Queensland's 'Darling Downs' encompasses a large geographic area. For the purposes of Grow Me Instead, it begins at the NSW - Queensland border, runs through the Granite Belt to Toowoomba and its surrounding area. The region has a mixed climate with some parts being typically mild throughout most of the year and other regions experiencing extreme heat in summer with prolonged dry periods. Winters can be quite cold, with frosts and sleet commonplace. Soil types also vary considerably and the area is home to an interesting and diverse flora. It is important to remember that an invasive plant in the neighbouring Sub Tropics may not be invasive in the Darling Downs and vice versa. Many of the invasive plants identified in this bioregion are also applicable to adjacent area of 'South West Queensland'. The information is useful throughout these inland regions however it would be prudent to seek sound local advice, either when identifying invasive species or when making non-invasive plant selection.
The Darling Downs is home to some significant national parks and state forest areas. It is of paramount importance that sound plant advice is sought before planting adjacent to these sensitive areas. Consideration must be given to appropriate plant choice as birds and other animals can distribute seeds into nearby bush-land and rainforest fringes causing destruction of natural habitat.
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The Grow Me Instead website has been supported by NGIQ through funding from the Australian Governments Caring for our Country. |
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Special thanks go to Queensland Grow Me Instead project coordinator Barry Naylor (NGIQ) and project manager John McDonald (Nursery Industry Development Manager NGIQ) for the development of this website.
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Grow Me Instead Darling Downs has been developed by NGIQ through generous funding support from Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC). |