Queensland Landscape Life Magazine #6

e f i LandscapeL QUEENSLAND

The Queensland Landscaping Industry Magazine

Spring 2023

Issue 6 Spring 2023

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Welcome Welcome to the Spring edition of Queensland Landscape Life!

As the vibrant spirit of Spring fills the air, we celebrate the essence of outdoor living and the invaluable contributions our members and industry make to both our quality of life and the sustainability of our great state.

In this edition, we look at the work the LQ team and volunteers have been progressing with inspiring the next crop of landscapers into our industry, the fantastic efforts and resources available to those looking at a fresh career and members looking to take on an apprentice in their own business. We explore some wonderful success stories and read how one new member to the industry came from combat zones to combating the world of landscaping!

Biosecurity is paramount in our industry, and we share vital information on fire ant prevention and erosion control. Setting the standards in Central Queensland, Greenscape Gladstone showcases excellence in landscaping. Discover their inspiring work and dedication to our industry.to our industry.

Join us in exploring the fascinating world of aquascaping with Australia's leading experts, Aquascape Australia and their commitment to harmonising living environments for wildlife whilst also training contractors. We explore the importance of incorporating sustainability into your landscape design with industry sustainability expert Allan Chenoweth.

Stay updated on the progress of the Workforce Planning Project, a critical initiative to ensure a thriving future for our industry. Catch up on the recent industry event So, You Think You Know Soils with Centenary Landscaping Supplies. We continue exploring planting themes with some of our nursery experts, plus lots more!

As our Association celebrates 40 years of growth and excellence this edition of Queensland Landscape Life is a tribute to the past, present, and future of our vibrant industry. We extend our gratitude for your support and invite you to immerse yourself in the knowledge, inspiration, and innovation within these pages.

The LQ Team 4 | Queensland Landscape Life

Connect with LQ

Contents 6

CEO MESSAGE

8

40 YEARS OF LANDSCAPE QUEENSLAND

10

GROWING LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CAREERS

16

A GIANT LEAP FOR MICHAEL FROM THE ADF TO LANDSCAPING

18

WORKFORCE PLANNING PROJECT UPDATE

21

DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START WHEN TAKING ON AN APPRENTICE?

22

SO, YOU THINK YOU KNOW SOILS WITH CENTENARY LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES

26

DON’T SPREAD FIRE ANTS

30

SETTING THE STANDARDS IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND: GREENSCAPE GLADSTONE

34

TRANSFORMING WILDLIFE: AN AQUASCAPE AUSTRALIA COLLABORATION

38

INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY INTO YOUR LANDSCAPE DESIGN

40

COMPOSTING 101

44

EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL IN LANDSCAPING

50

WHS SELF-EVALUATION COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST WITH MASULA COMPLIANCE

52

PLANTING THEMES WITH LQ SUPPLIER MEMBER NURSERIES

For all Queensland Landscape Life advertising and editorial enquiries please contact info@landscapequeensland.com.au Queensland Landscape Life Magazine is published by Landscape Queensland Industries Association inc (ABN 92 439 102 270). Whilst the publisher has taken all reasonable precautions and effort to ensure the accuracy of material contained in this publication at the time of publishing, no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage will be assumed by Landscape Queensland or its employees. All conditions, rates, specifications and policies are subject to change without notice. Expressed or implied authors’ and advertisers’ opinions are not necessarily those of the editor and/or publisher.

All material produced and/or published by Queensland Landscape Life Magazine in electronic, printed or other format is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the express written permission of the publisher. The advertiser assumes all responsibility for attaining copyright permission for any material not produced by Queensland Landscape Life Magazine.

Front cover image: Aquascape Australia Back cover image: Definition Landscape & Design All images published have been provided by LQ Members as part of the LQ Awards program or have been provided by LQ staff.

Landscape Queensland acknowledge the traditional custodians past and present on whose land we walk, we work, we live and respect.

Message from The CEO Welcome to our Spring edition of Queensland Landscape Life. Thanks to all those who have contributed to this publication and thanks for all the positive feedback that’s been provided on the previous magazines that we’ve developed.

In this edition we acknowledge the Association’s 40th Year of representing the landscape industry in Queensland as well as including a number of interesting and diverse articles which represent and provide an insight into a number of the areas captured within the broad scope of landscaping.

On a personal note, this will be the last Landscape Life publication that I’m involved in, as my tenure as CEO will conclude on 29th September this year. I’d like to acknowledge the staff and Board members of LQ that I’ve worked with over the past 14 years and thank them for their support and dedication to their roles.

As a small industry association, there have been many challenges in this ever-changing environment that we operate in. There’s been a huge number of changes in regulations, technology, communications and society in general which have affected the landscape industry and in turn, changed the way LQ has had to operate to meet member expectations and enable us to support and promote the industry.

I’ve positioned the Association as a trusted source of information, in a day and age where we can be overwhelmed with news of changes but find it difficult to verify what is true and correct. I’m proud of the effort that LQ staff have put in over an extended period to improve its communications and be on call to assist members on everything from disputes with clients, contractual questions, WHS, HR/ IR, technical, horticultural, and many, many other areas. Daily we’ll have consumer calls looking for a landscaper, or unfortunately, having problems with a landscaper they already have, usually not an LQ member.

6 | Queensland Landscape Life

I believe the work that LQ has put in over the past few years in particular has lifted the profile of landscaping amongst consumers and also job seekers and career changers. I’ve lost count of the number of career expos, schools, colleges and community groups we have met with where we’ve promoted landscaping and the careers and training pathway options available. The LQ Awards Program holds its own against much bigger industry awards than ours and as such a visual industry, the landscaping content showcased is in high demand for many printed and online publications, helping to promote our industry far and wide.

Finally, thank you to all those members that have engaged with the Association, whether that’s by coming along to an event, completing a survey, entering the Awards Program, using an LQ member benefits partner or volunteering on a committee or at an expo. Your involvement is crucial to assisting LQ raise the standard and the profile of our industry.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve your industry, I hope you enjoy this magazine and remember, Landscaping Makes the Difference.

Mark Sorby Chief Executive Officer

Queensland Landscape Life | 7

1983 to 2023 40 years supporting the Landscape Industry in Queensland Landscape Queensland is celebrating 40 years as the peak body for the industry in Queensland.

Over this time, we have supported members and assisted them with a countless number of issues over a huge range of areas. LQ has advocated on behalf of the industry and promoted the benefits of landscaping and the use of LQ members. Coming from meagre beginnings, the Association is a strong and stable organisation, well placed to continue in its role of being the voice for the landscape industry in this state - but we couldn’t have done it without you, the members.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those members who have been involved and engaged with us to assist LQ do what we do, day in and day out. Although it’s not possible to thank all those who have contributed over the life of the Association individually, we would like to acknowledge LQ board members and committee members, volunteers and supporters, sponsors and stakeholders and LQ staff members both current and past.

A special acknowledgement goes to all the past LQ Presidents, for the time they have invested over the years and for the effort and passion they have all shown for the industry they love.

President

Year

President

Year

Jack Lee

1983 - 1984

Ray Gilmour

2000 - 2002

1985

Jason McGarry

2003 - 2004

Brian Cheeseman David Hassell

1986 - 1987

Andrew McLachlan

2005

Donna Sands

2006 - 2007

1989 - 1991

Andrew Bottomley

2008 - 2014

Denis Fitzpatrick

1992 - 1993

Chris Gill

2015 - 2016

Bob Ferguson

1994

Dave Taylor

2017 - 2019

Lindsay Pratt

1995

Leigh Barrett

2020 - 2022

1996 - 1999

Dave Taylor

2023

Ross Kelly

1988

Terry O’Shea

Denis Fitzpatrick 8 | Queensland Landscape Life

Membership is the lifeblood of any members-based organisation. We thank all members for their ongoing support. We would like to give a special acknowledgement to all our 15 year plus members who have seen huge changes over the years and have continued long term support of the Association.

Members since 1984 - Celebrating 39 Years as Members Greenstock Nurseries, Green Survival, Naturform Members since 1985 - Celebrating 38 Years as Members Peter Milliken Landscapes Members since 1986 - Celebrating 37 Years as Members Logan Landscapes, Centenary Landscaping Supplies Members since 1987 - Celebrating 36 Years as Members Harmony Landscapes Members since 1990 - Celebrating 33 Years as Members Wayne Giebel Landscapes Members since 1998 - Celebrating 25 Years as Members Boyds Bay Landscaping, The Container Connection (Qld), Tecscape Landscaping Contractors, Plant Delivery Service Qld, Eureka Landscapes Members since 2001 - Celebrating 22 Years as Members Professional Turf & Garden Members since 2003 - Celebrating 20 Years as Members AWX, John Hope Designs, Pacific Paradise Contractors Members since 2004 - Celebrating 19 Years as Members Naturelink Landscapes & Design Members since 2005 - Celebrating 18 Years as Members Wallum Nurseries, Penfold Projects, Interface Landscapes, Park Lane Landscapes, Plantmark, Members since 2006 - Celebrating 17 Years as Members MCA Landscapes, Boss Gardenscapes, TAFE Qld, Nature Zone Landscaping & Property Maintenance, Ross McKinnon Members since 2007 - Celebrating 16 Years as Members The Landscape Construction Company, Aesthetic Pools & Landscapes Members since 2008 - Celebrating 15 Years as Members PW Landscape (Plants Whitsunday), Universal Media Co

To the many members under 15 years we look forward to supporting you and celebrating your milestones! Thank you once again to all members and stakeholders, it has been a privilege to serve the industry and we look forward to another 40 years of growth and success.

