June 2026 Outing Report - Kearney south and upper reach of Hodgson Creek, Toowoomba

 Adapted from the TFNC newsletter article by P. Swift

Box Mistletoe
Amyema miquelii 
with fruits 
Photo: L. Marlatt

Our outing started at the end of Kearney Street, beside a large water retention basin. A planting of Grevillea ‘Honey Gem’ plants set the scene with birds including brown honeyeater, noisy miner, rainbow lorikeet and eastern spinebill all taking advantage of the abundant blooms.  

We were given an informative briefing surrounding the naming of the local streets and park. Carly Hibberd Park was named after a local cyclist, killed at 26 years old in Italy in 2011, whilst training for professional cycling events. Many of the streets in the local area are named after famous cyclists. 

Our morning walk took 11 enthusiasts along Kearney Street, looking at the plantings by Toowoomba Regional Council.  Some of the more notable species planted, including deep yellow wood Rhodosphaera rhodanthema, a lovely spreading tree, with bunches of brown seeds hanging like grapes through the branches.  Street plantings of Cupaniopsis anacardioides, a coastal native were evident in some areas. Although native, it can become a local bushland weed.  Another plant of concern, African olives were also prevalent in the plantings.  

To the rear of the park, we observed a magnificent stand of eucalyptus trees, many with hollows. Some of the notable species included Angophora floribunda, monkey rope vine Parsonsia straminea, and white cedar Melia azedarach.  

Measures taken manage 

the flow and velocity  of storm water 

into Hodgson Creek

Photo: M. Simmons

Over morning tea, the nearby water management chute was discussed, we were shown an example of basalt displaying crystals of olivine. Olivine is formed in the earth’s mantle and is forced to the surface during volcanic eruptions.  The Kearney Street Chute Betterment project is used to slow the water and avoid erosion from water runoff from the housing estates nearby. The result was an amazing feat of engineering. The scope of works covered a 260-metre steep stretch of open drain, with a 46-metre vertical drop at an 18% incline. Construction involved placing approximately 2,700m³ of rock material and around 180 rock-filled gabion baskets within the chute and then tying the materials into the existing channel.

Venturing around the drainage basin, we moved along the edge of the scrub, noting the extensive weed infestations of tree pear, lantana and privet. There were also lovely specimens of Eucalyptus tereticornis ssp tereticornis, side by side with Eucalyptus tereticornis spp basaltica. Trish was on hand to explain the differences between the two.  We emerged at a large slope covered in geofabric and planted with lomandra. From there, we made our way across to a rehabilitation area, planted out to eucalyptus species. Some of the mature species in the area included Pink Bloodwood Corymbia intermedia and Eucalyptus crebra. The ground was alive with Superb Fairy wrens, which added to the peaceful scene.  

Chute information from https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/Council/News-and-public-notices/Media-releases/Kearney-Street-Chute-Upgrade-improves-flood-resilience-as-part-of-Betterment-Program

Bird list – Upper Hodgson Creek. 07 June 2026.   compiled from members' observations.

Australian Wood Duck, Spotted Dove, Egret sp., Masked Lapwing, Galah, Rainbow Lorikeet, Pale-headed Rosella, Superb Fairy-wren, Eastern Spinebill, Lewins Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Little Friarbird, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Eastern Whipbird, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Torresian Crow, Willie Wagtail, Magpie-lark, Red-browed Finch.