Brisbane Lions players, Darcy Fort, Deven Robertson and Jimmy Tunstill traded their Lions guernseys for gardening gloves recently, planting 750 eucalyptus trees at Aroona Station to launch the Lion’s newest community partnership with the Queensland Trust for Nature (QTFN).
The 2,000 hectare, Aroona Station, an hour west of the Lions training and administration base, Brighton Homes Arena, is in the heart of the Little Liverpool Range where QTFN is creating a haven for koalas and other native species on what is a working cattle station.
The restoration project will improve habitat connectivity and support long-term recovery efforts for koalas and other native species.
Fort, Robertson and Tunstill were joined by more than 20 Lions staff who planted a mix of three eucalyptus species (tereticornis, crebra and melanophloia) down a stretch of creek line to create a connected 50 metre corridor of koala habitat.
As the trees grow, the planting will help repair sections of the creek bank, reduce erosion and improve downstream water quality.
Lions Ruck, Darcy Fort said:
“It’s been great to come out here, it’s a beautiful spot, and work with the Queensland Trust for Nature to develop new habitat for the local koalas and for other wildlife.
“We enjoy getting out and giving back to the community and we’re looking forward to coming back in the future to see the progress and help out again.
Queensland Trust for Nature CEO, Liz O’Brien:
“We are proud to be a part of this partnership that brings together two organisations with strong connections to Queensland and its people.
“The Brisbane Lions are a much-loved AFL team with a deep commitment to community outreach, and the Queensland Trust for Nature is a not-for-profit organisation working to protect and enhance Queensland’s unique landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems.”
“It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm from the Lions to get their hands dirty and help plant over 750 trees.”
“The property has been used to graze cattle for many years so we’re working to reconnect and expand some of the creek lines that koalas like to use so they can move throughout the landscape with ease.
“Once the plantings are completed there will be follow up maintenance, including watering and weeding, to ensure the plants survive and thrive over the coming years.
This partnership is one of several environmental initiatives the Lions are embarking on.
Earlier this year the club partnered with Federal Government agency, ARENA, to install 1,700 solar panels at Brighton Homes Arena, with community batteries to be installed later this year as the second phase of the project.
About Queensland Trust for Nature
Queensland Trust for Nature (QTFN) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, and a registered charity working to ensure the protection and enhancement of Queensland’s natural environment. QTFN owns Aroona Station, a biodiversity and beef property in Southeast Queensland, Avoid Island in the Southern Great Barrier Reef and a stunning rainforest property in the Daintree.