Queensland Landscape Life | 9

LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CAREERS

G N I W O R G S R E E R A C

2023

LA N D S C A PI N G M A K ES TH E D IF FE R EN C E!

Landscape Queensland Encouraging More People into Our 10 | Queensland Landscape Life

Industry

Over the past 6 years, the team at Landscape Queensland have been participating in a number of activities all aimed at encouraging more people into the landscaping industry.

An Education & Training Committee was formed in 2017 comprising of contractor and supplier members with an interest or background in the training industry. An action plan was developed which included exhibiting at several Career Expos the first one being Brisbane Careers Expo in May 2018. For this event and still in use today, LQ put together a video interviewing industry participants to find out how they found their way into the industry, what they like about the industry and how they see the future of the industry.

Shout out to Bree from Green Options, James from Interface Landscapes, Mitchell from Boss Gardenscapes, Anders from Definition Landscape & Design, Stuart, Jessie and Callam from Greenworx who featured in the video.

Thanks must also go to those original members who assisted with the design of the LQ stand Saul from SJ Landscapes, Jason from Eureka Landscapes who supplied all the materials to construct the stand, Brett from Park Lane Landscapes provided the plants, staff to man the stand and demonstrate landscape design software programs, Paul and Steve from TAFE Qld who ran the try-a-trade section of the stand and Colin from Skyline Landscape Services and Jim from Boss Gardenscapes who both also assisted on the stand speaking with Expo attendees about a career in the landscaping industry. Both Brett and Paul have continued to support this annual event since then which is a massive commitment.

In 2019 LQ expanded to also exhibiting at the Sunshine Coast Careers Expo with Saul once again being involved as well as Leigh from Living Style Landscapes both of whom continue to assist annually being joined by Emrys from Harmony Landscapes this year. 2019 also saw LQ having an involvement in the Australian Defence Force exit days. This program has further evolved to now include a monthly virtual stand for the ADF exiting personnel online seminar series.

As part of the original plan, a new website dedicated to careers in the landscaping industry was launched in May 2022 landscapeindustrycareers.com.au. The website contains a wealth of information targeting contractors, schools, students, careers counsellors and career changers. There is everything from Apprenticeships to Training to Career Profiles from real industry participants, as well as a free Jobs Board for LQ members to advertise any vacancies they may have, which has been very popular.

With the support of the CSQ Workforce Planning Project during 2022 and continuing this year, LQ has been able to further expand to attend a number of schools, training facilities, multicultural, DESBT and local government events all with the aim of engaging with school students, graduates, guidance officers and career counsellors demystifying the landscape industry and encouraging participation by everyone regardless of their background, experience or qualifications – everyone has to start somewhere.

Queensland Landscape Life | 11

As the landscaping industry continues to grapple with significant staff shortages, both skilled and unskilled, Landscape Queensland (LQ) is committed to creating awareness of landscape industry career and training pathways, as well as promoting a career in landscaping as an excellent choice.

Throughout the year, LQ's dedicated team has been a prominent presence at numerous career expos, including the Brisbane Careers Expo, Sunshine Coast Careers Expo and Logan Ignite Careers Expo. LQ also exhibited at Career Connect a multicultural careers expo resulting in resumes being received and a fresh influx of talent into LQ member businesses.

The LQ team also attend face-to-face events in Brisbane for personnel exiting the ADF as well as hosting a virtual booth at their monthly virtual careers expo.

These events both in person and digitally allow LQ to connect with thousands of students and career changers, advocating passionately for landscaping career pathways.

A notable aspect of LQ's engagement efforts is the invaluable support received from volunteers within the industry. LQ extends its gratitude to member volunteers such as Emrys and Mason from Harmony Landscapes, Rhys from SJ Landscapes, Jai, Jared, and Joel from Park Lane Landscapes, Dakota from Brooke’s Blooms, Abby from Green Options, and Paul Luck from TAFE Qld. Member involvement plays a crucial role in providing insights and guidance to visitors interested in pursuing careers in landscaping. Our volunteers firsthand experiences serve as a testament to the abundant opportunities and rewards that the industry offers.

12 | Queensland Landscape Life

LQ's commitment to nurturing talent extends to educational institutions, where the Association actively engages in on-campus talks. A stand out example when LQ presented at the Spring Hill campus of the Australian Industry Trade College, encouraging students already considering trade careers to explore the dynamic world of landscaping. The presentation covered all facets of the diverse industry, including, horticulture, greenkeeping, arboriculture and construction.

A notable highlight of the event was guest speaker Claudia, an apprentice from LQ member The Landscape Construction Company (TLCC), currently pursuing a Certificate III in Parks & Gardens. Claudia shared her deep passion for the industry and recounted her personal journey, providing invaluable insights to the students. Joining Claudia was TLCC's business owner and LQ Board Member, Andrew, who shed light on the industry's transformation over the past three decades and the diverse range of projects that landscapers undertake.

LQ's outreach efforts continue to make a significant impact. The team recently collaborated with students at LQ training member Challenge Employment, where they were joined by LQ contractor member Anthony from Serene Scene Landscapes and his apprentice, Steele. Together, they actively engaged with students, openly sharing their experiences, training pathways, and real-life insights. This candid exchange of knowledge and advice undoubtedly inspired students who are eager to embark on diverse careers in landscaping.

Landscape Queensland's commitment to promoting careers in the landscaping industry goes beyond addressing the current workforce shortage. It's about nurturing the next generation of landscaping professionals. Through our continued engagement efforts, LQ aims to encourage future talent that will blossom into the industry's future leaders and innovators. As the industry continues to evolve, Landscape Queensland remains dedicated to showcasing landscaping as a diverse and rewarding career path.

Interested in grow ing your career in landscaping or taki ng on an apprentice?

Check out

landscapeindu

strycareers.c

om.au

Q ue e n s la nd L an d s c a p e L i f e | 1 3

Growing Careers - Success Stories from Career Expos

Juan and Dom's journeys from initial interactions with LQ at Careers Events to thriving in their new roles exemplify the efforts facilitated by the LQ team advocating for our industry at these events. Their experiences serve as shining examples of the transformative power of these connections within the landscaping industry.

Juan's path to success in the landscaping industry began when he visited the LQ team at the Careers Connect expo. Through the LQ team, Juan was connected with LQ member Designer Image.

Cassie Neil from Designer Image updated us on Juan being a part of their team, "Juan is currently working with our landscape construction crews and has demonstrated a great work attitude, the ability to learn quickly, and has created a very good rapport with many of our experienced foremen. He is always on time and has great communication skills with both our Designer Image team and with our clients."

Juan expressed his enthusiasm for his role at Designer Image "I love working for Designer Image because I am constantly learning new things as every day is different, and you always have to find different solutions for each situation. What I enjoy the most is seeing the result of each job; when you finish the day, you can see what you achieved and feel proud of it."

Dom, who visited the LQ team at the Brisbane Careers Expo, connected with LQ member Eureka Landscaping.

Warren Luck, Foreman at Eureka Landscaping, had this to say about Dom's journey, "Since joining us as a mature-age apprentice, Dom has been an outstanding addition to our landscape construction crew.

Dom has demonstrated exceptional dedication, seamlessly integrated into the crew, and displayed a great deal of potential. From the beginning, Dom has approached all tasks with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. His strong work ethic and commitment to his role are evident in every task he undertakes. Dom has a promising career in the landscape construction industry, and we are proud to have him as part of the Eureka crew!"

Dom shared his perspective on his journey, "I came to the Sunshine Coast from Portsmouth in the UK on a PR visa in June 2023. I went to the job expo in Brisbane not knowing what to expect but knew I wanted to work outside. I bumped into Julie on the Landscape Queensland stall and was impressed with her knowledge of the trade. We emailed after the expo, and she gave me a number of different contacts to try, one of them being Eureka. Through Julie, I was offered work at three different jobs as a laborer, but I chose Eureka due to their full-time contracted hours, the offer of a Cert III apprenticeship, future career progression, and a competitive hourly rate. I am now working towards completing my Certificate III in Landscape Construction and enjoy learning while I work with the encouragement of my Leading Hands and Foreman. My favourite part of the job is seeing a project completed, which can include planting, mulching, turf prep, and detailing."

LQ Members can Advertise for FREE on the Landscape Industry Jobs Board - landscapeindustrycareers.com.au

Thinking of a Trade Career?

LANDSCAPING COVERS IT ALL!

LANDSCAPEINDUSTRYCAREERS.COM.AU

A Giant Leap for Michael From the Australian Defence Force to the Landscape Industry After serving over 20 years in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) including active combat missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Michael McSorley was looking for a change of career and envisioned a quiet life as a project manager perhaps, but companies he approached all wanted experience.

He responded to an advertisement for a Jim’s mowing franchise and gained some garden maintenance experience and it was during this time that he rekindled his love of gardening and landscaping which had always been a calming influence for him whilst on leave at home away from active service.

Michael and his family decided to relocate to the Gold Coast and he answered another advertisement with LQ Member Park Lane Landscapes for a garden maintenance assistant just over a year ago. He brought with him enthusiasm and years of experience and transferrable skills including following instructions!

