Conservation students get hands dirty for a good cause

On Wednesday 4 June, Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC31424) students put the skills they’ve learned into practise by working to revegetate and maintain the native ecosystem of a property registered under the Land for Wildlife initiative, with the goal of encouraging conservation on the Sunshine Coast.

General Manager for TAFE Queensland’s East Coast Region, Mark Reilly said the excursion offered students a chance to gain valuable experience while contributing to a brighter future for the planet.

“Thanks to our strong relationships with Land for Wildlife and the Sunshine Coast Council, TAFE Queensland’s Nambour conservation students have been fortunate enough to participate in the revegetation of this particular property in Palmwoods for several years, with each intake assigned a new section and tasked with weed control, seed collection and regenerating the ecosystem for native flora and fauna,” Mr Reilly said.

“Due to this extended activity on this site, each cohort of students has been able to examine and understand growth periods year-to-year, offering them real-world insight into how weather conditions impact revegetation projects and enabling them to develop plans for maintenance – skills they’ll need throughout their careers,” he said.

“In addition to providing an opportunity to apply their skills practically, this is also an incredibly rewarding project for our students to be involved in, enabling them to support our local environment and see how they can make a difference in their careers.”

Land for Wildlife is a free Queensland Government initiative supported through Council that allows landholders to register their properties as wildlife habitats, and provides them with support in protecting and enhancing their natural environment. Offering education on native plants, animals and ecosystems, as well as advice on how to manage threats such as weeds and pests, landholders who sign up to the Land for Wildlife program also receive a personalised plan for their property.

“Our conservation team is always looking for opportunities to work with and support the Sunshine Coast Council and local community groups and initiatives, with this excursion just one of many activities these students will participate in throughout their studies,” Mr Reilly said.

“Through this initiative in particular, our students plant around 300 native plants each term, all generously provided by the landholder, so it’s an incredibly valuable relationship for both parties.”

Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability portfolio holder Councillor Tim Burns said Council was proud to partner with TAFE Queensland to provide students with valuable hands-on experience while contributing to the restoration of this local property.

“We also thank this local Land for Wildlife property for restoring their land, helping to build a connected landscape that supports wildlife across the region,” Cr Burns said.

Adrian Burke was among the Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC31424) students involved in the regenerative project, and said the excursion really solidified everything they’d been learning during their studies.

“To be able to put it all into practise whilst doing something positive like planting and weed control, especially in areas that have been dominated by weeds – it’s just awesome to be able to give back while we’re learning,” he said.

After spending the last 11 years working as a correctional officer, Adrian said he is happy to have a change in scenery when it comes to his career.

“I’ve seen enough negativity at the prison, and wanted to be outdoors and doing something positive with my life, so I thought now’s the time to change careers while I’m still young enough,” Mr Burke said.

“Even back in high school I was keen to be a park ranger. It’s taken me a long time, but I’ve finally gotten round to it.”

Mr Reilly said the activity just some of the ways we can contribute to helping the planet.

“While our conservation students are dedicating their careers to restoring our environment, everyone has the power to make a difference,” Mr Reilly said.

“Whether it’s planting a tree, learning more about our native ecosystems and how to support them, volunteering for sustainability initiatives, or simply picking up litter when you see it, it all adds up.”  

Mr Burke agreed. “Everyone can do their bit – it doesn’t matter how small their property is, you can always plant one or two natives and that still helps,” he said.