Community
14 April, 2023
Sign looks to past and future
AN interpretative sign which tells the community about the plants and animals living within a park at Yorkeys Knob has been installed.
While the sign, in the Ray Howarth Reserve in Buckley St, highlights animals such as the squirrel glider, stripped possum, echidna, spectacled flying fox, rakali and the lace monitor, as well as the mangroves, it also explains the history behind reserve.
Yorkeys Knob Residents Association president Adrian Gover said in the 1950s Mr Howarth was the driving force and vision behind the 18-hole Half Moon Bay Golf Club established in 1969.
“He was able to buy 23ha of Crown land for one hundred and ten pounds on the condition it was used for sport and recreation,” he said. Thirteen hectares were cleared for a 14-hole golf course.
The remaining 10ha of bushland was reserved by him and the Mulgrave Shire Council and is now protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
“To help provide information of the land, how it was established and why it was significant with regards to its flora, fauna and sport activity, a project was initiated and funded by the association.”
Resident and association past vice-president Nicola Strange, with assistance of Laura Strange, researched and developed the interpretive sign, involving information from the Queensland Museum and other archives.
The project was further supported by Cairns Regional Council and the golf club.
“It is hoped that members of this community and visitors alike will take the opportunity to learn a little more about our local environment and history,” Mr Gover said.
“It may also be a great opportunity for younger, school age children to learn a little more about their area.
