Do you know your neighbourhood?
I probably visit more places in my own neighbourhood than many of the residents who live here. Not only am I curious to see what is around my local area, I like taking photos – and I have a great collection of images of places, some of which many local folk do not know about. The Hemmant Quarry Reserve is one of my special places.
Understandably, I am somewhat more adventurous than most people, and I have my own transport – I drive and until recently would ride my electric bike to places. My E-bike folds up – and I can put it in the boot of my car, and then explore places without having to walk!!
At the Entrance – Details of the Reserve’s history.
Recently, I had the urge to go somewhere and take some photos – and chose to visit an old quarry about a kilometre from where I live – right on the main road into our local suburb. There are no signs telling folk what is behind the bushland and no parking spaces on the main road. In fact, on the other side of the bushland is a small parking area (enough for 6 – 8 vehicles), and a pathway around the old historical quarry. At the entrance, there is signage that gives information about the area.
Locals have not seen the Quarry
A few days after I had visited the spot, I was with four ladies who lived local to the spot, who had never been there. Most had lived in the area for many years, but it is not a place that gets any publicity, so unsurprisingly, few people know about it.
Burn Off Notice
It is described as a “quarry” so most think it is a space of rock, and not particularly inviting. That was probably how it looked many years earlier. It was indeed the “go-to” place for rock to build roads and houses many years ago in the early history of our city, Brisbane.
But as it is in an area with many natural springs, it is not surprising to know what happened many years ago. A spring opened up and filled the quarry with water, ending the rock harvesting. While some of the rock walls are visible, the quarry is full of water and surrounded by native bushland.
Not all rocks – water from the spring.
When I was there, only about ten days ago, I noticed a sign advising that there was to be a burn-off to get rid of the copious dead trees and other timber debris that is in the park. When the weather it is suitable it will be done – and until then, there is so much dead timber, which, if there is an unplanned fire, would provide fodder for a big fire. The burn-off in the bushland of the Hemmant Quarry Reserve is to be done under the supervision of experts, at a time that would reduce the danger to traffic on the main road, and the residential properties nearby. While it will make the bushland black after the fire. It will inspire new growth and soon after the green new foliage will be back!
In the Bushland
You can read about the history here.
While I have visited many of the local areas to take photos, I am going to make it a mission of mine to visit many or all of the local places and update my photos. It is a promise to myself to do in early 2025.
Do you know all the interesting places in your neighbourhood?? Do some research and see what is there – visit by yourself or take friends and family with you to educate them too.
Have you visited the Quarry Reserve?
