Kalinga Park Bushcare Group

Located on northern banks of Kedron Brook in Nundah, dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to protect and enhance remnant eucalypt forest and riparian habitats of Kalinga Park. As part of Brisbane City Council’s Habitat Brisbane Program, group is committed to restoring this key section of Mountains to Mangroves Corridor, ensuring it remains a thriving home for wildlife and a green oasis for community.

Location

The group operates along northern side of Kedron Brook in Kalinga Park, opposite main recreation area known for its playgrounds and picnic spots. Access is available via Carew Street, Hamson Terrace, or Toombul Terrace, site stretching along steep, forested slopes adjacent to Kedron Brook bikeway. This area, sometimes called Carew Street Reserve or Toombul Terrace Park, connects to broader parkland bordered by Park Avenue to south.

What We Do

The Kalinga Park Bushcare Group focuses on hands-on restoration to maintain ecological health of this urban remnant:

• Weed Removal: We target invasive species like Chinese Celtis (Celtis sinensis), Coral Tree (Erythrina sp.), and Cat’s Claw Creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati), which threaten native canopy and understorey.
• Revegetation: Planting natives such as Waterhousia floribunda (Weeping Lillypilly), Castanospermum australe (Black Bean), and eucalypts helps restore habitat and stabilise steep creek banks.
• Habitat Enhancement: Our efforts support local wildlife, from Eastern Water Dragons to Buff-banded Rails, by preserving and expanding their living spaces.

Since revival in 2009, group made significant strides. The northern bank, once choked weeds, now boasts pockets of regenerating native forest, thanks to years of community effort and strategic restoration.

Our History

Kalinga Park’s bushcare story began in 1990s an early group that faded over time. The current chapter started in 2008 when Kedron Brook Catchment Branch secured a grant from Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country program for Kalinga Park Restoration Project. Sparked by a council-led weed “blitz” along bikeway, project revealed extent of infestation and site’s steep gradients. In June 2009, local residents joined a consultation workshop, laying groundwork for renewed action.

Contractor David Colbert led initial efforts, clearing weeds like Chinese Elms (retaining roots for slope stability) and installing coir logs for erosion control across 8,520 m² site. By September 2010, funded project wrapped up, but momentum didn’t stop. With support from Brisbane City Council Creek Ranger Anna Bourke and council’s Wipe Out Weeds program, Kalinga Park Bushcare Group officially joined Habitat Brisbane in September 2010, holding its inaugural meeting in February 2011. Led by Bernadette Crook, they started to work on ensuring site flourishes!

In January 2023 after over 10 years of running group, Bernadette handed over reigns of coordinating group’s activities to Amie as she continues to maintain and expand fantastic work along this section of Kedron Brook.

Join Us!

The group meets on third Saturday of each month from 7:00 am to 9:00 am during summer (October–March) and 8:00 am to 10:00 am in cooler months (April–September), gathering near Coal Mine Memorial plaque off  Toombul Terrace. The working bees are open to all ages and abilities—whether you’re pulling weeds or planting trees, every hand helps! Bring a water bottle, sun-smart gear (hat, sunscreen), and sturdy shoes; we supply tools, gloves, and a morning tea to share.

Recent highlights include January 18, 2025, working bee, where we tackled Cat’s Claw Creeper and welcomed new volunteers to fold. Partnerships groups like St Rita’s College have also boosted our efforts, students joining us to learn and lend a hand.

Working Bee Schedule for 2025: