Small things done now will be disproportionately important in decades to come.

NEXT MEETING   7pm Thursday 20th July at Sunnybank Hills Library     
Level 2 Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown
Cnr. Calam Rd. and  Compton Rd.  Sunnybank Hills

TOOHEY FOREST GROUP DISBANDS
During 2005 a decision was made by the management committee of the Toohey Forest Protection Society to wind up the affairs of their group due to an inability to attract new people to the management committee positions. The final meeting was held last month and the affairs of this committed group have now been wound up. TFPS formed in the early 1980’s, incorporated in 1991 and were there during those critical years to oversee the preservation of Toohey Forest and surrounding bushland areas ensuring that this precious resource was protected and efficiently and sensitively managed under an overall Management plan.

In recent years the Society’s great successes have been in public education and awareness with their self guiding Trail Guides, the “Find Your Way in Toohey Forest” guide book, and the Toohey Forest Neighbour’s Kit.  They also had an advisory role to play in the establishment of the Griffith University EcoCentre, and the Toohey Forest Environmental Education Centre

As part of the winding down process some of the Society’s assets have been passed down to KFPS. We were grateful to receive a cheque for $1,400, a fine set of display boards and copies of publications and resource materials. We would like to thank Rob Simson and his team for their generous support and  guarantee that their donations will be put to good use.

The Toohey Forest Protection Society has been an integral part of community life on the south side
of Brisbane for many years and their contribution will be sadly missed. We understand though, that they intend to hold occasional get- togethers so there is still an opening for dialogue and interaction. All those involved can now rest with pride knowing they have achieved their objectives and have set a commendable example to other area groups. We wish those concerned all the best with their future endeavours.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BUSH POET ANITA REED
Anyone who has attended any of our bush breakfasts over the years would have probably been entertained by talented bush poet Anita Reed.  Anita has been honing her skills with us for many years now and has developed quite a following within the Society.

Earlier last month she became the female champion at the Queensland Bush Poetry Championships held at Beaudesert.  The competition attracts bush poets from as far as Bundaberg to Taree so her win is no mean feat.

Congratulations to Anita on a great accomplishment.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR TREASURER 2007
Our current treasurer Al D’Costa will be unable to take up the position of treasurer at the AGM in November
leaving this position open to a new person. The job is not difficult as we are not GST registered. If you have some experience with book keeping please give this some thought.  Al will be only too willing to answer any questions you may have.

KOALA REHABILITATION
Some weeks ago Forest neighbours Tom Yates and Lois noticed a sick koala on their property at Garfield Rd.
A quick phone call to National Parks soon saw the unfortunate/fortunate little fellow being cared for at the Kenmore Koala Hospital. Fully rehabilitated he was returned to the Yates’ property this week and released back to his home territory.  He has been micro-chipped and named ‘Steve’ on National Parks data base.

The crucial role played by forest neighbours in the protection of the fauna and flora of this reserve can not be under estimated.  Forest neighbours are privy to many events which others are unaware of and their willingness to cooperate with Council by reporting illegal activities or concern themselves with sick or injured wildlife is imperative to the forest’s welfare.  Fortunately for Karawatha most neighbours are very fervent about the Forest’s welfare and are only too willing to be involved with management issues. 

WILDLIFE FATALITIES
We are now again into the winter months and that means travel time for our fauna.  In the last year there have been thirteen wallabies and numerous other animals killed on roads around Karawatha.  Please be vigilant when traveling after sunset. We are continuing to collect data about wildlife fatalities and will be using this to guide the construction of fauna friendly road features in future.  Please report any fatalities to the Society on 3273 1988.

495 WEMBLEY RD. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
All those who put in a submission to this development application would have received correspondence from Council and the solicitor for the developer regarding Council’s rejection of the application.  The Society has chosen to take up the option as Co-Respondent with Brisbane City Council in the legal proceedings which will now follow.
We are still continuing our involvement with the 293 Compton Rd case which is due for review in court this week.

RAMSAR  CONVENTION’S  SILVER  ANNIVERSARY
2006 is the 25th anniversary of the signing in Iran of the Ramsar Convention on Wetland Protection.. The Cobourg Peninsula in Northern Territory was the first site listed under the convention in 1974. As of this month, the convention has 151 signatories, 1593 wetland sites, totaling 137.4 million ha, which are designated in the Ramsar List of Wetland of International Importance.  It is also ten years since the 15th anniversary meeting of Ramsar was held in Brisbane, which led to the listings of Moreton Bay and Bowling Green Bay in Townsville, the first Queensland Ramsar sites.

Karawatha contains highly significant wetlands which have been nominated  for inclusion on this Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance.

BUSH WALK
This months bush walk will leave from Illaweena Street on Sunday 30th July at 7am.

DATES TO REMEMBER - July

Report illegal activities to 3403 888

Steve the Karawatha Koala