing to blue-black. It is an incredibly tough plant which tolerates droughts and readily resprouts after fire.

Its greatest threats are from weed invasion, increasing wildfires and possible future road works. Historically other threats would have included land disturbance due to open cut coal mining and clay extraction.

Reference:

• Beeton, R., 2009, Notelaea ipsviciensis (Cooneana Olive) Listing Advice, Threatened Species Advisory Committee.
• Leiper et al., 2008, Mangroves to Mountains Revised Edition, Logan River Branch, Society for Growing Australian Plants (QLS Region) Inc. www.sgapqld.org.au/article43.html

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Weed Update - Fireweed

Fireweed is declared as a Class 2 Pest under the Lands Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002. All Landholders are required under the legislation to keep their land free of declared Class 2 pests.

Fireweed was first discovered within the Hunter Valley region in 1918. The plant is native to Madagascar and southern Africa. It can rapidly invade and dominate pastures and is toxic to cattle and horses.

Fireweed is a short annual herb growing from less than 20cm to over 50cm in height depending on conditions. Fireweed starts to appear between March and June and continue on through to November. The leaves are 2 to 6 cm long, dark green with serrated margins. The flowers are bright yellow in colour of a diameter of 2cm. Fireweed is distinctive by having 13 petals per flower head. Flowers produce up to 100 seeds which have very fine short hairs allowing for dispersal by wind. Fireweed plants are capable of producing 10,000 seeds during the season.

This plant is responsibly for illness and poor conditioning in cattle. Some cases of poisoning can cause death. All growth stages of the plant contain alkaloids which can build up in the digestive system to cause sclerosis the liver. These alkaloids are present when the plant is green or dry so may be contained within silage or hay. Slashing as method of treatment is discouraged as this makes the material more attractive to stock and increases the risk of poisoning and stock losses.

Small infestations can be effectively controlled by hand removal as the plant only has a shallow root system. A range of herbicides are registered for use on the plant and provide more efficient control over a larger area. Fireweed treatment is recommended to be conducted every two to three weeks as new plants will emerge throughout the season. Slashing and burning are not recommended as a control measure as this can increase the size of the infestation by making conditions more favourable for the plant.

Ipswich City Council Officers conduct surveys for all declared pest species in accordance with the Ipswich City Council Pest Management Plan. For a copy of the plan, further information or to report any suspected infestations of Fireweed, please contact Ipswich City Council on (07) 3810 6666 or Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23.

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Pest Update – Feral Pig

The Feral pig is declared as a Class 2 Pest under the Lands Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

This legislation requires landholders to keep their land free of Class 2 Pests and it is an offence to keep or sell them without a permit.

Early settlers brought the Domestic Pig to Australia and subsequent escapes and deliberate releases have established a wild population. The wild population of Feral Pig now inhabits about 40% of Australia with the greatest densities around the inland drainage areas and coastal swamps.

The Feral pig (Sus scrofa) is generally smaller and leaner than their domestic cousins with longer, courser hair and larger snout that may have tusks. Colouration is usually black although they may be spotted or buff coloured. Mature males or boars develop a thick shield within their shoulders up to three centimetres thick for protection during fights.

Feral Pigs are capable of reproducing all year round with a litter of 4 to 10 piglets after a gestation period of 113 days.

Under favourable conditions, feral pig populations can increase fivefold within a 12 month period.

Feral Pigs are omnivorous, with a diet consisting mostly of green feed, but will consume animal flesh. Due to their high protein requirements, especially during pregnancy, Feral Pigs will forage over a large home range from 2 – 50km2.

Feral Pigs have a large economic impact to the agricultural industry through crop damage and predation of livestock (mainly lambs). The also foul watering points and damage pasture by rooting up the ground. Feral Pigs impact on the environment by polluting water ways, spreading weeds and destroying native habitat. They are also known to predate on small native fauna and consume ground nesting bird eggs and turtle eggs.

Feral Pigs carry many infectious diseases and parasites. They spread Tuberculosis and Brucellosis within the cattle industry and can transfer Sparganosis, Leptospirosis and Q-Fever within the human population.

Council Pest Management Officers conduct monitoring and management programs within Council conservation estates and reserves to reduce the impact on native flora and fauna.

Council can offer advice on monitoring and management programs for landowners. For further information contact Council on (07) 3810 6666.

Sources: http://www.dpi.gov.au

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Climate Change and Clean Energy

The previous edition of Environment Matters included an Update article about things to do around the home to improve energy efficiency. This article continues the series on climate change, with a focus on clean energy for the home. The average household in Queensland emits approximately 13.5 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide every year.^*

Where do all these emissions come from??

• A modern car driving 15,000 km per year emits approximately 3.5 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide every year
• Most of the remaining 10 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide is due to consumption of coal-fired electricity

What is Greenpower?

Greenpower is an Australian Government accredited program. Consumers who purchase Greenpower can be sure that the electricity they are buying really is from a low pollution source. Electricity which has been generated using solar, wind, geothermal, mini-hydro, landfill gas, sugar cane waste, tidal or wave energy, etc is eligible for accreditation as Greenpower.

Why buy Greenpower?

One of the best ways to reduce your household carbon emissions is to use greenpower rather than coal fired electricity. Using 100% Greenpower can slash household greenhouse gas emissions by 70%.

How can you buy Greenpower?

Greenpower can be bought from a range of companies. The Greenpower website has a list of accredited Greenpower products and the companies that sell them.

Buying Greenpower doesn't have to mean that you change electricity provider, but it will usually involve paying a bit more for your electricity. How much more depends on exactly which product you choose and how much electricity your household uses.

About 10% of all Australian households currently purchase Greenpower.

