Japan visit boost to environment

A recent Brisbane delegation to the Yatsu-Higata Tidelands Symposium in Narashino, Japan, has delivered a number of positive benefits for Brisbane.
 A wetlands protection agreement exists between Brisbane and the city of Narashino.  It is designed to share management initiatives for the protection of wader birds that migrate between Japan and Australia.
The 1000 ha Boondall Wetlands are home to thousands of migratory birds at various times of the year.  They use Boondall, as well as the wetlands in Narashino to rest and feed during their long voyages between Siberia and New Zealand.
Environmental symposium

 Cr Kim Flesser represented the Brisbane City Council at the symposium.  He gave a speech on the wetlands agreement and provided a visual presentation on the Boondall Wetlands. 
He said he was pleased that the people of Narashino took the protection of the environment very seriously.  "While their wetlands are only a small  40ha patch of mud adjacent to the very polluted Tokyo Bay, they absolutely love them. 
"I'm pleased that progress was made to link school students of Narashino to the Brisbane students who undertake environmental studies at Boondall

Young and old take part in the Mercy Aged Care Home (Nudgee) origami demonstration with the Yatsu-Higata Wetlands environmental delegation.

Wetlands.  Discussions have started on a joint school internet project," he said.
"After seeing 'first hand' the enthusiasm for the environment in Japan, I'm convinced that Brisbane has a wonderful opportunity as an eco-tourism centre.  I'll be enthusiastically pursuing this idea within Council channels."

Enthusiastic volunteers

 Mr Laurie Jeays of Sandgate, represented the community volunteers from Boondall Wetlands at the symposium.  "It was a wonderful experience to see the enthusiasm of the volunteers at the wetlands in Japan.  I've brought back a greater understanding of how to include the community in wetlands management," he said.
A delegation of Yatsu-Higata Tidelands volunteers visited Brisbane last October. 
To help further the Boondall Wetlands/Yatsu-Higata connection, they undertook wader bird carving, wetlands inspections and nature observations with local environment and nature groups.
An environmental themed origami display was jointly conducted with residents of the Mercy Aged Care Home at Nudgee and students from Nudgee State and Banyo High Schools.

SNIPPETS
* Nudgee Waterholes and Bora Ring  - This area is being redeveloped as a community/sporting and aboriginal cultural centre.  The football club fields have already been realigned.  Construction of the new community centre/clubhouse will begin in August.

* Nundah.com - Lord Mayor Jim Soorley recently launched the 'nundah.com' community and business web site at a breakfast at Nundah.  The Councils' Life in the Suburbs team have been working closely with local community groups and the Nundah Chamber of Commerce to develop the site to help attract business and community contacts in the new SCIP area.  Visit 'www.nundah.com'.

* Toombul Shoppingtown - Westfield Toombul have released a concept plan detailing a new look shopping centre. Proposals include additional undercover carparking, better definition of public accessways, a new bus interchange, attractive landscaping and a new facade.

* Nundah Heritage Trail Booklet - The Nundah and Districts Historical Society are preparing a heritage trail booklet for the Nundah, Toombul, Northgate and Virginia areas.  Phone 32606703 for details. 

* New Lookout at Nudgee - The new Anne Beasley's Lookout overlooking the Boondall Wetlands has been completed.  Access is via the Boondall Wetlands bikeway, which starts just past the waste transfer station.  The view is well worth the 250m walk from Nudgee Road.