What do you think?

If you’ve ever reflected on the natural cheekiness of a rainbow lorikeet or the inquisitive nature of a noisy minor, the dignity of a magpie or the solemn gaze of a tawny, then we guarantee you will be captivated by our latest Bush Bites article.

In it, Ed Frazer shares his interactions and observations of some wonderfully diverse birdlife on his property. Read about “Kook” and “Puddleduck” and the willie wagtails, mapgies, and ducks that have become part of Ed’s life (just as he has become part of theirs). 

There’s an especially enchanting story about Major Mitchells, all accompanied by Ed’s jaw-dropping photos.

Head to Ed’s Bush Bites article and then decide for yourself: Do birds have personalities? 

This workshop is part of the Waterway Health Assessment Training (WHAT) provided by Council’s Creek Catchment Program. 

Aquatic Ecologist Natalie Toon will guide participants through the requirements and methodology to undertake an aquatic macro invertebrate survey in your local creek.

Training will include capture techniques, identification of macro invertebrates, and how the results relate to waterway health. 

This is a fantastic workshop for those interested in monitoring creek health, and providing and protecting aquatic habitat.

When:  Sunday 7 April; 9am – 1pm (morning tea & lunch provided)

Where:  681 Gold Road, Brookfield (upper part of Gold Creek – just below the dam wall)

Cost:  Free to catchment group members
RSVP:  By Friday 29 March to Michael Thorley (07) 3407 0049 or email: [email protected]

It’s Earth Hour 2019!   Are you switching off?

Every year millions of people in over 180 countries switch off their lights in March for the World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour.

This year lights will go out all over the world from 8.30pm on Saturday 30th March.

This symbolic and global gesture is intended to show the need for stronger climate action.

If you’d like to join in, head to the Earth Hour website for more info.

ABC TV has generously allowed us to share the recent Gardening Australia segment in which our own Adrian Webb does a stellar job communicating the scourge of Cats Claw Creeper.

The segment aptly describes the extent of the problem and includes useful footage and information.

Congratulations to Adrian for spreading the message about this relentless invasive vine to a such a vast audience. 

Our crusade to eradicate Cats Claw Creeper is stronger than ever!

Head to our Plants page now and scroll down to view the segment.

The ABC team (from left to right): presenter (Jerry Coleby-Williams), producer (Neil Proud), the cameraman and sound engineer

Brisbane City Council is creating a city-wide plan which aims to provide off-road cycling facilities for children, adults, and families within bushland reserves and parks. 

Off-road cycling refers to cycling facilities other than roads and designated bike paths.

In addition to encouraging people to get outdoors into nature, Council is also committed to protecting the natural habitat of the locations to be used for off-road cycling facilities. 

It is seeking feedback from residents who may complete a survey and/or indicate locations where they currently ride off-road using a mapping tool.

A draft concept plan is planned to be released for community engagement in May this year.

To have your say, please head to the Brisbane City Council website.

Western suburbs residents may be interested to learn of an appeal lodged recently against the Brisbane City Council approval to build ziplines, walking platforms and a suspension bridge on Mt Coot-tha.

The appeal was lodged on 15 March 2019 by the Mt Coot-tha Protection Alliance Inc.

For more information about the appeal and other community-based zipline news please visit the Mt Coot-tha Protection Alliance website.

The MCCG featured in a recent episode of the ABC’s “Gardening Australia”.

Head to our Facebook page to see an impressively crafted segment about Cats Claw Creeper, ably delivered by Adrian Webb and supported by wonderful footage from the ABC team.

 The scourge of Cats Claw Creeper – ©  Adrian Webb

Learn how to prepare your property with practical fire management advice from Rural Fire Service, the SEQ Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, and the Brisbane City Council.

A free session for local residents will be held on Thursday 21 March 2019,from  6pm to 9pm at the Brookfield Hall, 655 Brookfield Road, Brookfield.

Registration is NOT necessary.  Light supper provided. Please tell your neighbours too!

This project is supported by Healthy Land and Water, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. 

For more info visit the SEQ QLD Fire and Biodiversity Consortium website.

Our Autumn 2019 newsletter is arguably our best one yet!

DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR: put the kids to bed early, grab a drink of your choice and settle in for an entertaining and very informative read!

This issue focuses on the drought conditions affecting our catchment.  It’s packed with interesting facts, figures and strategies.

It features a WONDERFUL article by Cody Hochen from Brisbane City Council about successful plantings of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly vine (Pararistolochia praevenosa).

To read the newsletter, simply click the “Download our current newsletter” link on this page.

Green Tree Frog ©  Phil Bird Phil explains how this lovely frog copes with drought in our newsletter

THANK YOU to Editor Cathi Lawrence and to all those who generously submitted content. 

Our special thanks also to Codi Hochen, Wildlife Conservation Partnerships Officer with BCC and Paul Wright for allowing us to publish his AMAZING Richmond Birdwing Butterfly photo.

REMEMBER: Any picture or story of just 50-100 words from an MCCG member has an excellent chance of getting into our newsletter.  Go on!  Send your email right now!

[email protected]

We are having a special planting session of 800 plants  on Sunday 31 March !!! 

Brisbane City Council has prepared the area with mulch and dug the planting holes for us so THE HARD WORK is DONE!  NO EXCUSES!

Please help us with this planting!!!

Details:

• Sunday 31st March
• From 8.30am until 11.30am
• Black Butt Park
• Assemble at the Branton Street car park  (UBD page 177 J7) 
• Walk across the Moggill Creek bridge…..to discover the Black Butt Park planting area!
• Refreshments will be provided by Mister ‘ESKY’ 
• Please bring hats, sunscreen, water bottle and gloves.