FREE BOTANICAL WORKSHOPS FOR LAND CARERS

A series of botanical field workshops to help land carers involved in vegetation management and planning will be held in August, Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said today.

The workshops, to be held across the Gold Coast, Albert and Logan areas, will provide practical information to help participants identify the four main forest types within the south-east region.

Mr Wallace said the workshops were being conducted by the department’s south east region natural resource officer, Ashley Sewell and botanical experts from the Environmental Protection Agency.

“There is a great demand for botanical information as it relates to the Vegetation Management Act 1999 and land clearing,” Mr Wallace said.

“The field workshops focus on coastal wallum, wet sclerophyll, dry sclerophyll, and wet and dry rainforest; the four main types of vegetation found in the south-east corner.”

Mr Wallace said participants should come away from the workshops with a sound knowledge of local vegetation and the ability to identify trees through their bark, leaves, form, height and location.

All participants will receive a comprehensive handbook on local species found within each site inspected, including regional ecosystem identification, land zones, geological information, botanical keys to eucalypts and acacia species, relevant photos and a glossary of botanical and forestry terms.

Attendees also receive a certificate acknowledging their participation.

The workshops, which are free for non-profit organisations, will be held from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday and Wednesday of each week until the end of August. A small charge applies for corporate participants.

For bookings, contact Ashley Sewell 5451 2260 or email ashley.sewell@nrw.qld.gov.au

Caption for attached photo: NRW's south east region natural resource officer, Ashley Sewell inspects vegetation.

Electronic version of photograph available on request.

Media contact: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’s office, on 3896 3694 or 0414 213 954.