Business owner Brett Oakley from Park Lane quickly recognised Michael’s ability and suggested he commence a mature aged apprenticeship - Certificate III in Parks and Gardens.

Park Lane undertakes works on high rise apartments and residential properties on the Gold Coast which often include out of the ordinary access situations such as roof top gardens, podium planter boxes and terraced gardens.

16 | Queensland Landscape Life

Mitigating risks is something Michael is all too familiar with from his ADF experience, however Brett wanted him to keep safe on-the-job and so enrolled Michael in a Work Safely at Heights course which is partially funded by Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ).

This training has assisted Michael to undertake a broader scope of work and increase his skill set, including safety on site, and will stand him in good stead for his ongoing career in the landscape industry, which has already seen him promoted to a supervisor’s position.

When asked how beneficial the course was to his everyday activities Michael replied ”It was great! The course provided some fantastic theory and we also got involved in practical demonstrations of how to use this newly acquired knowledge into our regular work routines once we were back on site. Brett is very safety conscious and since these particular skills aren’t covered in the Apprenticeship I’m doing, he was keen to see me complete this additional training, so I better understand the risks and how to deal with them”.

The course is reasonably priced, with the majority of the funding coming from CSQ. For Michael and Brett, the extra expense was a minor investment in exchange for the peace of mind it afforded them as Michael pursued his career change in the landscaping industry.

Queensland Landscape Life | 17

LANDSCAPE QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY WORKFORCE PLANNING PROJECT

18 | Queensland Landscape Life

The Landscape Industry Workforce Planning project has continued with the support of Construction Skills QLD (CSQ). Landscape Queensland (LQ) continues to promote the landscape industry and its career and training pathways through a range of communications and events.

As previously advised in Queensland Landscape Life magazine and following on from a member survey earlier in the year, LQ has been successful in developing a new landscape industry skill set aimed at meeting the QBCC’s current requirements for a site supervisor licence.

QBCC licensing requirements state that - you are required to obtain a site supervisor licence if you are an employee or officer of a contractor who holds a QBCC licence, and you are personally supervising building work carried out under your employer’s licence. QBCC’s site supervisor license was introduced to improve the standard and quality of supervision of building work and to provide an employee with a clear career path to becoming a contractor in the Queensland building industry.

The Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping Site Supervisor skill set has been established by LQ to address this licensing requirement and assist those industry participants seeking a QBCC Site Supervisor licence and who do not wish to complete the full Cert IV Building & Construction qualification.

This Skill Set will encourage and support landscape contracting businesses to upskill their staff into more senior positions within the organisation, allowing business owners to “get off the tools” and focus on other higher-level duties and business operations.

Training for the skill set which will open in October 2023 will be funded by CSQ saving members almost $1500. Visit the CSQ website from next month for full details of this new training opportunity.

SKILL SET: Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping - Site Supervisor Units 1. CPCCBC4002 Manage WHS in the Building and Construction workplace.

2. CPCCBC4004 Identify and produce estimated costs for Building and Construction projects.

3. CPCCBC4006 Select, procure and store construction materials for building and construction projects.

4. CPCCBC4008 Supervise site communications and administration processes for Building and Construction projects.

5. CPCCBC4009 Apply Legal requirements to Building and Construction projects.

Access the 2023-2024 CSQ Training Plan here

Queensland Landscape Life | 19

PLANT NEW SEEDS FOR SUCCESS!

WITH CSQ-FUNDED TRAINING

N

D E D D A E S EW COU R

g n i p a c s d n a L ural t c u r t S n i t e Skill S r) o s i v r e p u S e (Sit 1,492 $ = N O I T U IB CSQ CONTR GROW YOUR JOBS, CLIENTS AND BUSINESS BY ADDING NEW SKILLS CSQ is here to help you get the skills and training you need, by funding between 75%-100% of your training costs.

Hop onto the course selector to find registered training organisations offering CSQ-funded training in your area.

csq.org.au | 1800 798 488

CHANGE THE LANDSCAPE OF YOUR FUTURE, WITH CSQ Please note: The CSQ contribution represents the maximum amount CSQ subsidises per course per person. Eligibility requirements apply.

Please refer to your RTO for more information. All courses may not be available in all regions. Information current as at 22 August 2023.

Thinking about employing an apprentice

but don’t know where to start?

Employing an apprentice in the landscaping industry can be a transformative step for your business, offering fresh talent and a chance to shape the next generation of skilled professionals. However, amidst the daily whirlwind of a landscaper's routine, the prospect of bringing on an apprentice can feel overwhelming, buried beneath a mound of paperwork and uncertainty.

Fortunately, there's a simpler way to turn this idea into reality by partnering with a trusted Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider who can streamline the process and guide you seamlessly into the world of mentorship.

Simplifying the Journey LQ Supplier Member Mas National stands as a reliable ally in your quest to employ an apprentice. Their core mission revolves around making the process of hiring an apprentice as hassle-free as possible for your business. The best part?

They offer this invaluable service entirely FREE of charge, aiming to guide you through the essential steps while minimising the usual complexity associated with apprenticeship programs.

Understanding Your Role as an Employer

One of the initial hurdles is ensuring you have the right supervision in place within your workplace. You also need a clear understanding of the scope of work that will cover the units within your specific trade apprenticeship. Mas National's experienced team can assist you in navigating these crucial aspects, so you can focus on your business.

Facilitating the Registration Process

It’s important to have the right team behind you from the start. An experienced Apprenticeship Support Network Provider will facilitate the sign-up process to ensure that your apprentice is registered and that your business is able to access all State and Federal funding available.

Comprehensive Support Network

The Mas National team offer valuable advice on workforce development, inform you about funding opportunities and eligibility criteria, and connect you with registered training organisations, well-equipped to provide the necessary training for your apprentice. Their support includes guidance on legal obligations for both you as the employer and your apprentice, offering peace of mind throughout the apprenticeship journey.

John Glass, CEO of Mas National, underscores the profound significance of apprenticeships in the landscaping industry.

He emphasises, "Apprenticeships provide an excellent avenue to acquire practical experience in a specific field while concurrently nurturing professional skills that prove invaluable throughout one's career." Furthermore, for businesses, apprenticeships offer an effective means to train, retain, or recruit promising talent.

Unlocking Incentives and Subsidies

John also highlights the financial benefits, explaining that most qualifications in the landscaping industry make both the employer and apprentice eligible for incentives and subsidies. For apprentices, this can mean up to $5,000 in support to ensure they successfully complete their training.

For employers, it can be up to $1,500 per quarter, adding up to $6,000 per year. Such incentives make apprenticeships an invaluable opportunity for both students and businesses.

Get Started Today

If you're considering bringing an apprentice into your business or simply want to explore your eligibility for these opportunities, we encourage you to reach out to Mas National's Workforce Development Consultant, Allison Cullen. Allison can be contacted via email at Allison.cullen@masnational.com.au or by phone at 0408 001 296.

Embarking on the journey of employing an apprentice doesn't have to be an overwhelming process. Mas National stands as a reliable LQ Member to simplify the steps, ensure compliance, and offer ongoing support. By exploring this avenue, you not only contribute to the growth of your business but also play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of landscaping professionals.

Queensland Landscape Life | 21

Words by James McCullough CEO, Centenary Group

At Centenary Landscaping Supplies we have a proud tradition of supporting the landscape industry and this includes our Principal Awards Partnership with Landscape Queensland. In addition, we recently had the honour of hosting a truly remarkable event, "So, you think you know soil?" where we delved deep into the fascinating world of landscape soils, drawing an audience of 70 leading industry professionals including Landscape Contractors, Landscape Architects and Landscape Designers.

The event featured none other than Simon Leake, the renowned soil scientist and Director of Science at SESL Australia. With over three decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge in soil science, Simon's presence illuminated the importance of landscape soils in the success of projects.

Simon's keynote speech covered a wide range of topics essential for landscape design and development, including understanding site soil resources, soil profile concepts, selecting specialised soils, and the significance of organic matter additives.

Attendees had the privilege of gaining insights from SESL project examples and case studies, including the iconic Barangaroo Headland project in Sydney.

Simon’s expertise in soil science extends to soil/vegetation rehabilitation, particularly in mine sites and urban renewal projects. As the founder of SESL in 1984, Simon serves as a principal soil scientist, mentoring the team and applying objective soil science to solve client problems. He is a Certified Practicing Soil Scientist and an expert witness in legal matters related to soil, waste, and composting sciences. His contributions to soil science include multiple publications through CSIRO, including the development of "Soils for Landscape Development," a practical guide that has revolutionised landscape soil technology and the specification of soil and growing media.

22 | Queensland Landscape Life

The event served as a reminder of why we have spent time and resources developing and perfecting our range of UltraGrow Soils. Soil plays a pivotal role in landscaping and is the unsung hero that silently nurtures, supports, and ensures the long-term success of your landscape projects. It's the foundation upon which every design stands, and its quality determines the ultimate success of the project.

At Centenary Landscaping Supplies, we've always recognised the paramount importance of soil in landscaping. Our UltraGrow brand stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering highquality products that allow landscape professionals to turn their visions into reality.