^*Based on gas, electricity and road transport fuel use. Does not include emissions due to household waste, or any other source.

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Awards for Excellence

Environment Awards Categories

If you are an individual landholder, a member of a community group, or part of the commercial and rural sectors within Ipswich, and have contributed to the maintenance and enhancement of Ipswich's unique biodiversity and natural heritage, then why not enter your efforts in Council's Awards for Excellence Environment Awards. Your Projects/initiatives may include:

• Use of water efficiency principles
• Enhancement of bushland on public or private land
• Protection and/or rehabilitation of native wildlife
• Broad acre rehabilitation of rural land
• Enhancement of public parklands or streetscapes

Nominations close Wednesday, 1 July 2009.
For further details please contact Council's Cultural Heritage Officer on 3810 6256

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Bushland Fire Management

Fire is a natural and essential requirement of many forests to regenerate and remain healthy. How residents and Council prepare and manage their bushland are often quite similar. This article deals with the major aspects of how Council manages fire in bushland reserves.

Five Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Management

1. What is the fire policy for Council-owned bushland?

   Council owns and manages approximately 4,600 hectares of Conservation Estates and 700 hectares of bushland reserves. These areas are managed to protect life and property from wildfire and to maintain or enhance environmental values.

   Specific aims of fire management are to:

   • Protect life, property and environment;
   • Fulfil Council's obligations under the Fire and Rescue Authority Act 1990;
   • Maintain or enhance biodiversity within all native vegetation associations;
   • Assist the protection of rare and threatened species of wildlife;
   • Ensure long term survival of native wildlife populations; and
   • Minimise impacts on regional air quality.
   
   
   
2. What does Council do on-ground within the smaller bushland reserves?

   Council constructs and maintains fire access trails and buffer zones on over 700 hectares of bushland reserves (across urban and rural communities). Fire buffers and access trails are inspected every six weeks and mown every nine weeks.

   However, this may vary between sites subject to different fire risk, weather and growth conditions. These form buffers between property and bushland, and allow vehicular access.

   Council has mapped all fire access trails for all bushland reserves, and is committed to continually upgrading fire breaks, water storage points and access tracks.



3. What about the larger natural areas?

   Council owns and manages large areas of bushland, including the 2,000 hectare Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, 2,400 hectare White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate and the 140 hectare Purga Nature Refuge. Council has fire management plans for each large natural area, which are regularly updated to improve protection.

   Council has constructed an extensive network of fire access trails which are regularly inspected and maintained. There is regular fuel load reduction around Council owned infrastructure, such as picnic areas, toilets and walking tracks. Council also undertakes other activities such as:

   • Twice yearly fuel load monitoring to access fire risk in fire blocks;
   • Installation of reflective markers along walking tracks to aid safe passage along tracks if visibility is reduced;
   • Closure of areas during extreme fire conditions; and
   • Provide clear directional signage on tracks and at information bays.



4. Does Council work with the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and Rural Fire Service?

   Council has a close working relationship with both the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) and the Rural Fire Service. This includes providing on-ground infrastructure support (such as graders and water tanks) for relevant Rural Fire Brigades as required and on-going support for public fire awareness education.

   Council also supports organisations such as the Fire and Biodiversity Consortium. This regional working group undertakes fire research in conjunction with academics at Griffith University, other local councils and QFRS.

5. What can I do on my land if I live near a park or reserve?

   As private landowners you are responsible for maintaining your own property, including being prepared for fire. However, the level of fire management required will vary greatly dependent upon size and location of the property, and the types of vegetation on the property. Detailed information is available from the following websites:

   • Ipswich City Council Emergency Management - Fire
   • Ipswich City Council Bushland Fire Management
   • Queensland Fire Department - Bushfires

Rural property owners with bushland on them can also email council@ipswich.qld.gov.au for information about Conservation Partnership Program opportunities, including fire and property management planning.

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Bushland Reserve Spotlight: Denman Park

Ipswich City has over 170 Urban Bushland Reserves. These reserves occur in various shapes and sizes, preserving the city's natural character and also acting as vital wildlife corridor links to larger natural areas including the White Rock-Spring Mountain and Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estates.

Located in the suburb of Brassall, Denman Park is an interesting urban bushland reserve covering an area of 7.4 hectares. The park provides a valuable link in the local bushland reserve network and acts as a stepping stone for flora and fauna between inner Ipswich and the northern forests of Pine Mountain and to the Brisbane River.

Taking a walk through the park visitors will see a mixture of plants including Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii), White Fig (Ficus virens), Gum Topped Box (Eucalyptus moluccana) and Spotted Gum (Corymbia citriodora). Some of these species show the close association between the vegetation of this park and the forests of Pine Mountain to the North.

The shrub layer and understorey has a range of native species including Flax Lilies (Dianella species), Native sarsaparilla (Hardenbergia violacea), and Wombat Berry (Eustrephus latifolius). Other plant species found here such as Red Kamala (Mallotus philippensis), Scrub Wilga (Geijera salicifolia var latifolia), and Crow's Ash (Flindersia australis).

The complex diversity and structure of the forest here provides shelter and valuable habitat for fauna as well as wildlife movement.

Through Council's Urban Bushland Demonstration Program, formalisation and upgrading of the existing track network and visitor facilities has recently been undertaken along with a number of community plantings.

What to do when visiting an Urban Bushland Reserve?

• Do not remove native plants or animals from these reserves;
• Leave domestic pets at home as they disturb native wildlife and other park visitors;
• Place all rubbish in bins provided, if there are none then please take your rubbish home;
• Keep to designated tracks at all times as short cutting damages the natural environment;
• Remember that camping and fires are prohibited; and
• Avoid driving vehicles within the reserve.

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