SUNSHINE COAST’S MR BOTANICAL ‘BOUGHS’ OUT

The Sunshine Coast’s very own Mr Botanical has retired from the Natural Resources and Water Department.

Natural Resources and Water Minister, Craig Wallace, today congratulated Ashley Sewell on his retirement from the Department after nearly half a century with the government.

Minister Wallace said it was important that on his retirement Mr Sewell be acknowledged for his work.

"Ashley is known in the environmental community as a botanical genius, with an expert knowledge of Australian timber species, sustainable uses of rare native timbers and for his support of cabinet-making, fine furniture making and wood turning," Mr Wallace said.

Mr Sewell began his professional life as a trainee cadet in the Queensland Department of Forestry in 1961 with postings in Murgon, Dalby and Warwick.

It was during these years that his interest in management and rehabilitation of subtropical rainforest and wet and dry sclerophyll forests of eastern Australia crystallised.

For a time he also worked in New Zealand, researching the management of Australian hardwoods such as eucalypts and acacia species which were of major interest for New Zealand’s plantation forestry program.

For the last 30 years he has worked for Department of Natural Resources and Water, through its various name changes and portfolio reshuffles.

Minister Wallace said Mr Sewell had recently been conducting botanical workshops to help educate regional bodies, local community groups and government staff about the identification and role of native trees in the local landscape. These workshops will be continued with the support of South East Queensland Catchments.

"Ashley has played an important role helping people to understand vegetation communities, geology and the role of trees in the landscape," Mr Wallace said.

"He has provided much sought after advice to environmental groups such as the Barung Landcare and landcare and catchment groups across Maroochy, Mooloolah and the Brisbane Valley."

In association with Barung Landcare, Mr Sewell instigated the set-up of the Chainsaw to Fine Furniture expo in 1995, which has become an annual event. He has also been instrumental in many river and creek rehabilitation projects.

One of his legacies is the rehabilitation and reafforestation of Baroon Pocket Dam, a project where he managed and coordinated a seed collecting, propagating and planting program across 93 hectares.

"I thank Ashley for his contribution to our Department and to our State and I wish him and his family a happy future," Mr Wallace said.

Ashley will continue to pursue his passion for native timbers with his wife Rosmary, a fellow tree enthusiast.

Media contact: Minister’s office, 3896 3688.