Griffith University has been named the most Sustainable School in the Logan Eco Awards for its commitment to environmental initiatives at the Logan campus, located at Meadowbrook.
The Slacks Creek Restoration Project, a new landscaping strategy and the GrowsAtGriffith app are all part of the University’s commitment to biodiversity, community engagement and education.
As part of the Slack Creek Restoration Project more than 7000 trees have been planted. They will help increase the koala habitat, contribute to connecting a wildlife habitat along the Slacks Creek corridor and create shade for the mid and understorey species which will be planted next year.
Trees for rare Glossy Black cockatoos and a vine scrub thicket for Richmond Birdwing butterflies have also been planted.
The award was accepted at the Logan Eco Action Festival on 31 May, held at the Logan campus from 10am to 3pm. The Festival promotes eco-living tips in a free, fun family environment.
Griffith’s Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Ned Pankhurst said Griffith was proud to be the largest project site for the Slacks Creek Restoration Project, which received Australian Government funding of almost $1.6 million over five years.
He said the project’s activities included improving water quality in Slacks Creek, restoring adjoining habitat, weed management, collecting data and undertaking activities to engage and build the capacity and skills of Indigenous people and the broader community in natural resource management.
“The award highlights our long standing commitment to environmental science and education programs,” he said.
“The Restoration project, new landscaping strategy and GrowsAtGriffith App all complement each other and generate valuable knowledge and community resources that will enhance the Logan community. They could be used as an example of best practice anywhere.”
As part of the new landscaping strategy, Griffith has worked with Logan City Council to select species to expand the native arboretum.
Sustainability Project Officer Kay Ollett said a new proposal to include a glade of bottle trees representing the different species found in the local region will provide a visual link between the campus buildings and the arboretum.
“We will also be looking at establishing ‘knowledge fig trees’ using local species of Ficus in the centre of the courtyards on campus to act as places for reflection and renewal,” she said.
“Our GrowsAtGriffth App for smart phones and tablets has also been very successful with more than 900 stunning images and information on species in South East Queensland.”