Riverside Cemetery
The area along the river at the end of Erin Street, below the Old Riverside Cemetery has been a significant area of focus for Queanbeyan Landcare since 2022.
Members of Queanbeyan Landcare developed a plan of action and selected plants to stabilise the banks, build habitat complexity and add to the overall amenity and beautification of the area.
Click below to see a pictorial summary of our work at this site over the years.
2025
At least 5 working groups were carried out at this beautiful site during 2025. The members frequently comment that they enjoy spending time here as they spread mulch, weed and spray as needed.
There was also erosion control at the top of Zone 1 and in Zones 7 & 8. We had the ‘Friends of the Friends of Queanbeyan River’ plant 50 shrubs and grasses.
Tom, Lindsay and Ian continue to spend time here outside the organised working groups. Spraying or whipper snipping are their main activities but it is apparent that Tom continues to plant at every possible occasion.
This list of plantings were all planted in the last 3-4 months of 2025 by Tom Baker, and all were propagated by him.
The seedlings have shown healthy growth since planting, adapting well to their new environment. Regular watering and attention have contributed to their strong early development.
Upstream from the Riverside Cemetery
In September 2025 QPRC together with a group of local high school students planted 180 plants at the site along the footpath upstream of Erin Street.
Queanbeyan Landcare inspected and watered the site from a water cube supplied by QPRC in January 2026.
It was unfortunate that many of the plants had died, but survival rates on the lower parts of the path were good, likely due to better moisture retention in those areas.
We will continue monitoring and additional watering may be needed to support the remaining vegetation and improve overall survival along the footpath.
2024
Weeding and the spreading of mulch were our main activities with QPRC delivering many, many piles of mulch.
Tom Baker spends extra time spraying and Lindsay Peak has been working at maintaining the existing plantings. He has planted over 40 extra plants across the site and removed the tree guards from the 2019 plantings in Zones 7 & 8.
2023
Four working groups were held in 2023. Groups watered, weeded, mulched and sprayed across all sites. Carex sp. that had been grown from seed by Tom Baker and Michele Dovers were planted along the river and Ian Johnsson planted collected clumps of Dianella in the rough, rocky part of Zone 2. The growth in the 2019 and 2022 NTD plants is considerable.
As part of the World Environment Day celebrations Tom Baker led a short walk at this site on Sunday 4 June. Tom and many others from the group led over 50 people on an inspection of the site, explaining what has been achieved and of course inviting others to join the group.
The nature and heritage walk included an inspection of the Friends of Queanbeyan River work site near the Riverside Cemetery and discussion of the history of the Railway Bridge.
Tom was assisted by Jed Pearson from Waterwatch and Molonglo Conservation and Steve, Paul, Helen, Dave, Ian and Michele from Queanbeyan Landcare.
2022
A major community event was hosted by Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council for National Tree Day was held at the site on Sunday 31 July 2022.
Queanbeyn Landcare members Tom Baker, Ian Johnsson, Michele Dovers and a number of others were responsible for much of the planning including site preparation, plant selection and demonstration of planting technique.
Nine planting areas were identified. The areas were based on the 2019 plantings and are separated by mown grassed areas. The characteristics and existing vegetation were noted.
The plants selected for each area were determined by members of Queanbeyan Landcare and others based on their understanding of the best growing conditions for each plant. All selected plants were native plants that are local to this area. They are suited to the local environmental conditions e.g. climate and soil type, meaning they should require less maintenance and have good survival rates. They may also positively impact the native flora and fauna by providing the right food source and habitat for local wildlife.
The plants would help to stabilise the area along the river and add to the overall amenity and beautification of the area. To build habitat complexity a range of species and growth forms were selected. Plants may be part of the canopy (usually trees or large shrubs), the understorey (usually smaller shrubs) or the ground layer (usually grasses and other ground covers). All are important.
We were joined by over 100 volunteers. Members of groups such as the Queanbeyan Country Women’s Association, Headspace, the Sikh Community, Queanbeyan Park Run, Australian Volunteer Program, the Queanbeyan Scouts and well as many locals joined in the activity. Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council provided additional support including promotional material, council staff, mulch, plants, the water truck and most importantly a coffee van!
The following species were planted:
-
Casuarina cunninghamiana (River Oak)
Allocasuarina verticillata (Drooping Sheoak)
Eucalyptus rossii (Scribbly Gum)
Eucalyptus mannifera (Brittle Gum)
Eucalyptus bridgesiana (Apple Box)
-
Acacia mearnsii (Green Wattle, Black Wattle)
Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle)
Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood)
Kunzea ericiodes (Burgan)
Leptospermum brevipes (Slender Teatree)
Dodonea viscosa (Hopbush)
Bursaria spinosa (Sweet Bursaria)
Cassinia longifolia (Shiny Cassinia)
Gynatrix pulchella (Hemp Bush)
-
Poa labillardieri (Tussock Grass)
Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-head Mat Rush)
Carex apressa (Tall Sedge)
Unfortunately a few days after the event some of the area was inundated by flooding but the Friends group replanted as required but were also pleased that many of the new plants survived almost 48 hours of inundation and strong currents.
[Images © Tom Baker 2022]
On 4 November 2022 staff from Neoen planted 250 trees, shrubs and grasses. Neoen is an international company currently constructing The Capital Battery on a site in Oaks Estate as part of the ACT Government’s 2020 renewable energy action. Neoen employees celebrate Solidarity Day by contributing something to the community and fortunately for us they contacted Queanbeyan Landcare.
Karen Williams and Jeannine Fromholtz from Molonglo Conservation Group spoke about the history of the river, the threats it faces and how to protect it now and into the future. Queanbeyan Landcare volunteers Tom Baker, Ian Johnsson, Michele Dovers, Dave Grey and Paul Harris worked alongside the enthusiastic Neoen staff. A great day for all!
