AN unlikely alliance has formed between Queensland Bulk Handling (QBH) and Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee (B4C) to plant trees and revegetate industrial areas around the Brisbane River.
Launching the alliance with a tree-planting exercise on Gibson Island, QBH acting general manager Michael Raff said the event foreshadows the rehabilitation work that will be expanded over the coming 12-18 months.
“The alliance between QBH, Brisbane’s leading coal export terminal, and one of our most experienced environmental conservation groups is an obvious one and reflects our real enthusiasm for responsible environmental management,” Mr Raff said.
“We all work and play on the banks of the Brisbane River, and love it here. We want to ensure we protect the area’s flora and fauna for generations to come.
“Joining forces with B4C, who have a proven track record of protecting, restoring and monitoring plant life and wildlife in and around Brisbane’s waterways was an obvious choice. And having worked with them on the Port of Brisbane’s Community Consultative Committee, they understood our passion for the river and surrounds.”
Starting this month, B4C will begin preparing for revegetation of QBH’s 11 hectare site in the Port of Brisbane, bringing in more native species and creating improved pathways for native fauna.
“This process will take approximately 18 months, after which B4C will continue to maintain the site on a contract basis,” Mr Raff said.
“Along with B4C’s continued work on Gibson Island, our alliance is going to lead to a healthier and greener Brisbane.”
B4C catchment manager Wayne Cameron said rehabilitation projects like the one on Gibson Island demonstrate the benefit of industry co-operation.
“Estuarine systems are important to our city and economy, but also our environment, natural resources, and wildlife. They are one of the most important areas to show that industry and nature can exist together,” he said.
“Gibson Island is an industrial zone with a direct frontage to the Brisbane River and Aquarium Passage, and our rehabilitation there shows what can be achieved with industry support – 900 square metres have been rehabilitated and revegetated, erosion controls and sediment fencing has been implemented, and 831 native plants established.”
