Who’s who in 22, Environment: Redcliffe Environmental Forum

Redcliffe Environmental Forum (REF) members continued to care for bush areas on the Redcliffe peninsula, planted trees and celebrated the opening of its new home, the Deception Bay Environmental Hub in 2022.

They held a ‘planting extravaganza’ in November with its Hays Inlet Bushcare team who planted 240 seedlings.

Since 2015, the project has rehabilitated large areas into forest area with many trees now reaching 10m. There is now plenty of birdlife in the area as well as evidence of the presence of koalas and kangaroos.

The group also celebrated the opening of stage one of the $2.3 million Deception Bay Environmental Hub at Joseph Crescent in 2022.

The facility provides a focal point for environmental programs and services to engage the local community while acknowledging and supporting the cultural heritage of the area.

REF proposes to develop the facility for the use by other community groups and provide a collaborative working space for volunteers, environmental research and educational staff and students related to the cultural, historical and environmental assets of the local area and the Moreton Bay Region.

The facility also has the capacity to act as an interface with the community encouraging residents to enjoy, appreciate and learn about the local environment by taking part in interactive and interpretive activities, displays and events.

About Redcliffe Environmental Forum

A group of residents established Redcliffe Environmental Forum (REF) in 2006 to raise awareness of environmental issues facing Redcliffe and the Moreton Bay Region.

Members work closely with like-minded community groups and local, state and federal government organisations, in promoting environmental awareness and the principles of ecological sustainable development in the region.

REF aims has three core focuses: rehabilitation, education, and facilitation.

It leads and takes part in environmental rehabilitation initiatives in the region, educates the community on matters that have or may have an adverse environmental impact in the region, and facilitates consultation and community engagement on matters of an environmentally sensitive nature.

The group’s long-time president and founder is Bob Crudgington who received a Moreton Bay Regional Council 2021 Australia Day Environmental Award.

Bob’s dedication has helped raise awareness of local environmental issues, improve local habitats specifically surrounding Redcliffe and Hays Inlet, and inspire the next generation of eco warriors.

He is a firm believer that if you look after the land, the land will look after you, which is why preserving nature for the future is so important.

“My job as President of the Redcliffe Environmental Forum is mainly to facilitate and support all the wonderful people that work in the environmental community, whether it be koalas, turtles, looking after the bush, and more,” he said at the time.