Our products, including the UltraGrow Range, have left their mark on projects throughout South-East Queensland and beyond, including many Landscape Queensland Member projects. Several of these projects have gone on to be LQ award-winning landscapes in both residential and commercial sectors.

After all, award-winning landscapes deserve to be built on the best foundations.

With the continual demand for density housing, more and more high-rise development is being approved throughout South-East Queensland, incorporating lush gardens as the norm. As we look to the future, we anticipate ongoing growth in development in SouthEast Queensland, especially in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic Games.

In our ongoing commitment as Landscape Queensland's Principal Awards Partner, we remain dedicated to supporting the landscaping industry and advocating for the importance of quality soil.

Together, let's continue to build award-winning landscapes and enrich our communities with the enduring beauty that only quality soil can provide.

Your Complete Toolkit for Healthy Plants and Happy Customers.

Total soil, plant and garden health.

Waste-free soils with no nasties.

Infused with nutrients and long-lasting.

UltraGrow’s biologically enhanced growing media, fertilising soil conditioning liquids and granules stimulate the natural growth processes and improve soil structure. Together they are your complete kit for a healthy plants, lawns, and soil.

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A concentrated premium seaweed soil conditioner that is a certified input for organic farm applications.

Comprised of a host of natural nutrients, including trace elements, organic carbon, amino acids plus growth-promoting substances including humic and fulvic acids.

A natural soil conditioner that acts as a chelator and microbial stimulator containing a high concentration of organic acids and trace minerals. It’s really an instant compost. Fusion is a very rich source of humates that provides a concentrated source of available carbon to build organic matter in the soil.

A super absorbent cross-linked polymer combined with a high quality volcanic stone and a complete rock mineral NPKS fertiliser impregnated with beneficial microbes. Aquaten will improve plant establishment and garden resilience while providing balanced nutrition and a reduction in watering requirements.

Natural Seaweed Plant Health Treatment

Increase disease and pest resistance.

Premium Liquid Humus

Fertilising Soil Conditioner and Wetting Agent

Eliminate plant die off and early mortality.

Promote better soil structure.

50% less water needed with each irrigation.

Improve bloom quality and growth vigour.

Increase soil fertility.

Faster plant and lawn establishment.

Improve drought tollerance and recovery.

Improve fertiliser efficiency.

Reduced leaching of nutrients.

See the full range at

ultragrow.com.au

COMMITTED TO THE LANDSCAPING INDUSTRY SINCE 1986

Centenary Landscaping Supplies is a multi-award winning landscape supplier located in the Western Suburbs of Brisbane.

We service the Greater Brisbane region with a large fleet of over 30 trucks with our sister transport company, Connect Truckers.

Our Customer Service and Trade Teams offer unrivalled knowledge and service so that you get the products you need at the right price and delivered to your job site on time.

CALL US 07 3373 4999 26 Sumners Road, Darra 4076

centenarylandscaping.com.au

DON’T SPREAD FIRE ANTS

Words and images: National Fire Ant Eradication Program

They may be small but don’t be mistaken, fire ants can have devastating consequences.

Human-assisted movement is one of the key ways fire ants can spread. When people transport organic and quarry materials from one place to another, the ants can hitch a ride leading to them building nests in new areas.

Because of this, landscapers working in or sourcing materials from within South East Queensland are at high risk of spreading fire ants—directly impacting national efforts to eliminate them.

If you move fire ants, accidentally or otherwise, it puts you, your business and Australia at risk.

Not following fire ant-safe practices can result in site closures, financial penalties, criminal charges, increased project costs, workplace health and safety issues, and even affect future tender submissions.

This invasive pest is a huge risk to Australia and if left unchecked, fire ants will impact our environment, economy, human health and outdoor way of life, forever.

26| Queensland Landscape Life

MOVING OR RECEIVING MATERIALS? YOU HAVE LEGAL OBLIGATIONS Fire ants like to build their nests in the landscaping materials you use every day soil, hay, mulch, manure, quarry products, turf and potted plants.

If you, your business or your organisation handles these materials, on any scale, and they are sourced from within the fire ant biosecurity zones, you must follow the steps outlined in the Biosecurity Regulation 2016.

In simple terms, you must follow specific production, processing, storing and/or treatment requirements before you move materials.

Some of the most common risk mitigation measures being followed by the landscaping industry before moving potted plants, turf or quarry materials include: Mechanically disturbing quarry materials every 21 days and at least 24 hours before moving it to a new site Applying appropriate chemical treatment to turf or potted plants Different rules apply for fill or soil excavated from the ground.

These rules also apply if you are receiving materials whether you buy them or receive them free-of-charge.

Before you take delivery of any materials you should ask your supplier if they have been produced, processed, stored and/or treated in accordance with Regulation.

Queensland Landscape Life | 27

HOW FIRE ANTS CAN AFFECT YOU AND

penalties.

Workplace health and safety Businesses have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their employees, and fire ants can make this extremely difficult. They are known to swarm and a single attack can involve tens or hundreds of ants stinging simultaneously. In rare cases fire ant stings can also lead to an anaphylactic reaction and even death.

Here are some ways fire ants can affect you:

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Penalty infringement notices, business shutdowns and red flags

By taking these simple steps, you can help protect your property and prevent the spread of fire ants into new areas.

YOUR BUSINESS Fire ants can have serious financial, reputational and health-related impacts for you, your business and your staff. Whether you knowingly transport fire ants or not, ignoring your legal obligations can spread the pest and result in significant fines or

Compliance officers from the program conduct random checks to ensure people are following the Biosecurity Regulation 2016.

If you are not following the requirements, you run the risk of being fined and having a biosecurity order placed on your worksite or business operation. This could result in an immediate shutdown and prevents you from doing any work on the site until you change your work practices.

Shutdowns will not only cost you time and reputation. You’ll also need to pay all costs associated with changing your work practices and rectifying your mistakes, and there’s a chance you could have a ‘red flag’ placed against your business which could result in lost contracts. You could even end up in court!

Reputational damage If your business ignores its legal obligation, it can cause damage to your reputation with customers and other key stakeholders that you may never repair. Customers may be less likely to work with your business if they know you have not taken your legal obligations seriously with regard to fire ants.

28 | Queensland Landscape Life

Failing to take the necessary precautions before moving materials to a new site can have irreparable impacts on our landscape.

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program’s Program Executive Ashley Bacon said humanassisted movement of fire ants needs to stop if we’re to win the war against fire ants.

“We know a majority of people in the landscaping industry are either doing or want to do the right thing.

“We have developed a fire ant compliance tool to help people understand and comply with the relevant requirements and will be continuing to collaborate with Landscape Queensland Industries Association Inc. Under the new Fire Ant Response Plan 2023­– 27, the program will scale up compliance activities in an effort to ensure maximum compliance.

“Our compliance will have a much greater presence on the ground and will aim to ramp up to conducting up to 12,000 audits annually,” Mr Bacon said.

“These audits will be in the interest checking that people dealing with organic materials are not intentionally moving materials that could carry fire ants.”

STOPPING THE SPREAD OF FIRE ANTS There are several ways you can protect South East Queensland from fire ants: Fire ant training The program offers several online courses to help you learn more about fire ants, how to manage them and prevent them from spreading. Training is free, available 24/7 and can be done at your own pace.

Report fire ants and the unsafe movement of materials We all have a responsibility to stop fire ants from spreading, so if you see something let the program know through the new fire ant compliance tool or by calling 13 25 23. Your report is helping protect Australia from this invasive pest.

WORKING TOGETHER IS THE ONLY WAY The economic, social and health impacts of fire ants can change our country forever.

They can destroy crops, damage machinery, and render land, paddocks, parks, playgrounds and backyards unusable. If we don’t work together to stop them, fire ants could infest all of Australia—costing billions of dollars each year and having a devastating effect on our Australian lifestyle.

Everyone dealing with materials that can carry this invasive pest must do the right thing—working together is key to eradicating fire ants once and for all.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FIRE ANT BIOSECURITY ZONES AND FIRE ANT-SAFE PRACTICES, PLEASE VISIT FIREANTS.ORG.AU

SETTING THE STANDARDS IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

30 | Queensland Landscape Life

Gladstone is a regional city renowned for its major ports, industrial giants like LNG Gas Plants, QAL Alumina Refinery, and the Boyne Smelter, along with the allure of the Great Barrier Reef, it is a unique blend of commerce and natural beauty. In 2008, the thought of becoming a landscaping business director in Gladstone never crossed Jenny Verne's mind while she enjoyed a holiday in Western Australia's picturesque Margaret River, her home at the time. Fate had other plans.

During her stay, the hotel was undergoing extensive renovations, including landscaping, Jenny contemplated enlisting the hotel's landscaper for her beachfront property. Much to her surprise, the landscaper's response was a simple, "No, sorry – I'm moving to Queensland soon." Little did she know that this casual encounter would mark the beginning of a fresh chapter in her life, alongside her future business and life partner, Jason Younger.

Jenny's professional background is in sales and management, and she possesses a natural knack for connecting with people. Her market research revealed a notable scarcity of skilled landscaping trades in the Gladstone area, with the few existing businesses suffering from service and reliability issues.

In contrast, Jason is a passionate and skilled landscaper with a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Recognising their complementary skills and shared aspirations, they decided to join forces and embark on a new venture: Greenscape Gladstone.

Networking at the local golf club kick-started their journey, gaining 20 maintenance clients and domestic refurbishment projects. By 2011, demand required staff expansion, truck purchases, and equipment investments. They became Landscape Queensland (LQ) members in 2014, solidifying their commitment to the industry.

Jenny acknowledges that one of the primary challenges in the Gladstone business landscape is the transient nature of the town.

She explains, "While there are plenty of people earning lots of big dollars, they are either the younger set who want to come and make money and leave, or some of the big players who are brought here by industry making big money but not necessarily deciding to commit to buying or staying in the area. Gladstone certainly isn't Noosa or the Gold Coast!" This impacts staffing options as well “It's difficult to find fit individuals willing to do landscaping work in hot weather, even with competitive pay.” Often, job applicants are from larger industries seeking an easier alternative, mistakenly believing landscaping is less demanding.

Situated approximately 100 kilometers south of Rockhampton, Gladstone falls within a sub-tropical/semi-arid climate due to its location on the Tropic of Capricorn. This unique climate presents both challenges and opportunities for the Greenscape team.

Maintenance services can be provided throughout the year, and the region's frequent dry spells make their irrigation services highly sought after.

Queensland Landscape Life | 31

Jenny and Jason recognised the importance of professional development. In 2010, they enlisted the assistance of a business coach to establish systems, enhance profitability, and develop an online presence.

The belief in investing in their team led to their receipt of an LQ Award in 2015 for their Training Advantage Initiative, which included a mentoring program and written company policies to foster the professional growth of their staff. Setting clear goals, both for the business and individual team members, became a priority and was consistently pursued. They collaborated closely with longtime LQ member Liz Smith from Horticultural Training (now deceased and an LQ hall of Fame recipient in 2016) to ensure ongoing skill development for their entire team. Jenny's aspiration has always been to become an "employer of choice," and she firmly believes that the coaching and support they offer their team have paid off, making business ownership more enjoyable.

One of Jason’s best sayings is “I’d rather go broke by taking the crew out in the boat fishing all day – than working our butts off to run at a loss.”

More recently, Greenscape once again engaged the services of a business coach to help navigate the postCOVID-19 changed business environment. “We didn’t lose any clients during the Covid period which was fortunate, though I did enjoy a general slowing and not working so hard. But after having let go of our office staff I realised I needed a break from doing all the work myself, so now three years down the track we are super focused on systems, team, financials, marketing, sales and a leadership mindset,” Jenny said. “We are very proud to have won the Trades and Services Awards for Best in Business in Gladstone in November 2021. With over 90 other nominees it has been an incredible motivation to keep smashing it out!”

Over the years, Greenscape Gladstone has extended its expertise to encompass commercial projects, LNG gas plants, mine site villages, the prominent Gladstone East Shores precinct as well as schools and daycare centres.

Jenny and Jason are now in a position to be able to take holidays and rely on their fantastic staff who have the confidence and knowledge to continue to produce outstanding quality work in their absence.

32 | Queensland Landscape Life

Jenny offers an interesting take on the future of landscaping. She envisions a shift in the potential influence of AI through the rise of robot mowers. With changing climate patterns, the fate of irrigation systems becomes uncertain. In drought-prone times, some may opt for irrigation to preserve their landscapes, while others may weigh the costs against water restrictions.

On the flip side, during floods, the need for irrigation dwindles. Regardless, Jenny holds hope for stable weather patterns and emphasises the industry's need for adaptability. She advocates for promoting the positive environmental and mental health impacts of landscaping, honing leadership skills, and maintaining financial vigilance to ensure businesses' sustainability.

Reflecting on their journey, Jenny recalls in their early days, when defining their client base to their accountant, it was a challenge, with most projects being "one-offs."

However, their dedication and top-notch workmanship cultivated a dedicated client following. These loyal clients now trust Greenscape Gladstone implicitly, often foregoing quotes and simply saying, "go and do your magic." This mutual trust is underpinned by the assurance of a Landscape Queensland Contract with every project—a testament to their commitment to professionalism.

Jenny puts Greenscape Gladstone's longevity in the industry down to Jason's unwavering commitment to quality work and Jenny's resolute determination to lead a professional, trustworthy, and reliable team. When asked what advice she might give to any new entrants into the industry Jenny enthused that “you need to learn how to provide the highest standard of work and follow it through on every job, communicate and nurture your clients and employees, charge what you are worth!”

Today, Greenscape Gladstone stands tall with 15 acres of greenery, a fleet of 5 trucks and trailers, and a dedicated team of 10, including the dynamic duo of Jenny and Jason. Their diverse staff composition, now evenly balanced with five females and five males, reflects a positive shift in the business's attitude and dynamics.

In the ever-evolving world of landscaping, Greenscape Gladstone stands as a shining example of how to not just survive but thrive, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and the stunning landscapes of Gladstone.

Queensland Landscape Life | 33

TRANSFORMING WILDLIFE A COLLABORATION WITH AQUASCAPE AUSTRALIA AND WILDLIFE HQ ZOO

In the world of landscaping, we bear a profound responsibility that transcends mere aesthetics. It's a calling to create environments that not only enrich our lives but also pay homage to the extraordinary creatures who share our planet. LQ Supplier Member and Partner Aquascape Australia are dedicated to their work with Wildlife HQ, where every landscaping project becomes an opportunity to create a haven for the resident animals. This collaboration not only benefits the remarkable creatures under their care but also offers a pathway for aspiring Certified Aquascape Contractors to embark on a journey that harmonises human living spaces with the natural world.

Words and images: Aquascape Australia

34 | Queensland Landscape Life

In the heart of the picturesque Sunshine Coast, Wildlife HQ Zoo stands as a testament to dedication and a shared passion for both animals and nature. This unique haven, situated at the iconic Big Pineapple, hosts a diverse array of native and exotic animals from around the globe.

The journey of Wildlife HQ Zoo is a narrative akin to the legendary tale of Noah's Ark, led by the visionary Julie Seabrook and her devoted team of Keepers.

The story begins with the closure of Alma Park Zoo in March 2014, which made way for a housing development. Facing the challenge of relocating a remarkable ensemble of 200 animals, Julie Seabrook emerged as a modern-day Noah, orchestrating the move to their new sanctuary – Wildlife HQ Zoo. This feat involved not just packing belongings, but entire communities of creatures ranging from Indian Blackbucks to Red Pandas, South American monkeys to a bearcat, and even a pack of dingos. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter for both the animals and their dedicated caretakers.

Central to the Wildlife HQ story is the commitment to maintaining intricate social relationships within animal communities. Instead of dispersing these complex bonds to various locations, the decision was made to keep the animals together in their tightly-knit groups. This choice ensured their collective health, well-being, and the continuity of relationships nurtured over years. Beyond being a zoo, Wildlife HQ became a haven where these connections could thrive, and where keepers could continue their profound relationships with the animals they had worked alongside for so long.

Enter LQ Member Aquascape Australia, a renowned name in the realm of aquatic landscaping. Over the past seven years, their collaboration with Wildlife HQ Zoo has yielded astounding results. In particular, their dedicated Certified Aquascape Contractors (CACs) have orchestrated the creation of six distinct animal environments that have truly transformed the zoo's landscape.

Queensland Landscape Life | 35

The partnership has extended far beyond typical landscaping endeavours. Aquascape Australia's CACs have demonstrated their exceptional skill and understanding in building and designing enclosures that mimic the natural habitats of each animal. From dingos to capybaras and spider monkeys, each enclosure has been thoughtfully crafted to ensure the animals' comfort and well-being.

These enclosure builds are just one integral component of Aquascape Australia’s comprehensive training opportunities for both existing and new CACs. These collaborative builds at Wildlife HQ Zoo have served as advanced training workshops for CACs that want to enhance their skill sets in a hands-on environment. These collaborative builds paired with regular workshops and seminars ensure that the dedicated group of CACs that attend continue to provide and deliver projects to their customers that remain unmatched in the aquascape and landscaping industry.

The collaboration between Aquascape Australia and Wildlife HQ Zoo stands as a remarkable example of how expertise and passion can come together to create environments that honour the inhabitants and their intricate needs. This synergy has not only transformed the landscape but also enhanced the quality of life for the animals and deepened the connection between the zoo and its visitors.

For those captivated by this narrative of transformation, a comprehensive tour of these projects can be experienced on Greg Wittstock the Pond Guy's YouTube channel. This captivating journey showcases the remarkable achievements that have unfolded at Wildlife HQ Zoo through the lens of Aquascape Australia's expertise and innovation.

The story of Wildlife HQ Zoo shows how working together can make amazing things happen. It's a reminder that when people and nature come together in landscaping, it can result in something truly wonderful. The collaboration with Aquascape Australia and their CACs has not only reshaped physical landscapes but also enriched lives – both human and animal – in ways that continue to be an inspiration for all of us.

36 | Queensland Landscape Life

Incorporating Sustainability into your Landscape Design Words and images on this page: Dr Alan Chenoweth FAILA Reg LA FEIANZ CEnvP FAIH FPLA

Every aspect of the built environment, from airports to houses, from golf courses to domestic gardens, is increasingly challenged to be constructed and maintained in a more sustainable manner. There are many ways in which a landscape project can be designed to reduce energy use, enhance ecosystems, contribute to local culture, absorb runoff, use materials sustainably and multiple other pathways to sustainability. The ‘drivers’ for sustainable design are similarly diverse, ranging from client instructions or Council requirements to the designer’s green philosophy or the contractor’s efforts to reduce their environmental impacts.

