Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare has participated in the community conversation around the further development of the Yowie Park precinct since early 2008.
During this time the group has provided the suggested concept to manage storm water overflow and the small area of the Kilcoy Creek flood plain immediately below Yowie Park. The construction of the Kilcoy Information Centre, (another significant component of the overall community development plans) added considerable storm water for management.
Discussions with the Upper Brisbane Region Catchment Network, Somerset Regional Council, SEQ Water and SEQ Catchments provided wider community and regulatory support. Somerset Regional Council and SEQ Water, the landowners/managers, approval was readily granted for BVK Landcare to conduct the planting as a trial to manage overland flows, habitat diversity and sediment.
Planting commenced in December 2014 with the remaining being completed in early February 2015. The preparation of the site and planting procedure was:
- All grass removed using Glyphosate Bioactive Herbicide
- The area was deep ripped using a Yeoman’s plough or similar
- To meet our planting goal of excluding invasive grasses and weeds, and the type and ultimate height of trees, plants were spaced at 2 to 2.5 meters
- Deep holes with rough edges were dug wide enough to allow for root expansion.
- Fertilizer (½ cup Tree Starter, an organic fertilizer for native trees) together with water crystals were mixed into the soil at planting.
- Plants were soaked in a mixture of water and Seasol just prior to planting
- Plants were removed from the tubes and roots were sprinkled with Tree Mycorrhiza to stimulate root development.
- Trees were planted slightly below ground level to allow for water retention and then watered well with the Seasol mixture.
- A tree guard was set up and mulch hay applied outside the tree guard at a rate of approximately ½ bale per tree. Pink tree guards were used as they increase red spectrum light which promotes growth and the stimulation of photosynthesis.
- Ongoing weed control is necessary until the establishment of the canopy.
