Community Engagement Team Updates
The Community Engagement Team has been instrumental in raising awareness, educating the community, and promoting sustainable practices in the Granite Belt. Over the past year, the team has achieved significant accomplishments, including:
created a higher profile in the community of GBSAN goals and projects
weekly market stalls in late 2023 to early 2024 at the farmer’s markets and in the piazza
stalls at eco expo, world environment day and stanthorpe garden fest
apple and grape float featuring queenie the quoll
information session for 700 local students at “caring for nature” expo
film events with guest speakers
radio and local newspaper articles
gbsan newsletter
gbsan brochure
gbsan facebook page
display boards for teams
We’ve also helped to increase active membership:
stalls - regular contribution from 10 members
created bushcare group with 17 enthusiastic members
attendance at film events - up to 70 people followed by social gathering
expressions of interest for landscape linkages project - 22 so far
We’ve created reciprocal activities with other community groups
Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
Granite Borders Landcare
Granite Belt Schools - Queenie the Quoll
Traprock Growers
Southern QLD Landscapes
Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium
Quoll Society Australia
Stanthorpe Little Theatre
Apple and Grape
Stanthorpe Garden Club - Garden Fest
Granite Belt Growers Association
Lockyer Upper Catchment Incorporated
Great Eastern Ranges
For the SDRC election 2024:
weekly market information stalls to raise awareness of key issues
interactive game - counsellor for a day
interview of candidates on key areas aligning with gbsan goals
communication of candidates’ responses at market stall and in local paper
The biodiversity team has developed the GBSAN landscape linkages project to form linkages for wildlife habitat to enhance biodiversity across the granite belt region. We’ve engaged landholders on the granite belt to restore and maintain strategic bushland through networking, education and practical assistance. We’ve created a database with mapping expressions of interest in the project from landholders. Currently we have 22 landholders expressing interest. Kym Wilson from Ready To Adapt environmental services is assisting with the mapping. GBSAN will apply for funds to create a video to encourage understanding of need and engagement by landholders . We will identify key properties to form strategic links to connect fragmented bushland on private properties, national parks, nature refuges and state forests with a focus on threatened species. A bioregional assessment report will indicate strategic corridors.
We’ve been networking with like minded groups
Traprock Growers
Upper Clarence Custodians
Granite Borders Landcare
Upper Condamine Landcare
Quoll Society Australia
Great Eastern Ranges
Lockyer Upper Catchment - Bunyas2Borders Project
Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium
Traditional Owners
Wildlife Carers
QLD Threatened Plants Network
GBSAN bushcare group for weeding and planting currently has 17 members meeting monthly for weeding and planting. We prioritise areas with threatened species, and have been liaising with Stanthorpe rare wildflower consortium, national parks and SDRC, and Friends of Mt Marley.
The Community Engagement Team's dedication and hard work have made a significant impact on the community. Their efforts have fostered a sense of environmental responsibility, strengthened community connections, and promoted sustainable practices.