Nationally and internationally, there are now sustainability policies, guidelines and rating tools for green and low-energy buildings (in Australia, examples are Green Star and NABERS) and low-impact infrastructure (e.g. the IS Rating Scheme), and for site development including parks, gardens and constructed landscapes, the most advanced scheme is the American SITES v2 Rating System for Sustainable Land Design and Development. Developers and corporate entities, as well as architects, engineers, landscape architects, builders and homeowners all want to ‘walk the talk’ on sustainability … to do something to reduce their impacts on the environment and to be seen to be doing so.

38 | Queensland Landscape Life

Sustainable landscape design can be addressed at multiple levels and to varying degrees, from the superficial (roof gardens on high-rise complexes) to the meaningful (site habitat restoration), and from single issues (such as water conservation) to a multi-layered approach.

An effective way to approach this (as per the USA Sustainable Sites Initiative) is to start with the existing site conditions – every site provides some ‘ecosystem services’ (the benefits which humans receive from ecosystems) such as absorbing runoff, supporting habitat, contributing to neighbourhood amenity and so on. Sustainable landscape design should aim to enhance, not reduce, these benefits.

Accordingly, the first layer of sustainable landscape design is to avoid or minimise the loss of ecosystem services provided by the site, or if these are or will be unavoidably degraded (such as by tree clearing), to offset those losses by providing new habitat, water absorption, contribution to the local community etc. The universal order of priorities in minimising environmental impacts (the mitigation hierarchy) is firstly to avoid any harm, then if that’s not possible, to mitigate/reduce the effects, then to restore/rehabilitate the degraded values; then as a last resort, to offset or compensate the detrimental impacts.

Above images: LQ Member Evolve Environmental Solutions; LQ Member Living Style Landscapes; LQ Member Waterscapes Australia

“

Importantly, sustainability is not an afterthought or an ‘add-on’ to projects but needs to be incorporated from the outset as a design objective which flows through decisions made at the design, construction and maintenance stages and these decisions need to be thoughtful and well considered.

The third layer relates to enhancing residents’ self-sufficiency (for example through permaculture) and contribution to the surrounding neighbourhood and local community, such as provision of community gardens, local education and awarenessraising. Sustainable gardens and landscaped sites can be a showcase and inspiration for others, especially if attractively designed, constructed and maintained.

The second layer of sustainable landscape design is to ensure that both construction and maintenance minimise the off-site environmental impacts of each project, by maximising the absorption of runoff and considering energy and water use, as well as specifying recycled (and recyclable) materials and avoiding materials which may cause site degradation elsewhere (such as ‘mossy bush rocks’). Effective landscape design can also enhance the environment of the site and surrounding areas by using plants which provide habitat, nesting/roosting and wildlife corridor opportunities for local native fauna.

Importantly, sustainability is not an afterthought or an ‘add-on’ to projects but needs to be incorporated from the outset as a design objective which flows through decisions made at the design, construction and maintenance stages and these decisions need to be thoughtful and well considered. Wishful thinking, such as planting untried or unsuitable species in the hope they will survive on site, or native trees which will grow too big for the site, can cause future maintenance or replacement issues, which are less environmentally sustainable than using appropriate plants in the first instance.

“

Queensland Landscape Life | 39

o compost

Compost 101

for soils

What is compost?

Compost is organic matter that has been through a controlled process of natural aerobic decomposition.

Compost products typically contain: • soil-conditioning organic matter and humus • beneficial micro-organisms • organic carbon • some immediate and slow release nutrients Good quality compost products are dark coloured with a sweet, natural earthy or ‘forest-floor’ smell. They are available commercially or can be made on farm.

There are compost products for a range of different situations or needs, including soil conditioners, mulch, biological enhancers and organic fertilisers.

Healthy plant growth Better water infiltration & retention Improved tilth & deeper soil

Healthy root growth Improved soil structure

Soil ‘Ped’ formation

pH buffering

Compost

Beneficial bacteria & fungi

Healthy soil biota

Soil carbon/ humus Increased stored soil carbon

Improved cation exchange

Disease suppression

Nutrient cycling

Nutrient holding & slow release

Compost improves soil health & boosts plant growth.

What is a soil conditioner?

The organic matter, humus and biological activity of composts can improve: • soil structure and tilth • soil health • fertility • nutrient holding capacity • moisture holding capacity

What is a mulch?

Mulches can be used for water conservation and weed control.

Larger woody particles that have been through the composting process can be screened into both fine and coarse mulches.

Composted mulches are typically ‘heat hardened’ and will last for a number of years after application.

They also contain microorganisms and some humus, which conditions the soil.

What are ‘biological’ enhancers?

Composts contain beneficial soil micro-organisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, protozoa) that can improve soil health and suppress plant diseases.

Composts with high levels of soil biota can also be used to make compost ‘teas’.

Composted Mulch Increased water infiltration

Moisture retention

More constant soil temperature

Healthy root growth Improved soil structure

Compost Increased soil carbon/ humus

Healthy soil biota

What is an organic fertiliser?

Although composts provide some nutrients which enhance soil fertility, they are not typically used as fertilisers, unless the composts have had higher nutrient feedstock or additives introduced.

At different stages of the composting process there are different levels of plant-available nutrients.

Typically, older and more matured composts will have more plant-available nutrients.

No Composted Mulch

More run off water loss & erosion

More weeds

Greater evaporation losses

Lower soil carbon & poorer structure

Composted mulch benefits your soil system.

What can composts do?

Composts can boost soil and plant health, and improve the resilience & productivity of farming systems. Composts typically produce the best results on poorer soils and in areas where water availability is a limiting factor.

The right compost product, used correctly, can: • improve soil structure, tilth and depth • conserve soil moisture • improve water infiltration • increase the nutrient and water holding capacity of soil • keep soil temperatures more constant; cooler in summer and warmer at night • improve soil health • suppress diseases. Beneficial bacteria, fungi and other biota in composts can compete with and even prey on pathogenic fungi and bacteria

• provide slow release nutrients for plants • promote the cycling of nutrients by soil micro-organisms, building & maintaining a stock of plant-available nutrients • reduce the need for fertilisers & pesticides • improve root and plant growth. In turn, improved root and plant growth provides organics to the soil which builds soil carbon, soil biology and soil structure and depth. Compost can be used as a starter with periodic ‘booster’ applications to build and maintain healthy soils.

The actual attributes and performance of compost products will depend on their quality and the ways in which they are used.

o compost for soils

A program of the Australian Organics Recycling Association Limited

For more information and a list of quality suppliers, go to

www.compostforsoils.com.au the resource for compost producers and users

© Compost for Soils

Erosion & Sediment Control in Landscaping Since 1994, the realm of environmental legislation has woven a complex tapestry, encompassing developers, builders, and, of course, landscapers. These regulations serve as the guardians of our precious environment, and over time, they've evolved and streamlined their protective measures. Sadly, some updates have been prompted by the missteps of industry stakeholders. In this ever-changing landscape, staying updated can be a challenge.

Yet, as the landscaping industry is intrinsically tied to environmental preservation, it's incumbent upon us to not only adhere to these regulations but also to embrace best practice on our worksites. In doing so, we don't just comply with the law—we become stewards of the very environments we transform.

There are 2 primary duties that apply to everyone in Queensland: General Environmental Duty (GED) – not to carry out an activity that may cause harm without taking measures to prevent or minimise the harm Duty to notify of environmental harm – to inform the relevant authority and landowners when environmental harm has occurred or might occur 44 | Queensland Landscape Life

To assist contractors in meeting erosion and sediment control requirements, numerous online resources are readily available. These include user-friendly factsheets and compliance guidelines, accessible via mobile devices for on-site convenience.

Key reasonable and practical measures that can be implemented by landscape contractors to comply with their GED include Implementing an erosion and sediment control plan (ESC Plan) Conduct an effective monitoring program that measures and records the quality of all releases to stormwater and waterways Regularly review controls on site, maintain and adapt them as necessary, particularly after heavy rain or following vandalism The ESC Plan should include consideration and mitigation of the following risks: All weather site access – accounting for both mud and dust issues. Consider use of sediment fencing, 40mm stone on-site entry/exit points, use of soil binding agents Covering stockpiles on site – they should not be located on the footpath/council land Keeping grass/soil cover on council verges intact Containing all wash-water from concreting, paver/tile cutting, painting activities

Local councils frequently offer valuable resources on their websites, including information and links pertaining to erosion and sediment regulations specific to their geographical regions. These resources prove invaluable to contractors venturing beyond their usual operating zones, providing essential guidance for compliance.

Furthermore, it's worth noting that certain councils may mandate the submission of ESC design and inspection certificates, with requirements varying according to the project's scale.

Handy Resources Water By Design ESC Checklist for House Sites Water By Design ESC Fact Sheet

Further Information

Building Sites Part 1

Australian Government

Building Sites Part 2

Brisbane City Council – Erosion

Building Sites Part 3

Brisbane City Council - Stormwater

General environmental duty (GED) To decide how to meet your general environmental duty, you need to think about the: Nature of the harm or potential harm – for example, how severe is the potential environmental harm?

