Fernleigh Park Landcare
The local Fernleigh Park Landcare group was established in 2002 with the aim of undertaking extensive planting programs along Jerrabomberra Creek and the streets that stretch throughout the Park to create a corridor of connected vegetation.
Jerrabomberra Creek flows through Fernleigh Estate and while there are some remnant eucalypt outcrops much of the area was cleared for farmland and has very rocky soils.
2025
In 2022 several hundred trees were planted in the vicinity of the Fernleigh Park Community Hall as part of the Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program.
Most of these had survived but on 25 May the 1st Jerrabomberra Scout group worked with locals from Fernleigh and members of Queanbeyan Landcare to replace lost or damaged trees and extend the original planting area. The trees were not staked on the day, instead a few days after the event Ian, Bill and Lindsay placed repurposed oyster cages around the plants to protect them from damage by grazing and other pressures.
The repurposed oyster cages were made available to the group as the design was no longer the most efficient method for growing oysters. Gary and Jo Rodley of the award winning Tathra Oysters were happy to donate the pots and thrilled that they can be used as tree guards. See article on page 7 of the Regional Independent. Prior to the planting Lindsay, David, Ian, Steve & Michele removed the oyster cage caps – smelly, hard work.
The repurposed tree guards are made of long-lasting materials; it is hoped that they can protect our plants for many years to come. They have also been used at our Fairlane Fauna and Flora Reserve site (Barracks Creek) as damage by feral deer was becoming a real problem. The trees have grown to such an extent the guards are no longer needed.
Over 100 trees were planted on the day, a very successful event. Thanks to all who participated. Thank you also to Bill Hall who is always a driving force behind these events, Huw Kingston for the photo of the oyster pots and to Georgeanna Story for the use of her article.
2024
On Sunday 5 May 2024 the final planting under the Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers grant took place at Swan Drive, Googong.
250 trees and shrubs were planted. Thanks to Bill Hall, Bruce Taloni and Bruce Davies. As the number of trees was relatively small a group of core members completed the work in under 2 hours.
Bill Hall commented at a meeting that “the 5-year survival of trees planted in 2019 at the Swan Drive property is somewhat disappointing”.
Those that did survive are doing well but areas where he thought the trees would do well, unfortunately have not.
2023
On 28 May a Landcare Riparian Restoration Grant enabled the planting of over 700 trees in May with over 60 volunteers including Scout groups from Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra. The trees were planted adjacent to the creek for a distance of 250 metres immediately downstream from the bridge on Fernleigh Drive and included Eucalyptus that are the recommended species for that corridor.
Fernleigh Park locals (and Queanbeyan Landcare Members) who organised this event were Bill Hall, Ian Johnsson, Bruce Davies and Bruce Taloni. Many others assisted in the planning and preparation of the day with a barbeque at the Community Centre after the planting.
Thanks to Joel Johnsson for the drone images.
2022
On Sunday 23 October the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program enabled plantings in the vicinity of the Fernleigh Park Community Hall on Swan Drive.
A plaque to commemorate this event can be found attached to the Community Hall. The plaque was presented to Queanbeyan Landcare at an official ceremony held on 25 November 2022.
Several hundred native trees were planted with a great deal of enthusiasm shown by the Jerrabomberra Scout Group, with many planting a tree for the first time and learning the important role trees play in the environment. The plants and guards were sourced from Royalla Landcare and Greening Australia. The event was organised by Bruce Taloni and Bill Hall, residents of Fernleigh park and members of Queanbeyan Landcare.
At a ceremony organised by QPRC on 25 November 2022 the plaque that commemorated the Fernleigh Park planting was displayed by Nicole Overall MP, Kristy McBain MP, Bill Hall (President Queanbeyan Landcare) and Esma Livermore (Deputy Mayor QPRC).
Thanks to all involved. These events continue to reinforce the close ties between Queanbeyan residents, Queanbeyan Landcare and the Council.
The plaque being presented to then President of Queanbeyan Landcare, Bill Hall. From left to right are Nicole Overall MP, The Honorable Kristy McBain MP, Bill Hall and Esma Livermore (then Deputy Mayor of QPRC).
2021
On Sunday 1 August the National Tree Day (planetark.org) event was held on two private properties at Fernleigh Park. Over 65 residents from across Queanbeyan and Canberra planted 650 trees in just over two hours.
National Tree Day is celebrated in July each year and focuses on the importance of trees in our lives, encouraging communities to plant and appreciate them.
Photo credits: Header & Gallery images © Martin Holmes, Michele Dovers & Joel Johnsson