Ithaca Intact 2010-12

A Bold Community Initiative in 2010 – 2012

Seven kilometres of inner city waterway flourishing with native trees, alive with wildlife and enjoyed by thousands of Brisbane residents.

This is the aim of Ithaca Intact, a three-year project restoring and rejuvenating Ithaca Creek.

Ithaca Creek, running from the base of Mount Coot-tha to its junction with Enoggera Creek in Red Hill, has had extensive improvements over recent years. Community groups such as Save Our Waterways Now (SOWN) together with Brisbane City Council have removed weeds and replanted, particularly at Bowman Park, Ithaca TAFE and Woolcock Park. Ithaca Intact will build on this groundwork.

One Continuous Habitat

Individual patches of restored creek are susceptible to re-infestation by weeds. A continuous restoration is highly desirable to maximize the Creek’s role as a habitat and wildlife corridor.

Already portions of the creek are home to bandicoots, wallabies and many birds including the spoonbill, heron, azure kingfisher and powerful owl. The water is rich with species such as purple spotted gudgeon, blue-eye and there have been sightings of the extremely rare Ornate Rainbowfish Rhadinocentris ornatus.

With the creek restored, we can look forward to ensuring a better future for the birds and mammals, improved water quality for the fish and invertebrates and a better environment for the people of Brisbane.

Ithaca Intact Action

Ithaca Intact aims to:

– Restore the whole creek from Mount Coot-tha to Red Hill– Build partnerships with business and government– Inform and involve the community– Reduce key weed species on private and public land– Improve water quality– Increase flora and fauna– Provide a peaceful and safe environment for enjoyment and relaxation.

Ithaca Intact Coordinator

Robert Whyte, a seasoned professional in environmental management and community engagement, is the Ithaca Intact coordinator and SOWN’s Nursery Manager. He is also the Vice-President of SOWN.

Rob is looking forward to working with SOWN members to achieve our ambitious aims for the sustainable restoration of Ithaca Creek, by utilising the people power of local residents and other volunteers.

Would you like to know more?

Contact Rob at ithacaintact@gmail.com or call the Ithaca Intact hotline on 0423 763 361 to find out how you can be involved.

You can make a difference

If you would like to be involved in Ithaca Intact, there are many ways you can contribute.

Individuals, groups or companies can identify areas that need attention or join a working bee to help care for the waterwayPrivate landowners along the creek can help by restoring their patch

SOWN Groups operating on Ithaca Creek

Bowman Park Group, Bowman Pde, Bardon – Bowman Park is in the Bardon section of the Ithaca catchment.

Lugg St Group, Ashgrove – The Lugg St Group operates in the mid section of Ithaca Creek, not far from where Arthur Tce meets Jubilee Tce at Ashgrove. The group meets once a month.

Glen Harding Park. Coopers Camp Rd, Bardon. – Group Leader: Adam Richardt

Lorward Ave Group, near Purtell Park, Bardon