Sensitivity of the environment you are operating in – for example, are you operating near a protected area, waterway or sensitive habitat?

Current state of technical knowledge for the activity – for example, what is the current best practice for the activity?

Likelihood of possible measures being successful – for example, how likely are different measures to successfully prevent or minimise environmental harm?

Financial implications of taking different measures – for example, will taking certain prevention measures rather than others mean your activity is not commercially viable?

Photo credit: Polyfabrics Resources with permission: Catchments & Creeks; Water by Design

Gold Coast City Council - Stormwater Gold Coast City Council – Operational Works Sunshine Coast Regional Council - Erosion Sunshine Coast Regional Council Stormwater Sunshine Coast Council - Environment Cairns Regional Council Douglas Shire Council Fraser Coast Regional Council Gladstone Regional Council Ipswich City Council Moreton Bay Regional Council - Coming Soon Lockyer Valley Regional Council Logan City Council Mackay Regional Council Redland City Council Rockhampton Regional Council Scenic Rim Regional Council Toowoomba Regional Council Townsville City Council Whitsunday Regional Council Queensland Landscape Life | 45

Leading innovator in geosynthetic solutions for the civil engineering, landscaping and construction industries.

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mastaVAULT® Urban Tree Cambletown, NSW

polyfabrics.com.au

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ABOUT US

QUALITY ASSURANCE

QPRO Concrete Sleepers is a family-owned Australian Company, purchased by the WRB Group August 2018. QPRO Concrete Sleepers specialize in manufacturing concrete sleepers for retaining walls used in civil construction & landscaping environments.

QPRO Concrete Sleepers are committed to manufacturing quality products & supplying superior concrete sleepers to suit our client base.

At QPro Concrete Sleepers we have

At QPro Concrete wechecks: have six quality six quality Sleepers assurance ·Overfilling of tins ·Mould Damage ·Steel Post Quality

·Crack Tolerance ·Chip Allowance ·Damaged Sleeper Ends

Within the QPRO Team there are team leaders that visibly check all QA daily to ensure our products are to Australian Standards.

·AS4678-2002 Earth Retaining Structures ·AS/NZ1170.0-2002 Structural design actions – General Principles QPro Concrete sleepers supply over 3000 ·AS/NZ1170.0 -2011 Structural Design Actions – customers per month, not including retail. To Wind Actions achieve this QPRO are the largest ·AS3600-2009 Concrete Structures QPRO Concrete is Australia. a family-owned Australian Company, by manufacturer of concreteSleepers sleepers in ·AS/NZ2312-2002 Guide topurchased the protection of the WRB Group August 2018. QPROstructural Concrete Sleepers specialize in steel against atmospheric Corrosion by the use of protective manufacturing concrete sleepers for retaining walls used incoatings. civil construction &

landscaping environments.

CONTACT 07 3154 6325 qproconcretesleepers.com.au sales@qproconcretesleepers.com.au

40 South Pine Road, Brendale QLD 4500

Have a conversation using these 4 steps

1 2 3 4

How are you travelling?

You don’t seem yourself lately – want to talk about it?

Ask R U OK? I’m here to listen if you want to talk more.

Have you been feeling this way for a while?

Listen What do you think is a first step that would help you through this?

Have you spoken to your doctor about this?

Encourage action Just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing?

Check in Learn more at ruok.org.au

Have things improved for you since we last spoke?

Make staying connected and asking R U OK? part of your everyday Start by asking, ‘are you OK?’ No, I’m not OK.

Yes, I’m fine.

Dig a bit deeper:

But your gut says they’re not:

“What’s been happening?”

“It’s just that you don’t seem to be your usual self lately.”

“Have you been feeling this way for a while?”

“I’m always here if you want to chat.”

“I’m ready to listen if you want to talk.”

“Is there someone else you’d rather talk to?”

Listen with an open mind Encourage action and offer support “How can I help?”

“Have you thought about seeing your doctor?”

“What would help take the pressure off?”

Make time to check in “Let’s chat again next week.”

ruok.org.au

Scoring system No = 0 Sometimes = 1 Most of the time = 3 Always = 4

As a business operator, you need to be aware of your health and safety responsibilities, and identify risks and control hazards at your workplace. Use this checklist to help you understand what you need to do to comply with the WHS laws.

Score 1-4 1.

Do you have a risk assessment procedure and a tool to assess risk?

2.

Is there a process for consulting workers about health and safety issues?

3.

Do you keep records of consultation on health and safety matters?

4.

Do you inspect your workplace regularly and keep records?

5.

Do you have processes for reporting hazards and risks?

6.

Have you risk-assessed your plant and equipment?

7.

Have you developed safe work procedures?

8.

Have you got records of training of your workers in safe work procedures?

9.

Are electrical leads and power boards checked and tagged as safe?

10.

Do you ensure that you do not place workers into work that they cannot perform safely?

11.

Do you regularly check to ensure that workers are working safely?

12.

Do you keep records when you monitor worker safety?

13.

Have you a chemical register?

14.

Have you got a safety data sheet for each chemical?

15.

Have you done a risk assessment on your hazardous chemicals?

16.

Have you risk-assessed the movement of traffic on your site?

17.

Have you got evidence that your workers hold the appropriate licenses for their work?

18.

Do you have safe work procedures for working at height?

19.

Do you have a process for reporting and recording incidents?

20.

Do you have an emergency response plan?

21.

Do you first aid officers hold a Level 2 certificate?

22.

Do you know when to appoint a return to work (RTW) coordinator?

23.

Do you do prestart inspections on your plant and equipment and keep a record of this?

24.

Do you risk assess new work sites prior to commencing work?

25.

Do you keep records of your risk assessments?

CALCULATE YOUR TOTAL SCORE 0 – 25%

Your compliance level to WHS law is very low.

You are at high risk of prosecution

%

26-50%

51-75%

76-100%

Your level of compliance to WHS law is low and you should actively work to improve your compliance

You are obviously making an effort to comply with the WHS laws. Further effort will reduce your risk of prosecution.

You must be working hard to comply with the WHS laws. Well done!

This will highlight the areas that you can further improve.

Masula Compliance is a boutique Brisbane-based consultancy that specialises in the provision of human resource, quality, environment and work health and safety expertise to both the private and public sectors.

We have partnered with Landscape Queensland Industry Association to offer their members an exclusive range of services at a discounted price. These resources have been developed specifically for the landscaping industry in the areas of work health and safety, quality and environment (WHSEQ) and human resource (HR) management.

Compliance documentation

Employee handbooks

Compliance reviews

Online training

Compliance documentation consists of policies, procedures, forms and templates to enable management to understand and implement compliance requirements. There are three options for compliance documentation packs: ▪

WHSEQ pack for landscaping construction

▪

WHSEQ pack for lawn and garden maintenance

▪

HR management pack

Employee handbooks are designed to communicate workers' key requirements and responsibilities to new staff. There are three options for compliance documentation packs: ▪

WHSEQ induction

▪

HR induction

▪

WHSEQ and HR induction combined

An external set of eyes can be invaluable to understanding your organisation’s compliance level.

Compliance reviews can provide you with an understanding of where your organisation currently sits and where there is room for improvement. Compliance reviews focus on either WHSEQ compliance or human resource compliance.

We are excited to be working on online training solutions for Landscape Queensland Members. These training modules are aimed at providing convenient and easy-to-manage solutions for WHSEQ and HR Induction as well as specific training in industry-relevant hazard topics. Records of completion and understanding assessments are easily generated and tracked taking the hassle out of worker onboarding and training.

To find out more about LQ member rates for HR and WHS contact Masula Compliance on 07 3348 3666 or info@masulacompliance.com.au or contact the LQ Office on 1300 883 966.

PLANTING THEMES WITH LQ NURSERY MEMBERS In our previous issue of Queensland Landscape Life, we explored the profound impact of thoughtful planting designs on our outdoor spaces. We emphasised that a well-conceived garden or landscape is more than just a patchwork of greenery amidst hardscape elements.

It is an intricate dance of botanical elements that infuses life, vitality, and purpose into every corner of the outdoors.

In this edition, we continue with more fantastic options for several popular planting themes that have been embraced by contractors in Queensland: Hampton: This theme exudes a semi-formal to formal aesthetic, characterised by its emphasis on axis lines, symmetry, layering and hedging in glossy greens.

Contemporary: Bold, minimalist, and architectural, this theme showcases the beauty of succulents and cacti, providing a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape.

Tropical: Embracing a leafy ambience with vibrant tropical colours and a cooling effect, this theme features plants such as heliconia, palms and elephant ears that transport you to a lush paradise.

Palm Springs: Combining elements of both tropical and contemporary styles, this theme incorporates fan palms to create a unique blend of exotic and modern aesthetics.

Native: Celebrating Australia's natural beauty, this theme focuses on bird-attracting plants and indigenous species like banksia, callistemon, eucalyptus, grevilleas and grasses, creating a harmonious habitat for local wildlife.

Blooming Colour: From vibrant pops of colour to the charm of mixed cottage garden annuals, this theme highlights the joy, beauty and colour found in an array of flowering plants.

We thank our industry nurseries and artisan growers who have shared their insights, knowledge and expertise to inspire and guide you in creating appealing and trendsetting planting designs for your projects.

