A significant number of very tall grass trees appear to be dying on a property adjacent to Spring Creek, Kerry Valley. This has occurred after aerial spraying on the nextdoor property went astray during windy conditions. Such vegetation is protected under Environmental Protection Agency legislation.This is a very slow growing species. Information from EPA about the species Xanthorrhoea can be downloaded from the government website.
The Australian Native Plant Pages provides information and extensive links for more information.
If one chooses to gaze upon the slopes of Mt Mahomet, it is not a pretty site:HUNDREDS of dead and dying grass trees tell a sorry tale.
David Attenborough is often quoted as saying:" I know of no pleasure deeper than that which comes from contemplating the natural world and trying to understand it." Such pleasures are denied here now by an action vandalism in my opinion beyond human comprehension.
Before the spraying on adjacent property After the spraying on adjacent property
The Beaudesert Times is covering the story in weekly papers. Edition for 30 April 2008 will be available here. Formal investigations have been launched by several sections of Queensland Government. Evidence of breaches of agricultural and veterinary control of use legislation and use according to manufacturer's label instructions will be checked by Biosecurity Queensland. Human health issues will be handled by either Queensland Health or the local Workplace Health and Safety officers.
If you are concerned about the loss of protected vegetation, if you are concerned about the water quality, if you have concerns with potential longterm heath risks to residents in the Scenic Rim - or other areas where such toxic chemicals are used, come along to the meeting at Kerry Memorial Hall now confirmed for Wednesday 14 May 2008 staring 7.00pm. Contact email for booking will be posted here.
In the mean time consider writing to or phoning your local councillor, mayor, member of state and federal governments and local newspapers to express your concerns.