On 11th June representatives of Energex, Scenic Rim Regional Council and TML met residents of Shelf Rd, Tamborine Mountain, to discuss the Environmental Offsets project underway on 10.5 ha of council land at Shelf Rd. The project is funded from the energy supplier's program which aims to replace every native tree that has had to be removed to build the electrical distribution network in the Scenic Rim Region since 2012. With these funds the reserve is being revegetated with thousands of native trees.

TML had started rehabilitating the kikuyu-infested site some years ago, but it soon became apparent that the task was beyond what a volunteer organisation could manage. TML's previous president, Cornelia Meesters, then prepared a Management Plan which was incorporated into the Agreement between Energex and SRRC. The rehabilitation and revegetation of this site will support the biodiversity of the area as a link in the chain of natural forest remnants along the eastern escarpment.


Residents and representatives look out over the site.

On a very cold and windy Monday 6th June twenty-two Year 4 students from Tamborine Mountain College explored the local environment at the Landcare Centre. Accompanied by their teacher, a teacher aide and parents, the students learned about ecosystems, biodiversity and weeds on Tamborine Mountain. They discovered how important it is to plant native trees to provide habitat and food for our wildlife. Each student then planted a tree with their name on a tag, so that in future years they can return to the Centre to see how their own tree is growing.

Under the guidance of guest Environmental Studies teacher and TML member, Lynn Churchill, the youngsters collected water bugs from the nearby waterhole and examined them under a microscope. They learned how to identify the various species and to determine water quality. The nippy conditions did not chill their enthusiasm for this activity. Afterwards they warmed up in the Landcare shed with morning tea. Our president, Judith Roland, is to be thanked for her help in making the day such a success.

Thank you to the 6% of our members (n = 9) who filled out our survey. The results showed that

• All of the respondents read our Newsflashes, either right through or selectively
• All but one agreed that the Newsflashes were very or somewhat useful in keeping them informed about TML activities and events
• 4 of the respondents have always attended Annual General Meetings, 1 sometimes and 4 never
• 3 would be very likely to attend quarterly General Meetings, 4 were not very likely, and 2 were never likely
• 4 were very satisfied with TML communications with members, 3 were moderately satisfied and 2 were moderately dissatisfied.

It seems reasonable to conclude from the responses to this survey that the great majority of members are satisfied with our present forms of communication and consultation.

Of course, the Management Committee always welcomes members raising questions and concerns and offering suggestions. Our president, Judith Roland, can be contacted via email: president@tamborinemtnlandcare.org.au or by phone: 0429 808 206 - or drop a note off at the Piccabeen Bookshop.

Mark these dates in your diary and watch out for further details in future Newsflashes and the local newspapers.

31 July: National Tree Day - Manitzky Park
All over Australia people who care about our natural environment will be planting trees. On Tamborine Mountain our Landcare group will be hosting a tree planting at Manitzky Park, at the end of Manitzky Rd, North Tamborine, 9-11am.

Do come along if you can: it's a great way to get to know members of our community and our Landcare organisation. As usual a splendid morning tea will be provided.
See www.planetark.org for more details.

11 September: Bushcare Major Day Out - Landcare Centre
Visit our Landcare Centre on Hartley Rd East for a variety of activities - including weeding, planting and perhaps some water bug workshops for children. While you're there, wander through our demonstration garden, that showcases our local native shrubs and trees.

For more information see:  www.bushcaresmajordayout.org

Piccabeen Bookshop 10 Year Anniversary
At a date in September still to be determined, we will be celebrating our great little bookshop that has become such a regular haunt or a casual drop-in shop for locals. Our volunteers do wonderful work to make this such an inviting place to browse.

Look out for more details to come about crazy book sales and coffee and cake mornings.

AGM 2nd October
This will be held in the small meeting room (off Reception) of the Eagle Heights Hotel. Light refreshments will be available from 9.30 for a 10am start. Please join us to review our work in 2015-16 and set directions for the coming year.