Cedar Creek corridor is an integral part of the broader Pine River Catchment which supports rich biodiversity and significant environmental values for the Moreton Bay Region.
There are two regional environmental groups that work on long-term projects in this catchment – MEPA (Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious Environmental Protection Association) and PRCA (Pine Rivers Catchment Association).
In 2006, MEPA began working with Moreton Bay Regional Council, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and key infrastructure managers to implement a strategic weed control program along 50km of road and powerline corridors. Now, 14 years later, this partnership continues to flourish and the results have been outstanding.
This program has encouraged private landholders, including Land for Wildlife members, in the headwaters of the South Pine River and Cedar Creek to control and monitor problem weeds before the infestations become unmanageable. Significant outbreaks of Madeira Vine, Cat’s Claw Creeper, Morning Glory, Singapore Daisy, Signal Grass, Molasses Grass, Green Guinea Grass, Whiskey Grass and Mother-of-Millions – to name but a few – have been almost eradicated.
While we work at the top of the catchment, it is nice to think of all those working further along Cedar Creek. Together, we can make a difference.
PRCA have also been working on a project to manage Cat’s Claw Creeper in the central and southern extent of the Cedar Creek corridor since 2012. The project aims to assist landholders along Cedar Creek with removal of Cat’s Claw through the provision of advice, information, field guides, field equipment and support.
This engagement with landholders, including Land for Wildlife members, is increasing much needed awareness amongst the rural and semi-rural community on the need to manage and reduce the damaging impacts of invasive weeds such as Cat’s Claw Creeper on local waterways and habitat. The participation of the landholders on Cedar Creek has been tremendous.
Over the past ten years several Land for Wildlife members have controlled Cat’s Claw Creeper with the assistance of Council’s Voluntary Conservation Programs annual grants. Works have included the staged removal of Cat’s Claw Creeper and other exotic vines and climbers, which were causing isolated canopy collapse along sections of Cedar Creek. Works also included the restoration of the endangered riparian ecosystems along Cedar Creek and targeted plantings of rare and threatened species such as the Richmond Birdwing Vine.
Cedar Creek catchment is a significant ecological corridor for fauna movement the Moreton Bay Region with a high biodiversity of both flora and fauna. The ongoing commitment from local environmental groups, catchment associations and landholders is integral to its improvement and conservation.
This ongoing project will reduce the Cat’s Claw Creeper seed bank in this catchment significantly and give immediate benefit to native riparian vegetation allowing it to grow unhindered, increase canopy cover and allow natural regeneration. The long term environmental, social and economic values in these works are a considerable success for the catchment and the region.
Dominic Hyde, MEPA Secretary and
Sonya Schmidtchen, PRCA Catchment Coordinator