Dry rainforest species with potential for urban forests

For over 35 years Phil Holzknecht has experimented with practical ways to propagate and establish dry rainforest species in agricultural, residential and natural landscapes. Much of his initial investigation was conducted in and around southeast Queensland’s rain shadow areas of Gatton and Ipswich so his methods adopt low water-use techniques. As one of a team of volunteer landcarers working with the Friends of Lake Apex, Phil was responsible for the founding and establishment of the Dry Rainforest Arboretum at Gatton in 2004, a community project funded by the Greening Lockyer Projects and Powerlink. The arboretum showcases dry rainforest species which previously grew throughout SEQ’s Lockyer Valley. In his presentation Phil will show how knowledge gained and methods developed over this time can be applied to establish trees more widely, as demonstrated by more recent projects in South Australia. He will discuss species which have proven resilient in SEQ and which are likely to be suited to more widespread planting in the region and elsewhere. He will also share insights and ideas that might inform further trials and investigations of species, with the view to improving urban forests, urban living conditions and wildlife habitats.