52 | Queensland Landscape Life

Hamptons Planting WITH

Hampton styling focuses on a traditional semi-formal and elegant style. It links very closely and blends with the state's Traditional Queenslanders. Weatherboard, stone and soft greys tend to dominate this style. LQ Supplier member Greenstock Nurseries recommends a considered selection of plants that will compliment this architectural style and are likely to include some of the following species; Magnolia, Camellia, Crepe Myrtle, Gardenia, Dwarf Hedging with Mock Orange, Agapanthus, Indian Hawthorn and the fragrant Star Jasmine.

‘MAGNOLIA TEDDY BEAR’

Magnolia Grandiflora - Dark green glossy leaf, with chocolate suede underside, are the distinctive elements of this formal upright tree to appx. 4 metres. It has a giant white open flower. A great feature or thick high screen.

‘AGAPANTHUS’

Agapanthus praecox - This dark green lilly comes in many forms of size from 200mm – 400mm with either white or mauve flowers in summer. They will thrive in almost any condition but best with heavy water in Spring/Summer. Excellent border plants and also go well planted between shrubs, and will spread wide.

ORANGE JESSAMINE

Murraya paniculata - A tried and tested hedge that is dark green with lime new growth. Great for privacy with growth up to 4m. Can be planted in full sun or partial shade. Responds well to regular pruning and can be shaped to desired height and shape. Produces beautifully scented flowers.

‘SOCIETY GARLIC’

Tulbaghia species - Clumping grass-like plant to about 300mm x 300mm with mauve flowers in spring and summer. Lovely ground cover and far tougher than it’s name suggests.

FRENCH LAVENDER

Lavandula detata - With gray-green leaves emitting a delightful lavender scent when touched, Blossoms in summer with tall spikes of fragrant lavender-purple flowers, drawing in bees and butterflies. Thriving in well-drained soil and full sun. Grows to about 1m in height and 1.5m in width.

Queensland Landscape Life | 53

Australian Native Planting

with

Incorporating native plants into your landscape not only adds to its natural beauty but also brings a multitude of advantages.

These hardy plants, well-adapted to local bioregions, flourish in low-water and low-fertiliser environments. They serve as a welcoming haven for wildlife, curbing the necessity for pesticides and thwarting invasive weeds. Furthermore, their presence contributes to the preservation of biodiversity. Following on from our last edition's list, we explore a curated selection of top native plant choices from LQ supplier member and Award partner Wallum Nurseries.

Breynia oblongifolia "Coffee Bush" A pioneer shrub species that is well suited to many different environments, ranging from rainforest to arid zones. Commonly named the 'Coffee Bush', this attractive shrub supports a wide range of local fauna. Grows up to 3m high and 2m wide with a narrow arching form.

Austromyrtus dulcis "'Midgenberry" A favourite bushtucker plant that offers a bounty of sweet small berries from late Summer to Autumn, attracting birds, bees and plenty of mammals to your planting area. This long-lived shrub grows up to 1m high and wide and is adaptable to full sun, low light and a range of soil conditions.

Xanthostemon chrysanthus "Golden Penda" This spectacular rainforest tree is known for its large clusters of golden flowers between Summer to Autumn. A beloved street tree of Brisbane, the 'Golden Penda' is a desirable addition to any park, garden or street planting. These trees are widely adaptable but most well suited to warmer climates and well-drained soils. Grows up to 12m high and 10m wide in cultivation, however in natural areas, it can grow up to 15m tall.

Imperata cylindrica "'Cogon Grass"

A long lived, rhizomatous grass which is perfect for quick and easy erosion control. Traditionally valued as a useful fibre and food source by Indigenous communities, this versatile grass is suitable for many different environmental conditions and usually grows to about 1 metre.

Melaleuca thymifolia "Thyme Honey Myrtle" The 'Thyme Honey Myrtle' is a frequently flowering shrub with clusters of intricate purple flowers that are attractive to birds, bees and butterflies. This low-maintenance shrub is long-lived and adaptable to most mild climates with access to full or partial sun and where the soil is well watered. Grows up to 1m high and 2m wide.

54 | Queensland Landscape Life

Planting

with

As we head into the warmer months, the idea of indulging in the breathtaking beauty and tranquil serenity of a tropical-themed landscape design is a dream for many Australians. Best of all, tropical planting is tailor-made for Queensland's climate, thriving in our sun-soaked region. In this edition, LQ supplier member and Awards partner, Plantmark Wholesale Nurseries, has expanded further on some handpicked tropical treasures. These plants not only evoke the essence and splendour of a resort-style oasis but also provide essential privacy and a refreshing cooling effect during the scorching summer months. Dive into this tropical paradise and transform your clients outdoor space into a lush, luxurious haven.

CORDYLINE SP. "CABBAGE PALM" Strappy, evergreen plants with glossy, broad leaves in a range of colours, great for adding colour contrast and lushness. The leaves are often variegated, with bold stripes. Prefers a shady, sheltered spot and plenty of water.

Grows to approx. 30-60cm H x W

STRELITZIA REGINAE "BIRD OF PARADISE" A striking architectural plant with large, broad green foliage growing up to 1.5m high.

The exotic flower heads in orange and blue give the plant its name and bloom for large parts of the year. Another larger alternative, growing up to 6m is Strelitzia nicolai, boasting giant white flowers. Grows to approx. 1-2m H x 2-4m W.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX CUNNINGHAMIANA "BANGALOW PALM" One of the most popular native palms. Great for planting in groups as well as a focal point in a tropical-themed garden. A tall, narrow, upright palm with a slender, grey trunk and long fronds up to 3m.

Grows up to 10-25m H x 2-4m W.

ALPINIA ZERUMBET "SHELL GINGER" With attractive, bright lush foliage Shell Ginger is great used as an accent plant or as an understorey for taller, tropical plants. Some varieties are variegated with beautiful detailing, providing contrast to other greenery. Grows up to 2-4m H x W.

CLIVIA SP. "BUSH LILY" Showy, large trumpet-shaped flowers in bright colours such as orange, yellow, cream and red give Clivias a distinct, tropical look. The flowers add colour contrast and stand out against the dark green, strappy leaves and other greenery. Use for a splash of tropical colour in garden beds. Can be planted under tree canopies and are perfect for dry, shady positions. Grows up to 3060cm H x W. Queensland Landscape Life | 55

COLOUR BLOOMING COLOUR

WITH

As Spring graces us with its presence, our gardens burst forth in vibrant hues, becoming a source of delight for both us and our avian companions. In this edition, Pohlmans picks up where we left off, offering a comprehensive guide to infusing colour into your projects.

Additionally, Pohlmans share exciting updates on what exciting pots of colour will be on the horizon in 2024.

Hibiscus

Elevate landscapes with vibrant hibiscus plants, showcasing large, colourful blooms. These versatile beauties are perfect for hedges, screening, and landscaping, reaching heights of up to 2m. They bloom from Spring to Autumn, requiring moderate watering once established and thrive in full sun to semi-shade conditions. Plant in well-drained soil, maintain regular pruning and provide consistent fertilisation for optimal results.

Geranium Big Red Still the #1 selling geranium in the world, the calliope Big Red geranium is bred for performance, large flowers and a long-lasting/flowering period. Continues to perform all year round. The news series from Dummen Orange, and Santana series due in 2024 will also add to the range of colours available. Geraniums bring a sense of Mediterranean feel to any landscape project. Interspecific breeding gives it stronger genetics and better performance.

African Marigold Elevate landscapes with medium-height marigolds, perfect for floral arrangements. This mix features large, fully double African marigolds in vibrant shades. Low maintenance; grow in well-drained soil. Deadhead spent flowers for prolonged blooms. Plant height can reach up to and around 25cm wide. Keep in full sun and beautify outdoor spaces effortlessly.

Coleus

Long seen as a bedding annual, the coleus range from Dummen orange ‘the Main streets ’ are bred for garden and landscape performance. These mounding plants make an amazing display of colour which is a low-maintenance solution for the shade. A multitude of colours and shades makes a great statement in large pots or under tree plantings. Robust habit, late to flower and can handle some sun. Beale street with its rich burgundy leaf is a real winner

Petunias Kalanchoe Petunias, known for their wide, trumpet-shaped flowers and versatile foliage in various species and colours, are the perfect way to infuse vibrant hues into summer gardens. These hardy plants can thrive in full sun or partial shade, with some species spreading up to 100cm wide and heights of up to 40cm. They make excellent ground cover or container plants. In 2024, Pohlmans will introduce a groundbreaking petunia range from Dummen Orange, poised to revolutionise petunia gardening by defeating Tomato Mosaic virus losses.

56 | Queensland Landscape Life

WHO IS LANDSCAPE QUEENSLAND? Landscape Queensland is a Not for Profit Industry Association that’s been operating for 40 years. In that time we’ve focused on lifting the profile and standards of our industry. We support landscape and garden maintenance businesses throughout the state and promote the importance and benefits of landscaping as well as career and training pathways for the broader industry. Members benefit from a range of services, products and events that have been developed specifically for the small business owner in the landscape industry.

Landscape Queensland is the only industry association in this state focused on representing the landscape industry at all levels of government on the issues relevant to our industry.

JOIN LANDSCAPE QUEENSLAND AND ADD CREDIBILITY TO YOUR BUSINESS WHILST SUPPORTING THE ORGANISATION THAT SUPPORTS YOUR INDUSTRY.

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