Lou Coles, Community Engagement Ranger – Great Sandy, QPWS
The everlasting paper daisy is now flowering in coastal areas
In the last couple of months I have picked up where Alana left off in supporting FINIA. It’s great to be involved with the positive action occurring on the Island due to the dynamic group of people and stakeholders that FINIA has become. In addition to administration and facilitation I have been learning the ropes of the nursery and absorbing as much as I can from Michael Lowe in regard to seed collection and plant propagation of our local Fraser Island species – and we do have some beautiful plant species on Fraser Island that will look fantastic in residential gardens.
Our focus for the nursery at this time of year is seed collection; I’m looking forward to doing the September wild flowers run this week! We are gaining momentum in propagating seedlings and cuttings that will come through in the next few months. If you would like to order some local plants to replace any exotics that you have in your garden please contact me by email at lou.coles@nprsr.qld.gov.au .
There is a hive of activity at the moment around the Council’s Fraser Coast Discovery Centre that will be located in the new Fraser Coast Cultural Centre in Hervey Bay. I have been working with the council and the designers to obtain display items and ensure the right messages are being included. The interpretation and experience of the Discovery Centre will provide a great opportunity to educate locals and visitors on the natural values of Fraser Island and Great Sandy Marine Park including ways in which they can help to conserve it.
FINIA 