The QLD State Government is inviting property owners and other affected parties to provide feedback on the future management of weed and pest animals throughout Queensland.

Your feedback will inform the Queensland Weed and Pest Animal Strategy 2016-20 in preparation for the Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act) commencing on 1 July 2016.

To have your say, visit the website or call the Department of Agriculture & Fisheries on 13 25 23 to provide a written submission.

Consultation will run until COB on 26th April.

The Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network together with Wildlife Qld are currently recruiting volunteers to help with field data collection of Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia elegans) locations around South East Queensland.

Dutchman’s Pipe is an introduced plant from South America, which is toxic and fatal to the larvae of the Richmond birdwing butterfly that ingests its leaves. It is commonly found in gardens, bushland and along waterways.

The data collected will be used for the creation of GIS maps and their analysis will reveal the areas in which Dutchman’s Pipe overlaps with important wildlife corridors. This information will assist in the development of a Targeted Eradication Plan, enabling the RBCN to focus its efforts in removing Dutchman’s Pipe from key threatening locations.

There are some personal benefits to reap from this volunteering work which include:

​Development of skills including recording GPS coordinates, datum and precision

Helping to conserve the Richmond Birdwing butterfly!

If you would like to lodge an expression of interest to volunteer, please email Meegan Hardaker at: [email protected] or phone: (07) 3221 0194(07) 3221 0194. 

    The following pictures of Dutchman’s Pipe vine are courtesy of Phil Moran:


                     

Visit the Cottage for a wonderful talk with Ed Frazer who will share with us his amazing photos of birds in the Brookfield area. Truly worth seeing! Book your place now:

When: Thursday, 17 March 2016 at 10am
Where: MCCG Cottage at Gold Creek Reservoir
Organiser: Dale Borgelt
Contact: [email protected] or ph: 3374 1035

It’s not strictly speed dating but it sure has some parallells!
Single Brisbanites are invited to this free event at St Lucia Esplanade Park starting at 8am.
There will be a native speed planting followed by lunch with like minded folk and live music! 
For details check out the Landcare for Singles website.
Alternatively, if you can volunteer contact Apani Wood at Brisbane Catchments: [email protected]  

Recover from voting by connecting with nature!
McKay Brook working bees are held on the first Saturday afternoon of each month from 2-5pm and also on the third Sunday morning from 8:30am to 11am.
These times are subject to change and we try to give one week’s notice of any such change. It would be a good idea to check with Bryan the week before each working bee.

REMINDER FOR MEMBERS !!!

Recording Wildlife Sightings Talk at the Cottage
10 am Saturday 20th February 2016
Book your place:
[email protected] or ph 3374 1035
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The MCCG Annual General Meeting was held at the Brookfield Hall on Monday 30th November, with around 40 people in attendance.  Our Chairman, Warren Hoey, reported on the wide range of activities undertaken by the group, and paid tribute to the many dedicated volunteers involved in working groups, the nursery, the cottage, and the various projects conducted by the group.  The Chairman’s report can be read here.

 

Margaret de Wit, our local Council Member, and a long time supporter of the MCCG, gave a farewell tribute to the group and the many people in it who she has worked with since its inception.  She is retiring at the next council elections and will be missed for her help and support for the group’s activities.

 

Our guest speaker for the evening was Lexie Scott, who gave an interesting and well received talk on a day in the life of a wildlife carer.