NPAQ Activities Committee Update

National Parks Association of Queensland’s Activities Committee is almost as old as the organisation itself. The objective of this group, as reported in The Activities Guidelines is “to offer a wide variety of interesting and stimulating experiences to showcase the wonderful diversity and heritage that we have in our National Parks in Queensland and beyond. We hope to kindle a love of the environment and an appreciation for the natural world in those who are new to the outdoors, and to support more experienced participants in their ongoing love and appreciation of the protected areas within this state”.

One of the most important and long standing NPAQ activities has revolved around removing lantana and weeds from the Jolly’s Lookout section of D’Aguilar National Park. This project initiated in 1968, with the support of QPWS has been managed by NPAQ since 1990.

The success of this endeavour was acknowledged In 1995, with the National Trust awarding the John Herbert Award for Excellence in Heritage Conservation Works or Action to this group. A walk along the track from Jolly’s Lookout to Boombana shows the rugged off track terrain indicating the passion and commitment of workers involved in this programme.

Angus McElnea, one of members who proudly accepted this award, continues to be involved with the Vegetation Management Group.

Birdwatching in and around the  Brisbane area attracts a passionate group of members who gather monthly to record and discuss their avifauna observations. Their sightings are recorded on an eBird checklist which is a world wide checklist of bird sightings. The documentation contributes to hundreds of conservation decisions and helps inform bird research worldwide.

On 7th April, a walk is offered in an area recently purchased and developed by the Redlands City Council. Mt Cotton Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area offers a variety of vegetation and formalised tracks, some along the local creek line.

An annual camp around Easter brings members and friends together to explore the area around the base camp. This year’s venue is at  Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park and Cabins.

An additional camp is planned for the August/September period situated on the banks of Storm King Dam, outside Stanthorpe. Activities offered during the week will give participants the opportunity to see The Granite Belt at its best, as the spring flowers burst into bloom.

Some of our favourite walking tracks are in Lamington and the Main Range National Parks. In May, a walk is offered along, heritage listed, Spicers Gap Road. Part of this walking track demonstrates  the use of 19th century engineering techniques with the remains of a pine log surface still visible.  Later in the year, at Binna Burra, a walk along the Caves and Lower Bellbird Track is planned.

South East Queensland is proud of its Rail Trails which are popular amongst cyclists and walkers. Recently, a return cycle trip was offered on  the Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail. An enjoyable ride for both the passionate and casual bike rider.

The Activities Committee, though small in number, offer a variety of pursuits throughout the year. Further information about forthcoming Activities can be found on the NPAQ website under Activities and Events.

The Committee welcome suggestions to add to the calendar.