This is a summary of the Renewables Recycling Summit in Toowoomba held in August.

Read an update about our new bushcare group, which meets monthly to remove invasive weeds from bush areas around the Granite Belt. If you’d like to join in, please contact community@gbsan.org.au.

Updates about the recent movie night, upcoming GBSAN events at the Eco Expo and Gardenfest, as well as the Linkages project and new weedbusters group.

Fire ants infest around 600,000 ha in South East Queensland in Greater Brisbane and Toowoomba regions, and Northern NSW in the Northern Rivers. Fire ants are one of the world’s worst invasive species, with the ability to severely impact our environment, economy, agricultural industries, health, and our Australian way of life.

All GBSAN members and potential members are invited to a general meeting on Sunday 22nd September 2024 from 2 to 4pm at the RSL Lower Meeting Room. Team leaders and members of each group/team in the network will update the group and briefly inform the members of their progress.

Some notes on water for those members interested.

GBSAN is gratified to hear that our proposal to introduce a Household Chemical Waste scheme has been adopted by the Southern Downs Regional Council. By voting to endorse the trial, the Council has shown their commitment to the responsible disposal of pollutants, which will help to reduce the chemical burden on regional ecosystems.

Community Engagemetn updates including a new Weedbusters group reducing the impact of invasive weeds, Landscape Linkages Project & Movie Event

Updates from the Water group.

The Acacia Creek population of platypuses was much reduced through the 2019 dry. Only the odd one has been seen since. The ‘house’ dam did not refill until early in 2024. But this week, for the first time since 2019, an adult and a baby platypus have been seen in the dam. It is very exciting and a testimony to the resilience of the platypus so long as they are given a go.

Boronia repanda (Granite rose) is one of the Granite Belt’s threatened species facing extinction due to native vegetation clearing activities. Join us for the Consortium’s movie presentation to increase awareness about this unique native plant.

The film will be followed by a talk by Dr Don Sands, a leading ecologist specialising in Heliozelid spp moths. Don will be talking about the special relationship these moths have with Boronia species.

Finally, Geraldine Hollingsworth will be giving a talk about the bushland linkage projects currently being undertaken by the Granite Belt Sustainability Action Network and the Ready to Adapt Environmental Services group.

On July 4th, a group of twelve regional landholders gathered in Toowoomba for the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo. The day was a testament to the practical and progressive mindset of farmers. It showcased their commitment to reducing costs, saving energy, and embracing sustainable practices. The conference provided a refreshing counterpoint to the often divisive public discourse on climate change.

The blister pack recycling at the Amcal Pharmacy has been paused. Other Terracycle programs are going well.

Through the support of local landowners and various community groups including the original Land for Wildlife information we are seeking to map possible linkages or movement zones of wildlife as well as monitor for threatened species within the area.

The Community Engagement Team (CET) actively supported World Environment Day on 5 June with an information stall in the Stanthorpe Piazza. It was great to work in partnership with Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium's team in this endeavour.

The blister pack recycling at the Amcal Pharmacy is going well. The collection box is at the far counter at Amcal on the floor to the immediate left of the counter.

A range of local environmental groups will be holding an information stall in the Stanthorpe Piazza on 5th June from 10:00am. For World Environment Day GBSAN will be launching a competition - send in a photo of your favourite native plant or animal. Every photo entry will go into a draw for a $100 prize.

The global community is facing two great environmental challenges – combatting climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and stemming the loss of species extinctions by ending habitat destruction.

A number of mining companies are now active on the Granite Belt and many residents are starting to become more concerned regarding the impacts of exploration and mining, should viable deposits be identified, on the regions biodiversity and agricultural land. In response to this growing concern the SDRC has organized a public information session with the Department of Natural resources on Tuesday June 4th at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre Supper Room from 12.30pm – 2pm.

The Granite Belt is one of Queensland’s most biodiverse regions which is well known for its significant national parks and as a thriving ecotourism destination.