TEFMA Grounds Workshop 2007University of Queensland,

St. Lucia, 30-31st May

CAMPUS GROUNDS – A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Stuart Irvine-Brown

- GOOD MORNING -

My name is Stuart Irvine-Brown

Student Weeds Management Officer with

Properties & Facilities UQ Gatton

University grounds can be quite different

2001 – present

Bringing a students perspective from several years of university study.

Currently studying a Masters of Agricultural Studies culminating in an IWM project with P&F UQ Gatton.

Sports ovals; where most studentsfirst interact with their uni grounds.

Ovals, turf, and lots of paddocks in between.

Original perception

• My original thought was that my use of the grounds were limited to sporting and social

functions

• Grounds = student surroundings sometimes used with a ‘playground’ mentality

What this can mean

• Rubbish

• Wheel ruts

• Property damage

Changing the Perspective

Understanding the benefits grounds have to academic study and student university life

as a whole.– Providing a living, learning environment.– Stimulating students to interact with nature.– Encouraging custodianship ideals. – Promoting student activities, volunteering,

input, and ownership of works completed.

Changing the Perspective

Weed problems for P&F at UQ Gatton gave me an opportunity to study

and learn.

I.W.M. Plan UQG

• The management aim is to control and reduce the amount of weeds affecting the campus

• Integrating control options into weed management that reduce the expenditure and reliance on herbicides

• Support ecologically sustainable long-term weed control

UQG Weed Map

UQG Weed Map

Into the Future

• New Pest Weed Threats

• Climate change

• Water Resources

• Carbon Emissions

Ecologically Sustainable Landscapes

Into the FutureGrounds management will be required to become more adaptive and self sufficient to reduce costs while still providing adequate facilities that are ecologically sustainable and promote a functional and enjoyable university

Thank you

QUESTIONS ?