Griffith University Environmental Arboretum & Riparian Restoration
The Water & Carbon Group successfully created and implemented an environmental arboretum and riparian restoration on 9.5+ hectares of ex-pastoral land located at the Griffith University – Logan Campus.
Project Summary
The Slacks Creek Restoration Project (SCRP) is a partnership with Logan City Council, Griffith University, WCG and CSIRO funded by the Australian Government from 2013 to 2018. The riparian restoration project covers 25 hectares of targeted reforestation (over 6 sites) to increase both terrestrial and hydrological connectivity in Slacks Creek with broader objectives to improve water quality outcomes for the Logan River and Moreton Bay.
This part of the project was created and implemented on 9.5+ hectares of ex-pastoral land located at the Griffith University – Logan Campus. The land adjoins a remnent patch of riparian rainforest on Slacks Creek. The campus is used by over 2,500 students and is home to a number of community events. It was crucial that the arboretum and surrounding rainforest would produce multiple benefits for the community and become a land-based asset.
9.5
5
yearsDuration of project. From planning to completion.
17000
+Plants incorporated into the riparian restoration and arboretum.
Project Summary
The Slacks Creek Restoration Project (SCRP) is a partnership with Logan City Council, Griffith University, WCG and CSIRO funded by the Australian Government from 2013 to 2018. The riparian restoration project covers 25 hectares of targeted reforestation (over 6 sites) to increase both terrestrial and hydrological connectivity in Slacks Creek with broader objectives to improve water quality outcomes for the Logan River and Moreton Bay.
This part of the project was created and implemented on 9.5+ hectares of ex-pastoral land located at the Griffith University – Logan Campus. The land adjoins a remnent patch of riparian rainforest on Slacks Creek. The campus is used by over 2,500 students and is home to a number of community events. It was crucial that the arboretum and surrounding rainforest would produce multiple benefits for the community and become a land-based asset.
Solution
The Water & Carbon Group worked closely with Logan City Council, Griffith University and other stakeholders to develop a master plan for the riparian restoration and arboretum. The master plan aimed to transform the area into a visually appealing land- based asset with ecological, educational, amenity and passive recreational benefits. Specifically, the focus of the arboretum was to create a regional and cultural collection of key tree species that have Indigenous and European significance. This would include rare and threatened species endemic to South East Queensland, thus forming valuable ex situ conservation as part of the living collection.
Project land prior to reforestation
Outcomes
The project has now remediated the existing site and activated the open space, while providing an arboreal asset for Griffith University and the community. The contemporary Arboretum now includes numerous local vegetation communities from open forests to riparian rainforest with approximately 17,000 plants implemented. The living collection also includes rare and threatened species that now form a valuable conservation resource for the Logan region. Logan City Council currently uses the Arboretum for interpretive walks as part of the Logan Eco-Action Festival (LEAF), along with several other environmental events.
9.5
+ ha.of targeted reforestation
5
yearsDuration of project. From planning to completion.
17000
+Plants incorporated into the riparian restoration and arboretum.
Project land prior to reforestation
Planting stages of the restoration project
The arboretum in use throughout the establishment stage
Final result of the Griffith University arboretum
