South Stradbroke Island Landcare Group was formed in 2003 and incorporated in 2006. Kathryn Biggs was the instigator and on-going president of the South Stradbroke Island Landcare Group. Kathryn and her committee were successful in obtaining seven sizable grants by 2011 from the Federal, State and Local Governments – a total of $373,906.37!

The first large project undertaken was the restoration of the vegetation along the Broadwater Foreshores. Weeds were cleared and then new trees (native to the island) were planted. Since this time, the projects have concentrated on weed eradication, as this seemed the most pressing need. Volunteers from the community assisted with each project, by weeding their own ‘patch’ and recording their hours. Of course, this did not stop once the project finished, as all our local pests have a tendency to re-grow.

Local residents introduced exotic plants to their gardens, and many of these ‘escaped’; birds have brought seeds across from the mainland and even with the best of intentions, the Beach Protection Authority may have introduced plants to the island (since the sand-mining days) which were not strictly ‘native’ to South Stradbroke Island.

In 2011 rehabilitation of the areas at the eastern side of Blocks A and B commenced with the approval of the Department of Parks and Wildlife (the Department) as the area is conservation park. Many local people committed to weed control, planting and watering the new plants which are fire retardant, native to South Stradbroke Island and approved by the Department. Visits from Kathryn Stephens and Bill McDonald gave the Landcare Group insights into the botanical diversity of the South Stradbroke Island. In 2019 Kate Biggs after over a decade of strong leadership and commitment retired.

The Landcare Group is a member of the QWALC and as such receives insurance for volunteers working on approved projects. It continues to liaise with the government custodians of the island on approved projects in line with its objectives.