The Fred Haigh Dam Remnant Rainforest Project

The Fred Haigh Dam Remnant Rainforest Project 2003.

Rebuilding a community's environment and morale

“The project provided excellent outcomes at Council's eco-tourism facility and couldn't have happened without Green Corps. This success relied on the commitment and enthusiasm of the young people on the team and the support, planning and dedication that Job Futures showed throughout the project.” Peter Walting, Kolan Shire Council

The Kolan Shire Council wanted to ensure the future sustainability of Fred Haigh Dam. It wanted to focus on building an environmental track for community use, and conducting seed collection and propagation and flora and fauna surveys.

In 2003, the area was recovering from being nationally recognised as the poorest postcode in Queensland, recognition that had dented community morale.

Green Corps was the obvious choice for the community. Our Green Corps team made a real change to the ongoing health of the Fred Haigh Dam by:

  • Removing 6 hectares of weeds and producing a weed ID booklet and species ID booklet
  • Conducting an environment audit
  • Installing a watering system
  • Collecting over one kilo of seeds for propagation and producing good quality plants.
  • Planting nearly 2000 trees
  • Constructing 3km of walking track and installing interpretive signage

The team learnt valuable skills for environmental work and in working together as a team. They connected with the community and organised a School Tree Day, where they planted 300 trees.

The community felt the flow-on effects of the Green Corps team's work

  • Local builders and suppliers linked into the project - a boost to the local economy.
  • The community got to see the great work its young people can do. Job Futures kept the project visible, with lots of opportunities for community engagement, including a successful launch at the Little Athletics Oval
  • The people of Kolan have a chance to experience the Fred Haigh Dam through the walking track. The interpretive signage constructed by the Green Corps team will help community members know more about their local natural resources.
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