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

NEXT MEETING - Thursday 17th September, 7pm at Sunnybank Hills library     
Level 2 Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown
Cnr. Calam Rd. and  Compton Rd.  Sunnybank Hills

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Unfortunately I have the sad task of announcing that, unless a miracle happens, the Karawatha Forest Environment Centre will not be built as planned.  Individual self-interest placed a stick in the wheel of the project’s forward progress. 

The alternative proposal by Cr MacPherson was rejected early in the project on a number of grounds.  We are now faced with no obvious replacement site.  The only remaining possibilities are long shots at best. Unless a miracle happens it appears that the Environment Centre will never be built at the quarry.

The objections by local residents, coupled with support of the Councillor were sufficient to exclude Willowleaf Close as a possible access road.  We have no problem with this process, and we will defend the local’s right to object to the programme, in the same vein as the Society addresses many of its own issues.

R.I.P.  RIC NATTRASS
All in the Environment movement are deeply saddened by the sudden death of wildlife expert extraordinaire, Ric Nattrass at the age of 60.  Our deepest condolences are extended to his dearest support, life partner Chris.

The record shows his extensive interests in all living things, but he will always be remembered as the consummate voice of and for wildlife.  He could mimic a myriad of nature sounds, bird and mammal, reptile and amphibian, and he scattered them within a plethora of good advice, in his 16 year programme on ABC Radio.

We were honoured to have Ric as a guest speaker at our Annual General Meeting a few years ago.  He could have spoken till midnight, and we would have listened.  However only a few knew that Ric parked in the upper floor of the car park, which gets securely locked down at a time before our meeting finished.

I had to take Ric home and Chris ferried him back the next day.  He was totally cheerful over the whole incident, the same spirit which endeared him to so many people, who then supported the dreams of his indomitable spirit.

A few weeks ago I met him at the Griffith Ecocentre and attempted to engage him as an expert for our case in the Planning and Environment Court.   He sadly declined, and I was at a loss to understand why until he explained that, like several other celebrated on-ground researchers, he had only passed Grade 10, had no degree, and therefore would not be recognized by the Court.

How amazing that this man’s passion could achieve so much.  He studied at the University of Nature, graduated, and then became its Emeritus Professor.  Till we meet again.

VALE  RIC

BUSH CARE GROUP NEWS

Last Sunday the Karawatha bush care group attended a celebration breakfast provided by the Brisbane City Council, as an appreciation for the hard work and effort, of volunteers who donate their time to saving and regenerating bush care sites.

As usual Karawatha Forest was well represented with a good turn out from the bush care group. Approximately 300 people attended the breakfast from various group, which was held at the Melaleuca Environment Park at Lota, near Wynnum.

There were several site tours and also a wild life shows for the kids. It gives an insight to how other groups work and how they manage their sites and to exchange ideas. Also an ideal opportunity to network with other bush care groups. As usual social butterfly Bernice was in full flight with so many people to catch up with.

The bush care group meets every second Sunday of the month from 8:00—10:00am at 471 Wembley Road UBD Map 241  F10. For more information contact Dennis Kerr - Mob: 0450 353 206 Email: dennis.kerr@hotmail.com

Dennis
Karawatha BCG

TASK SHARING

To keep the wheels of the Society turning there is much delegation of tasks and for some, it is time to pass on the baton of responsibility held for some considerable time.

Society members have varied skills and this support comes to the fore when required—e.g. the current objection forwarded to members recently. 

DATES TO REMEMBER - September

Report illegal activities to 3403 8888

Help to keep our Green Spaces in good hands!