World Environment Day
The United Nations designated 5 June as World Environment Day to highlight that the protection and health of the environment as a major issue. Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council regularly holds events on World Environment Day which Queanbeyan Landcare supports and promotes.
2025 Word Environment Day
15 June 2025
In 2025, two events were held for World Environment Day.
On Sunday, 15 June Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council held a community planting to celebrate World Environment Day. The event commenced at the end of Dane Street and extended for some distance upstream. It brought together community members, regular Landcare members and about 40 volunteers from the Shah Satnam Ji group, known for their dedication to community-focused tree planting activities. Together the volunteers managed to plant over 200 seedlings before the rain set in.
A variety of native plant species were selected for their suitability to the local environment and their ability to support biodiversity.
They included:
• Eucalyptus viminalis and Eucalyptus pauciflora
• Ovens and Red-stemmed wattle
• Hakea and Leptospermum
• Grasses such as Lomandra, Carex, and River Tussock
To ensure the survival and growth of the newly planted vegetation, tree guards were installed to protect them during their crucial first year, Queanbeyan Landcare has committed to regularly monitoring these plants and maintaining previous plantings in the area. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts under the major Urban Rivers project, which aims to improve the health and sustainability of local waterways and their surroundings.
QPRC has established a partnership with Queanbeyan Landcare and the Molonglo Conservation Group to implement the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program. This initiative specifically focuses on the Queanbeyan River Corridor and the broader goal of habitat rehabilitation and conservation. More information can be found here Queanbeyan River Corridor and Habitat Rehabilitation
Photos courtesy Michele Dovers and Fran Curtis
8 June 2025
On 8 June, Queanbeyan Landcare marked World Environment Day with a walk along the Queanbeyan River. Starting at Dane Street, our group explored the river upstream to Barracks Creek footbridge, learning about major floods from 1925 to 2010. A Platypus even made an appearance!
The walk showcased revegetation efforts by Council and Landcare, vital habitats for bird species like superb fairy wrens and red-browed firetail finches. In total, 91 bird species are recorded in the area, with private lists exceeding 100.
Several larger birds such as the great cormorant, white-faced heron and black duck were observed, along with some smaller species including red-browed firetail finches, yellow-rumped thornbills, superb fairy wrens and white-throated treecreeper.
Jed from Waterwatch displayed aquatic invertebrates indicating great water quality, though concerns remain with introduced snails and declining frog numbers. Feral deer sightings were also reported near Dane Street.
Morning tea was held among flourishing young Casuarinas, and Emery from QPRC shared news of a Commonwealth grant for replanting and weed removal.
Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us!
Photos courtesy of Leanne Coleman
2024 World Environment Day
The World Environment Day Education Walk on 2 June 2024 was a great success. Over 50 people turned up to Queanbeyan River to learn and share information about the history and ecology of the river.
The highlight was the fantastic display the platypus that lives just upstream of the Barracks Creek Bridge put on for the entire group.
The walk started at the end of Dane Street, Karabar and continued upstream along the path just past the Barracks Creek Bridge. The walk was led by members Ian Johnsson, Tom Baker, Steve Dovers and Bill Willis. Jed Pearson, Waterwatch Coordinator at Molonglo Conservation Group enabled attendees to explore the invertebrate population found in the river and spoke about the health of the river.
Local residents and members of the Field Naturalists Association of Canberra enjoyed the morning tea provided by QPRC who organised, promoted and participated in this event.
2024 Environmental Networking Event
The Environmental Networking event with community groups, local environmental organisations and passionate members of our community was held on 5 June 2024.
Queanbeyan Landcare President Ian Johnson was one of those who participated.
QPRC’s waste team provided information about some of the challenges they are managing and the success of the food and organics (FOGO) collection that has been rolled out in Queanbeyan.
The Ecosystems and Threatened Species team from the NSW Government's Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water provided information about some of their current initiatives. This important work supports the recovery of threatened native species, including the flame robin and woodland birds and well as ecological communities.
Thank you to QPRC for organising the event and everyone who participated and shared information about environmental initiatives in our region.
Organisations that took part include:
Braidwood Urban Landcare
Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water and National Parks and Wildlife Service
Queanbeyan Landcare
QPRC Waste and Sustainability teams.
2023 World Environment Day
In 2023 Queanbeyan Landcare held a variety of events across several days.
Saturday 3rd June
Carolyn Larcombe and Sandy led a walk around Wandiyali-Environa Wildlife Sanctuary. Several Queanbeyan Landcare members joined the walk learning about biodiversity conservation and restoration in the Sanctuary.
[Gallery images above from World Environment Day 2023 at Wandiyali-Environa Wildlife Sanctuary © Michele Dovers]
Sunday 4th June
A short River Walk, led by Tom Baker, assisted by Jed Pearson (Waterwatch and Molonglo Conservation) and Steve, Dave, Paul, Helen and Michele from Queanbeyan Landcare. There were over 50 attendees on the day, and QPRC provided Morning Tea.
[Gallery images above from W.E.D. 2023 at Queanbeyan River © Michele Dovers]
Monday 5th June
Queanbeyan Landcare participated in the Enviro Expo organised by QPRC at The Hive. The theme of World Environment Day was 2023 ‘SOLUTIONS TO PLASTIC POLLUTION’.
[Gallery images above from W.E.D. 2023 at The Hive © Michele Dovers]
2022 World Environment Day
A community event was held on Mount Jerrabomberra with Landcare members including Bill Willis and Tom Baker leading guided walks along the trails, sharing their knowledge of the plants and animals.
[Gallery images above from W.E.D. 2022 on Mount Jerrabomberra © Michele Dovers]