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In 2018 B4C received a Landcare Australia Coca-Cola Coastal Protection Grant for a restoration project at Gibson Island on Conservation Zoned land at Murarrie. On Earth Day, 22nd April 2018, B4C launched the Gibson Island Rehabilitation Project. Local industries and community volunteers gathered to contribute to the environmental and social health of this industrial region and the significant estuarine areas of Aquarium Passage. It is one of the largest rehabilitation projects that B4C has undertaken with the biggest industrial landcare group in our region. Industry partners, many providing financial support, include: Coca-Cola Foundation, Visy, Port of Brisbane, Urban Utilities, Incitec Pivot, Brisbane Airport, QBH, APA Group, Energex and Powerlink.

Challenges

There have been plenty of challenges for the site, including starting the project without a viable budget. The environmental conditions were very difficult. We had to plant with fly ash-based soil, steep embankments, erosion issues and continued rubbish dumping. Industry and environment are not typically close partners.

Objectives:

APA Group wanted trucks to stop parking over the gas pipeline that runs through the site. Burning rubbish led to a power pole burnt down. B4C wanted to re-establish native flora and reintroduce native fauna including birdlife, water rats, turtles and aquatic birdlife. We wanted to secure the connectivity and habitat for these species and establish a natural filter for stormwater runoff. The objectives included

• Support and protect threatened wildlife.
• Protect mangrove-lined waterway from erosion and sedimentation including pollution from industrial precinct and roadway.
• Establish industry and community partnerships.
• Build capacity and foster industry and community ownership of site.
• Obtain a suitable budget to continue.

Method/approach:

B4C found that once some of the industry members had joined, it was much easier to then bring more industries together. We started with industry groups that were located at the industrial precinct. Industries recruited other industries. The networking and team building aspects received positive reception by the industrial partners. With a strong relationship between B4C and the industries of Gibson island, major environmental recovery of Gibson Island became possible.

Key findings:

Achievements have included:

• Over 5,500 sqm of area rehabilitated and revegetated.
• 5800+ native plants established.
• Erosion controls and sediment fencing implemented.
• Bird habitat piles retained and consolidated. Finches, wrens and small birds using them.

• 16 organised events: clean-ups and planting days with industry and community.
• Over 200 individuals from Industry groups and community members have contributed over 2000 volunteer hours throughout this project.
• $50,000 in-kind works since the beginning of the project.

Conclusions:

This journey has opened up doors to partnerships with other industries. It has been a ground-breaking project bringing community and industry partners together on an industrial site to benefit wildlife, waterways and amenity. Industries are very well placed to be able to make a huge difference to the environment. Industrial Landcare is a positive experience for both industries and their employees, community and the environment.