Three years of dedicated conservation efforts sees regenerated native bushland thrive

By Sala Mkoka

A partnership between CQUniversity and the Rockhampton Regional Council is celebrating its third anniversary of dedicated conservation efforts at Frenchmans Creek as part of the Council’s ongoing Natural Resource Management (NRM) program.

Developed in 2019, the NRM program has established several on-ground works to deliver targeted bushland regeneration in areas identified as in need of restoration.

Since partnering with CQUniversity in 2021, a cohort of CQU TAFE Horticulture students have worked on a rehabilitation site at Frenchmans Creek, in Rockhampton’s Frenchville suburb under the guidance of CQUniversity Horticulture Teacher Kay Pearson.

Located near the base of Mount Archer (Nurim), Ms Pearson said working on this particular project area has not only given her students the chance to complete the practical components of their course but has given them first-hand experience in regenerative conservation work by assisting in bringing native flora and fauna back to this important area.

“In the time that we’ve been working with the Council on this project, the students have completed the revegetation of providence plants, seed collection, prevented soil erosion, and general bush maintenance,” Ms Pearson said.

“This was all completed in Stage 1 of the project, and we are now moving onto Stage 2 with objectives to see at least 100 plant species revegetated, ensure ground coverage of at least 70 per cent native providence plants and to reduce illegal rubbish dumping in the area.”

Ms Pearson said they are also working towards ensuring there is less than 10 per cent of exotic plants left to propagate onsite after two years, and is excited for the continued partnership with Council to deliver project objectives.

Environmental Sustainability Councillor Elliot Hilse said the Rockhampton Regional Council was proud to partner with CQUniversity as part of their Natural Resource Management program.

“This is a fantastic initiative as it’s one that just has so many benefits, providing an ideal setting for students to study ecosystem function, combining bushland and waterway habitats,” Cr Hilse said.

“Not only does it offer students valuable hands-on experience, but also delivers important restoration work to the Frenchmans Creek catchment that connects Mount Archer with the Fitzroy River.”

CQUniversity and the Rockhampton Regional Council will continue working together on the rehabilitation project area to see full restoration of this vital green corridor until 2026.

Further information on the NRM program is available on the Rockhampton Regional Council website.