Community & Business
27 July, 2022
Revitalising Preston’s Gorman’s Gap Track
A team of local volunteers has banded together to restore an historic site that has been overrun by weeds.
President Barbara Lindbergs said Friends of Gormans Gap (FOGG) Inc. was formed to bring together like-minded community members of Gormans Gap and surrounds.
“FOGG members were concerned about the degradation and weed infestation of the historic Gorman’s Gap Track and formed a working party to address the issue,” she said.
“Substantial amount of knowledge has been gained through the support of Lockyer Valley Regional Council Catchment and Environment Officers and Lockyer Uplands Catchments Inc (LUCI) and its networks.
“FOGG (auspiced by LUCI) was successful in gaining a Lockyer Valley Regional Council Community Environment Grant, to commence the Gormans Gap Track Weed Management Project.”
Ms Lindbergs said this project is taking a staged approach to treat, monitor, record and map weed infestations on the Gormans Gap Track, with future expansion to include
RM Williams Reserve and National Trail 9 kilometre loop.
“The main weeds of concern are lantana, privet, green panic and prickly pear, it is expected that removal of these target weeds will promote the recovery of the natural environment and improve biodiversity,” she said.
“By keeping the track open it will increase accessibility of the trail to allow ongoing management and maintain the wildlife corridor to improve environmental connectivity of the area.
“FOGG noted a lack of Indigenous history relevant to the area and aim to rectify this over the coming year.
“Further works will also include updated signage and educational material to improve community awareness and tips on managing environmental weeds in the local area.”
The next working bee is being held from 7.30am to 11.30am on Saturday, 27 August, meeting at the top of the track on Gormans Gap Road, Preston, followed by a sausage sizzle for volunteers.
For further information on how to participate, contact Barbara Lindbergs on 0408 455 465 or via president@fogg.org.au
Project updates can be found on the ‘FOGG - Friends of Gormans Gap’ Facebook page.
