Projects in and around Canberra
Living with Bushland:Bushwise in Queanbeyan
a book for residents of Queanbeyan
introduction / book / location / Projects
Landscape Architect: Dr Dianne Firth FAILA
Location: Queanbeyan - a NSW city situated just outside and east of Canberra
Introduction
Living with Bushland: Bushwise in Queanbeyan is a 90 page A5 book edited by Dr Dianne Firth, landscape architect, and Dr Margi Bohm, environmental scientist, from the University of Canberra for Queanbeyan City Council (QCC) as part of a New South Wales Government Program: Our Environment – It’s a Living Thing. The purpose of the book is to provide a practical community resource for residents to help them reduce their impact on bushland as well as encourage sustainable living and an appreciation of their local environment.
The book offers a wide range of information, advice and contacts with an emphasis on biodiversity, sustainability and individual actions. In 2006 it was distributed free to all residents of Queanbeyan, through the QCC office and Queanbeyan Library.
Research and planning for the book began in 2005 with the Living with Bushland working group, a multidisciplinary group of local scientific, landscape and landcare experts, rangers, residents, officers of Queanbeyan City Council and the University of Canberra represented by Firth, Bohm and a small group of senior students, some of whom live in Queanbeyan. It was decided that ideas generated by the working group on what they thought the community needed to know would be tested with a survey of residents.
The survey was compiled by Firth and Bohm and conducted with the assistance of University of Canberra students. Raw data was analysed statistically and findings were presented in tabular form before trend and preference recommendations were made (see Appendix 1: The Survey). After review by the Living with Bushland working group the findings of the survey indicated a preference for a small book format covering specific areas of interest. This provided the guide for the development of the book and the chapter headings. Firth was nominated as lead editor.
By describing the local ecosystem, identifying issues related to living in that environment and through a question and answer approach, major planning, design and management issues are addressed in a way that enables residents to take responsibility for their actions and conserve bushland. Garden design that promotes water sensitive urban design practices is encouraged and advice on preparing homes for the bushfire season is provided.
Living with Bushland: Bushwise in Queanbeyan enables residents to understand and appreciate their cultural landscape and the ecological limitations of the region and helps them to live in a sustainable manner. References and contacts for further information and help are also provided.
introduction / book / location / Projects
2008
