Community,
Conservation,
Sustainability

The Gap Sustainability Initiative is a charitable, volunteer-led community organisation. We work in partnership with other local groups, residents, schools, businesses, and governmental stakeholders to promote sustainable living practices and a positive ecological environment.

We run free bi-monthly educational seminars in The Gap, engage with local schools to facilitate their sustainability journey, and champion three main projects:

We collaborate with all public servants without prejudice or preference to a political party.

Current Projects

The Platypus Project
The Platypus
Project

The Platypus once called The Gap home. Can we bring it back and what would it take? Join us in our quest to make The Gap habitable for the Platypus once again.

Community Energy
Community
Energy

Energy is essential for our quality of life. What role could our community play in generating and securing access to environmentally safe and affordable energy for all residents?

Enhancing Existing Capabilities
Sustainability
Together

The Gap is home to many community groups and initiatives. Can we coordinate efforts and resources to make sustainable living accessible and convenient for all residents?

Educational
Seminars

Creek Condition

Mr Hamish Butler and Mr Brian Latham– January 2024

Moreton Water Plan Consultation

Attendees were informed that the Water Act 2000 and Water Regulation 2016 currently serve as the guiding water legislations for public servants. The existing Moreton water plan, last updated in 2007, is now due for revision, with the public consultation process unfolding in two phases: the current phase and another in approximately 12 months when the draft plan will be open for review again. Please see our January newsletter for more information.

Creek Condition

Dr Gilad Bino– October 2023

Creek condition and native fish in Enoggera Creek

Gilad shared with us the five-step plan that was followed to reintroduce Platypus successfully into Royal National Park in NSW. Partnerships, community engagement, and scientific knowledge were all critical to make
sure the habitat was suitable and the Platypus would thrive.

https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/dr-gilad-bino /

Creek Condition

Mr Leo Lee– August 2023

Creek condition and native fish in Enoggera Creek

Mr. Lee highlighted the gradual decline in Enoggera Creek’s well-being during the past decade. While the planting along the creek’s edges has improved shelter for wildlife, the waterway itself and its inhabitants face significant challenges—excessive runoff of fertilizers, chemicals, and microplastics. The discussion revolved around identifying and implementing measures to restore the creek’s health.

https://sown.com.au/management-committee-2023/

What YOU can do to help

Become
a Member
Volunteer
Take Action
at Home
Donate
Collect
Containers
Become a Member
Volunteer
Take Action at Home
Donate
Collect Containers
Contact Us

Drop us
a Line

Get in touch with us here. We love to help.

Contact Us

Our Latest News

Upcoming
Events

Subscribe to our Newsletter

# Our Socials

Platypus toys sewing bee is on tomorrow (Friday 18th) 12.30-2.30pm. Everyone welcome, no sewing experience required. Comment below or contact Fanny at fdebusserolles@gmail.com for the location.

Our July guest speaker Genevieve Deaconos from the Australian Wildlife conservancy reported a 2-3% decline in wildlife in Australia, adding up to a 50-60% decline in abundance over the past decades. This report featured on the BBC now shows similar declines across the world, not just Australia. One of the reasons for this decline is the reduction in insect species and numbers. Reasons for this are manifold but include monoculture and excessive use of pesticides and herbicides. One reason often not well understood is the impact of heat which disrupts the insect lifecycle which is tied to certain seasonal temperature changes that trigger laying and hatching of eggs. If the insect lifecycle is disrupted so is the food chain for all other animals including humans, as insects are also the pollinators of the world.

Such a great idea to have a first "Australian Insect of the Year" award. Is it the blue banded bee, the golden beetle or the stick insect that you will vote for? The finalists were selected by six insect experts and the voting is open to the public. This award has been created to raise awareness about the insect world all around us, and the importance of their protection. Get your vote in now, and see who gets the award during Australian Pollinator Week.

here is a relevant microplastic article from Yale University calling for a new global strategy directed at reducing the production of plastic.

We recently posted several stories about microplastic which is found in all environments now from the Mt Everest to the deepest levels of the sea. Interestingly the Queensland government already has a relevant strategy in place, but when looking at it, most actions seem to be placed at the consumer and recycling level, rather than the producer and avoidance level. According to the waste pyramid, reduction of production of plastic is the most important strategy with recycling only for products that are unavoidable to be made of plastic. At the moment the pyramid seems turned on its head and expect too much for the citizens rather than mandating better practices by those that produce the plastic in the first place?

Quick reminder about our working group meeting tomorrow, 15th October, 7pm, we are getting together to progress our Platypus, Community Energy and Sustainability together projects, and will discuss our street tree care project and cycling to the city projects. We are still looking for a student who would like to make the topic of cat ownership a subject of their science project or investigation. We are thinking of a household survey that could investigate the knowledge and attitudes of cat owners about their cats behaviour and whether to keep the cat indoors. Please be in contact by email info@thegapsustainability.org if you know of a student who might want to take this topic on.