Corroboree Park

An 1865 map shows subdivision on Macleay Island allowing for roads, wharves and reserves for aboriginal sites, including Corroboree Point. Well known as an
important Aboriginal site right from beginning, Corroboree Point was camp of oysterman Thomas Lucas. In 1863 he acquired No 16 lease under Oyster Act of 1863.

Corroboree Point, Lions Park is the site of an Aboriginal midden and was possibly an Aboriginal ceremonial ground and dreaming site. There was a European oyster lease there and it was the site of Thomas Lucas’ oyster camp. file:///C:/Users/Maggi/Documents/Macleay%20Island%20History/South_Moreton_Bay_Island_Timelines.pdf

Adjacent to Corroboree Park is Cotton Tree Bushcare Site. The freshwater dam was created by the early farmers, from a waterhole that had been used for thousands of years by local Aboriginals. The area, including nearby Corroboree Park, is particularly significant to the Quandamooka people even today. Early white settlers grew melons in the good soil, watering them from the dam. Many birds are attracted to this permanent water source, so the site is a good spot for quiet bird-watching.

The vegetation consists of a beautiful paperbark (melaleuca quinquenervia) stand around the waterhole, an area of reeds and rushes, she-oaks (casuarina glauca), and various large old eucalypts and other natives in the drier parts.

The Bushcare group commenced work on the site in February 2003. The waterhole had been used as a rubbish dump by Islanders in the past, and many trips to the tip were necessary in the early days. We then concentrated on the area along Boat Harbour Avenue. The slope by the road edge is particularly poor soil and we have removed weeds, re-planted with casuarina torulosa, and spread mulch. Casuarina torulosa is a good pioneer plant and the food tree for the rare glossy black cockatoo. In September 2006, we planted out an area on Boat Harbour Avenue that the Council had filled. This had two deep, steep-sided holes created when the Council removed soil many years ago. Appropriate plants were used in this often-wet spot, and weed mat was laid to prevent erosion and weed infestation. In 2013, the Cotton Tree Bushcarers received an award for “ten years of valuable contributions to Redland City Council’s Bushcare Programme