A General Meeting of the Society will be held at 7.30pm, Tuesday 6 May 2025 at Level 1, 28 Fortescue Street, Spring Hill 4000 and at the same time via teleconferencing, using Zoom. To register for the General Meeting, please go to the online registration for the May lecture, or phone the Society. The business of the meeting is to consider the resolution to change auditors. Voting will be by show of hands, and using the chat on Zoom. The proposed resolution is:

that Pilot Partners Pty Ltd be removed as auditor of The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland Ltd and that Independent Audit Services Pty Ltd be appointed as the Society’s auditor

Council recommends that the Society change to a less expensive auditor. The Finance Committee received three quotes and carried out interviews. Council accepted the Committee’s recommendation that we put to members that the Society’s audit be carried out by Independent Audit Services. Changing auditors needs a resolution to be passed at a General Meeting of members. The meeting will be held immediately prior to the May lecture commencing . Depending on questions from members, we are expecting the General Meeting to be very short.

If you have registered to attend the lecture via Zoom, the lecture link will be emailed to all registrants closer to the lecture date. This lecture may be recorded. If you have any questions, please email us at info@rgsq.org.au.

Our Young Geographers social event for May will feature an opportunity to chill out over an evening of drinks, networking and our monthly table topics discussion. Join us 6pm Friday 9th May at Darling & Co, Paddington for a chance to catch up with colleagues, meet new geographers in Brisbane and engage your mind with our monthly discussion topic. Drinks and food are available to purchase from the restaurant (view menu).

On 25 March this year, the Queensland Government issued the 2032 Delivery Plan detailing infrastructure development plans for Brisbane in preparation to host the Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2032. Among major touted developments are the construction of a new stadium at Victoria Park (Barrambin) and an aquatic center at Spring Hill, the demolition of the Gabba Stadium, and broader transportation development around the games' main venues. This has important economic, social, environmental and cultural implications like increased job and investment opportunities, changes to the way residents experience the city, loss of green spaces through land use change and ramifications for sites of cultural significance. Some references that may be useful in preparing for this month's discussion include:

• Brisbane Development article summarising developments being planned for the 2032 Olympics with embedded 100-Day Review Document (Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority) and 2032 Delivery Plan (Queensland Government): https://brisbanedevelopment.com.au/olympic-plan-locked-in-brisbane-stadium-national-aquatic-centre-and-gabba-renewal/

• Victoria Park's brand new 2032 Olympics stadium: UQ experts weigh in - University of Queensland. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/victoria-parks-brand-new-2032-olympics-stadium-gekic

• Brisbane 2032 is no longer legally bound to be ‘climate positive’. Will it still leave a green legacy? By Marcus Froth. https://theconversation.com/brisbane-2032-is-no-longer-legally-bound-to-be-climate-positive-will-it-still-leave-a-green-legacy-246672

Coming to a Young Geographers event is a great way to catch up with geography-loving pals you haven't seen in a while and make new friends in Brisbane. Our events are specifically designed for students and early-to-mid career professionals in geography to meet, grow and build community. But if you're not a geographer, don't stress. Regardless of your background or job, if you have an interest in learning more about the places, people and the environment that make up our world, you're always welcome to join us. 

Photographs and videos may be taken during RGSQ events for use in promotional materials including, but not limited to, the RGSQ website, social media channels, newsletters and other publications. By attending an RGSQ event, you consent to the use of your likeness for these purposes, unless you inform the event organizer or photographer otherwise. Click here for more information. 

Presenter: Dr Lisa-Ann Kershaw

Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin is a biologist based in Launceston, Tasmania, who has described over 200 species of jellyfish, and written and co-authored several non-fiction books about Cnidaria (jellyfish and allies) including Stung! (2013) and Jellyfish – A Natural History (2016). She provides independent advice related to jellyfish worldwide to the media, online and via The Jellyfish App. Lisa was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Australia, and awarded a PhD from James Cook University in Queensland in 2005. She is currently pursuing another PhD at the University of Tasmania. Dr Kershaw will be joined in conversation by Alexandra de Blas.

Alexandra de Blas is an award-winning science journalist, broadcaster, film maker and communications professional. Her boutique consultancy, de Blas Communications, has a particular focus on the environment, climate change and agriculture. During the eight years she ran Earthbeat, ABC Radio National’s weekly environment show, she received gongs including the 3rd World Water Forum Journalist’s prize, Japan and the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Award. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree and First Class Honours in Environmental Studies. The SBS Dateline on the controversy surrounding Alexandra’s thesis on the Mt Lyell Copper Mine received a Walkey Award and the Peter Hunt Eureka Award for Environmental Journalism.

Jellyfish. Cold. Jiggly. Spineless, brainless, with no visible means of support. Whether we wrinkle our nose in disgust or run with our arms flailing in the wind in fear, most of us react negatively to the sight of jellyfish. Considering how much time beach-loving Australians spend near the water, we are bound to interact with jellyfish at some point. And of course, some, like the world's most venomous animal, the deadly box jellyfish, and the Irukandjis, are well worth staying clear of. But is terrorizing humans the only arrow in their quiver?

