and works closely with Lockyer Valley Regional Council. History of Gormans Gap Track
Gormans Gap Track was known to the First Nations peoples and may have been one of the routes used to link up with other groups travelling to the Bunya Gatherings, which occurred once every 2-3 years between December and March. Settlers sought a pass between Brisbane and the Darling Downs for Bullock Drays – heavy,
two wheeled dray 3m long and 2.7m pole for hitching 8-12 bullocks. First Nations leader Multuggerah (Old Moppy) sent two of his sons (possibly Multuggerah -Young Moppy) and 2 others from Peel’s Plains to help Lieutenant Owen Gorman and his party find a track over the Great Dividing Range that would suit Bullock Drays. Bullock tracks carved in rock can still be seen today. Saturday 17 October 1840 the group with an Irish Jaunting Car, made it up the range, through what is now known as Gormans Gap and suggested it would also be suitable for drays. Environmental Value
Gormans Gap Track is located on the Great Dividing Range and is an important biodiverse wildlife corridor within the Great Eastern Ranges catchment. Diverse range of fauna have been recorded including over 80 species of birds, koalas, echidnas, wallabies, potoroos, gliders, possums, reptiles, butterflies and bandicoots to name a few. Community Asset
Gormans Gap Track is located on the northern end of Gormans Gap Estate and forms a hiking loop with the National Trail venturing past Preston Manor Café, RM Williams Reserve and well-equipped Walter Brunner Park with BBQ, toilets and playground. Why is this project important? Gormans Gap Track and the surrounding area is suffering from w**d infestation of 4 main w**ds
- Lantana (Lantana camara)
- Privet (Ligustrum lucidum)
- Green Panic (Panicum maximum)
- Prickly Pear (Opuntioid cacti)
These w**ds form monocultures, smothering natives that fauna rely on for food and shelter, increase fire hazard and erosion, cause significant irritations to hay fever sufferers and reduces safe access to the track. Amongst the w**d are a diverse range of natives struggling to survive and they need our help. These w**ds can be easily controlled through a community effort and ongoing maintenance to produce a more enjoyable recreational space for hiking, bird watching, koala spotting, spot lighting, taking a moment to ponder the history of the track and photography. Future plans include - improved signage, providing seats throughout the track, educational signs to help understand the diversity of the landscape, flora and fauna guides, historical booklets and native bush food garden. Insurance Coverage
FOGG Inc. is a member of Queensland Water and Land Carers (QWaLC) who provide, with the assistance of the Qld State Government, insurance coverage for Personal Accident, Protector Liability and Primary Liability. http://qwalc.org.au
