With its leafy streets, abundant wetlands and stunning foreshore, Sandgate is one of the most unique suburbs in all of Brisbane.
Home to long-time residents and newcomers alike, as well as a diverse range of plant and animal life, 4017 is a very special corner of the world and the Keep Sandgate Beautiful Association (KSBA) is working to keep it this way.
Jenny Carey, KSBA President, explained that where natural environments and urbanisation co-exist, there will always be a need for people to advocate for the natural world.
“I’ve been a KSBA committee member for six years and it’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done,” Jenny said. “It’s an opportunity to mix with like-minded people and have a say in decisions about issues that are dear to my heart.”
Now in its remarkable 53rd year, KSBA has been acting to conserve the local area over the last five decades.
“Other community environmental organisations typically rise in response to single issues with defined end dates,” Jenny said. “KSBA has persisted all these years because we respond to community concerns over a wide range of ongoing issues.”
Jenny explained that KSBA works towards long-term aims such as enhancing Sandgate’s natural beauty, promoting the conservation of the natural environment and fostering balanced development.
“Our achievements tend to be modest and not always obvious,” she said. “However, we’re proud of the fact that we’ve successfully petitioned Council for increased off-leash area signage, that we’ve played a part in environmental protection planning for the Gateway upgrade, and that we’re making headway in advocating for a cleaner environment in Cabbage Tree Creek.”
Engaging the Community in Conservation Efforts
Later this year, KSBA will begin contributing a monthly mini-column to the Sandgate Guide to further raise community awareness.
“We’d really like to engage local residents,” Jenny said. “We’re planning to include topics such as Fun Facts About Shorebirds, the Queensland Wader Study Group, Toad Tadpole Trapping Program, Laurie’s Beach Walks, Clean Up Australia Day and more.
Long-term resident and lifetime KSBA member Margaret Jeays said the people involved in KSBA have a love of the area and are willing to work with the community and politicians to preserve its natural state.
“When you have an area like Sandgate and its surrounds it’s well worth fighting for,” Margaret said.
The KSBA encourages residents to reach out to ksbainc@gmail.com with any concerns or to inquire about how to become involved.
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
- Station Upgrade On Track
- No Man’s Land No More
- The Myth of Hard Work Always Leading to Success
- Journey Through Ancient Egypt at Queensland Museum
- Organic Gardening in November
- Robert Kift: A Genial Sandgate Identity
- Skating into Christmas with a Cool Performance
- Ready to Run
- Discover The Magic Of the Night Sky
- Sub Branch Builds Sense of Belonging
- O Christmas Tree!
- Rhino Flooring Revitalises Iconic Local Fire Station
- Santa Makes Waves at Carols by the Creek
