Thanks to a Queensland Government Community Sustainability Action Grant Gympie Landcare and the Friends of Messmate Park have been able to resurface and strengthen access paths at Messmate Park, Kia Ora. Last century, this area was a small State Forest. Forestry considered it not to be core business and gifted it to the then local council. Unfortunately a working bee was organised that resulted in the destruction of the integrity of the original ecosystem probably due to the mistaken belief that such a stand should contain only Gympie Messmate but fortunately, this part is recovering. The main driver for the maintenance work was a member, a local “hero”, Sandra Lalor, and she and our own Jenny Whyte have religiously attended to this every month for some time.
This Park is a stunning example of remnant vegetation. It includes one very impressive big tree (Eucalyptus Cloeziana, Gympie Messmate) next to the walking track. Plus two more impressive centuries-old big trees down on the banks of Tinana Creek (these are not on the current path).
On Thursday 28 June 2018, Rick and Glen from Gympie Contract Land Care Services (CLS) with help from Porters Earthworx and materials from Four Mile Quarry carried out the path restoration. The paths are now in fantastic condition and are quite impressive.
Messmate Park is an absolute hidden gem. It has come so far since the days it was full of Lantana, Ochna, Hammil Grass, and Cat’s Claw. Why not stop for a visit? If you would like to volunteer for future weeding or other activities at Priddy Road Kia Ora please contact Sandra Lalor 07 5486 5431 or Jenny Whyte at Gympie and District Landcare 07 5483 8866.