WHEN Cedar Grove resident Rachel Hughes convinced her neighbors to help her restore their properties to improve habitat and water quality, and remove weeds near the Logan River, she began a movement that is helping to reduce the severity of flooding and is soon to manifest a new Landcare group in the region.
According to Mrs Hughes, she’s always had a passion for the environment and will complete a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree next year.
“Before starting the Cedar Grove Catchment Restoration Project, I regularly volunteered for Tamborine Mountain Landcare and the organisation The World as I Am,” she told the Times.
“Living on a floodplain that has endured some significant events – especially the recent flood which was a little too close for comfort – confirmed my concept that if we restore the area and remove the weeds we could reduce the impact of floods and ensure the resilience of the area for future events.”
Mrs Hughes was encouraged to apply to the Logan City Envirogrant program, which offers up to $5000 for projects that demonstrate an environmental benefit.
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“I soon realised when looking down my backyard that for me to rehabilitate my property I had to rehabilitate my neighbour’s properties as well,” she said.
“All five properties of the first stage directly join my own and all our properties run towards the Logan River.
“I also realised $5000 was not going to be enough to make a dent in the severe weed problem. So, I approached my neighbours and asked if they would like to join me in restoring our acreage blocks to their pre-cleared glory.
“I was very surprised when they all said yes, I am pretty sure I had a smile on my face for a week.
“I then approached the owners of the more heavily weed-infested blocks and commented I could apply for a separate grant for each of them, in total three grant applications over five properties.”
Applications were submitted in March and in May, 2017, and were approved. Mrs Hughes said.
“Progress since has been fantastic. We have had two meetings with progress reports and property walk-throughs to show landholders the vision of the project, what weed species we are trying to eradicate and how we are going to restore the area.”
Rewarding
According to Mrs Hughes, the project has attracted a variety of participants.
“From young families to a lovely 88-year-old, our project encompasses a wide range of people all with amazing life experiences which we have shared through our meetings,” she said.
“For me it’s extremely rewarding knowing I can help this great group of people achieve something amazing.
“There is quite a bit of work involved in setting up a Landcare group, but we are fortunate that we have a representative from Healthy Land and Water who is willing to guide us through the process.
“The Landcare group will not only involve the Cedar Grove project but also the greater Jimboomba area. At the moment, the target would be riparian areas along the Logan River severely affected by invasive exotic weeds. However, over time this focus will grow and change into other areas with sub-committees running their own projects.”
Affirmation
Mrs Hughes described the feeling of receiving funding as exhilarating.
“Knowing that other people are willing to support and promote my vision for the benefit of the environment is a big win in my book,” she told the Times.
“I might be referred to as a tree hugger, a greenie and a crazy scientist, but when you receive affirmation that what you are trying to achieve is worthy there are no words to describe it.
“The feeling fills you with such accomplishment that it drives you want to try harder to achieve bigger and better goals.”
To volunteer go to the Cedar Grove Catchment Restoration Project Facebook page at facebook.com/CedarGroveCRP/.