In November and December 2024, and January 2025, southern Tasmania experienced a cascade of three unprecedented back-to-back blooms of jellyfish and related species, followed by an unprecedented bacterial outbreak, crippling of the Tasmanian salmon industry. Are these related? What lessons can we learn about a warmer future?

Some have suggested harvesting jellyfish. Is this a good idea? And what about the chocolate connection? Won't this be fun?

When: 13 May 2025

Time: 7:30 - 8:30 pm 

Location: Zoom Only

Please note: The ZOOM link for this event is included in the confirmation email which you will receive once you have registered. You will find it at the bottom of the notice Please keep this in a place where you can find it when needed. A reminder email will be sent with the link on the day of the event close to Close of Business hours.

This event may be recorded. If you have any questions, please email us at info@rgsq.org.au.

If you find this 1692 map intriguing, think what's in store for you when we visit the Queensland State Library.  They have a treasure trove that we will be able to dive into at a "behind-the-scenes" visit with a Specialist Librarian.  We hope you will join us.  Meet at the entrance to the State Library at 9.45am. 

Lunch will be optional after the library visit, at a venue to be confirmed.  Registrants will be advised of the lunch option closer to the visit.

Cost:-   RGSQ Members $10:00.  Non-members $15.00.  Register and pay via the website.  Registrations close on Sunday 11 May 2025.

Coordinator:-  Kay Rees

Photographs and videos may be taken during RGSQ events for use in promotional materials including, but not limited to, the RGSQ website, social media channels, newsletters and other publications. By attending an RGSQ event, you consent to the use of your likeness for these purposes, unless you inform the event organizer or photographer otherwise. 

Speakers: 

Teah Hammet, a final year Built Environment and Science student at QUT and Junior Urbanist at Ethos Urban. She is passionate about planning for sustainable and inclusive communities, which has led her to studying abroad at TU Delft in the Netherlands and working for advocacy organisations such as Sweltering Cities. An advocate for the next generation of planners, Teah was on the QUT Planning Students Association Executive Committee from 2022-2024, and is the 2025 Student Lead of PIA’s Queensland Emerging Planners Committee. She believes in the pivotal role young planners play in driving meaningful, systemic, and sustainable change, and is dedicated to seeing this vision out throughout her career.

Callum Rimer, a transport planner with Brisbane City Council. Callum is a young, passionate transport planner. Having grown up in the busy city of Sydney, Callum has always had a keen interest and passion for cities and the way people move around. This enthusiasm has led him to undertake a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning at QUT, where he graduated in 2023. Currently, Callum is working on the development and implementation of the Brisbane Metro project, primarily involved in the network planning, community consultation and implementation of Brisbane’s New Bus Network. Working in this role has helped him gain a greater understanding of community engagement and education, and the importance of balancing community want and political desires to shape beneficial outcomes for the future.

Georgia Bergin, Graduate Placemaking Consultant with Fourfold Studios. As a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Urban Development (Honours) (Urban and Regional Planning), Georgia is fascinated by the principles of placemaking and human behaviour; seeking to tailor the built environment to promote social and physical wellbeing. With a combined love for big-picture thinking, public speaking and collaborating with others, Georgia is enthusiastic about connecting communities to places through authentic engagement.

Moderator: Dr Mark Limb

Challenges facing the future city are as complex as they are serious. From the impacts of climate change to the social and economic effects of spiralling levels of inequality, sustainably and responsibly managing urban development is critical to future wellbeing. It is the young who will benefit or suffer from the decisions made today that shape the future city. However, their voices and visions for sustainable urban environments are often conspicuously absent.

This seminar offers a unique opportunity to hear from young planners about the future of the city and its management. It brings together three young planners, two recent graduates and a current student planner, with experience in both public and private sector urban planning. The speakers will compare the idealised approaches of “textbook” planning, with their observations from early professional practice. They also offer their perspectives on key urban issues, their solutions, and how this compares with existing approaches to urban management.

Each speaker will have 8 minutes to spotlight their work. During the Q&A forum the audience will have up to 60 minutes to ask questions of the experts on their research.

Light refreshments are served on arrival. This is a chance to network with colleagues and friends interested in this topic.

Please post your questions on notice to:

Email questionsonnotice@gmail.com

Date: Tuesday 27 May

Time:  5:30 pm light refreshments – doors open @ 5:15 

             6:00 – 6:30 pm Presentations

             6:30 – 7:30 Q&A Forum

             7:30 – 8:00 Mingling 

Place: Gregory Place, Level 1, 28 Fortescue St. Spring Hill 

Cost: $5.00 for refreshments, included in registration. 

