Barbara Henderson
Combining the two groups (Conservation Subcommittee and Wallum & Coastal Heathland Study Group) was successful, with several members from NSW SGAP Far North Coast Group attending on both days. Twenty-one persons, on Sunday 14th March, visited a private property in the Tallebudgera Valley in lovely fine weather.
There we were shown where the owner, prior to his sudden death from a heart attack in 1998, had planned an Eco-tourism resort, and had planted approximately 8,000 trees, mainly rainforest, and many from north Queensland.
While everyone else took off on a 2-hour walk, including a look at a very good remnant of local rainforest, I wandered around the plantings on the site and was able to appreciate the vision of a man who, sadly, didn't live to realise 'this man's dream'. It probably won't be fulfilled, as it is doubtful that his children will carry on with the father's plans. It will probably be sold for development.
We lunched in the very pleasant surroundings of the home and garden at Charlie and Cathy Booth's "Bush Nuts Nursery". Many took the opportunity to inspect the gardens and nursery while we had the Conservation Meeting.
Gold Coast members spoke of many things concerning them, one being their hopes for the establishment of a Botanic Gardens. Loss of vegetation corridors is affecting wildlife populations on the Gold Coast. Sadly, this is something that is happening more and more.
A very good weekend, lovely weather, pleasant company, lots of plants, and many thanks to the Gold Coast Branch members for their hospitality.
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