Cost: $5.00 Members 

          $10.00 Non-Members 

          Free Students 

Join us for the opportunity to visit:

• The Mooloolah River Land care, Native Plant Nursery and Sunshine Coast Bio control Facility.  with Jessica Raintree, Project Officer   2671 Steve Irwin Way Glenview
• University of Sunshine Coast –Lunch with Uni SC Geographers

When Tuesday 3 June 2025

Bus   7.45 for 8.00 departure Bus stop 27 at 15 Park Ave Clayfield (near Eagle Junction Rail station)

9.30 Landsborough Bring own Morning Tea

10-11 Mooloolah Land Care See and hear where the community works together to improve the health of the river, its catchment and the natural ecosystems of the Sunshine Coast. Learn about current projects Bugs and Bio control   eg. control of Cat’s claw creeper and Madeira Vine. Cane toad

12 Noon   Lunch    University of Sunshine Coast   Sippy Downs (Own cost not included)  

Choice: BYO OR   pre order from Café C Menu (Sandwiches, Quiche and Salad, Burrito bowl with chips, Nachos, Burger and chips etc Max $15)

12.30 to 2pm   :Theme:  Thinking Geography in Interesting Times

• ·         Professor Patrick Nunn,-thinking with Large Ocean Geographies
• ·         Associate Professor Harriot  Beasly- International Development and sustainable development
• ·         Professor Jen Carter , The urgency of Geography
• ·         Dr Theresa Ashford- Geography as an ethical practice-thinking through place and space relations.

2.15 Depart

3.45 Arrive Approx. Park Ave Clayfield

Cost   ex Brisbane (Bus) $50 members   $60 non members

           Sunshine Coast (own transport) $10 members  $20 non-members  (join at Mooloolah or USC).

The cost also includes a donation to Mooloolah Landcare.

25 Registrants   from Brisbane

5 Registrants from Sunshine Coast

Register and Pay by 26 May 2025    

Participants please note. The outing involves bus travel up to 90 mins. There is seating at the Seed Pod

Please wear closed shoes, sun safe clothing, and hat. Bring water and camera.

A wait list is available if fully booked. Vacancies often occur close to the event.

Presented by David Staines

With an aptitude towards natural sciences and drawing, David Staines commenced a career in Cartography with the Qld Department of Mapping and Surveying in 1976; not realising one day he would be utilising Geographic Information Systems (GIS) on a pilot research project in parts of Brisbane, Logan, and Redland City (SE-Qld) mapping koala habitat. This involved the technologies of remote sensing data, digital map information linked to biological analysis of koala faecal pellet counts under gum trees. The results was several datasets/maps of tree species used by the koala for food and shelter.

The project was such resounding success the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) decided in 1995 to create a Koala Habitat Atlas over the entire koala’s geographical range which was completed in 2018. Today, David is living the dream maintaining the completed Koala Habitat Atlas for the AKF.

Come along to listen to this presentation about the history and future directions of the AKF and its aims to save the wild Koalas and their habitat.

Cost:-   RGSQ Members $5:00.  Non-members $10.00 which includes a special morning tea.  This presentation will be available on Zoom.  Register and pay via the website.

Coordinator:-  Len Lowry

Photographs and videos may be taken during RGSQ events for use in promotional materials including, but not limited to, the RGSQ website, social media channels, newsletters and other publications. By attending an RGSQ event, you consent to the use of your likeness for these purposes, unless you inform the event organizer or photographer otherwise. Click here for more information. 

Have you ever driven the full length of the Mary Valley – from Booroobin (near Maleny) to River Heads (near Maryborough)? Are you aware of the Borumba Pumped Hydro project? Did you know the native fish are having to compete with an invasive species, Telopia?   How can the "punk" "bum-breathing" Mary River turtle be protected? What is happening with train manufacturing in Maryborough?

Find out this and more with a self-drive/tagalong trip along the valley from 28 July to 31 July. It will finish with an optional whale-watching cruise in Hervey Bay.

As part of the geotour, a forum is being organised in Imbil with a range of speakers talking about local issues of geographical interest.  The town of Imbil is near the southern end of the valley.

See map of the catchment area below.

The trip will start in Imbil on Monday 28 July and overnight in Gympie, Maryborough and Hervey Bay / River Heads. Accommodation will be in caravan parks with cabins

The cost is expected to be up to $50 to cover coast of venue hire in Imbil plus other expenses.  The whale-watching cruise is additional and  may be up to $200, depending on whether it is half-day or full-day.

Participants will pay their own accommodation, vehicle costs and meals. Also, participants will need to make their own accommodation bookings.  Preferred caravan parks with cabins will be advised when registration is opened.

For insurance purposes, participants will need to be members of RGSQ.

A final posting for the Geotour providing for registration will be available in May. If you are interested. please indicate now.

Whale-watching cruise: 
Please indicate on the registration form whether or not you would be interested in a whale watching cruise. Half Day (about $130) or Full Day (about $200).

This registration for Expression of Interest only. No payment is due at this time.

Geotour Coordinator for RGSQ Traveller: Ralph Carlisle

The "punk" Mary River Turtle