Roger’s
interest stems from association with the Beerwah Field Study
Centre. In 1989, with assistance from the Jupiters Community
Benefit Fund, the Caloundra based Estuarine Research Group were
able to purchase leases over three of the original single
mens’ quarters. Under the guidance of directors John
Shuttleworth, and later Jan Oliver, the centre made an important
contribution to better understanding of environmental issues
within the general community, and were able to influence
government policies. Ownership passed to the Australian Marine
Conservation Society after John’s death.
 The
Beerwah Forest Centre was established in the 1930’s to open
the area for commercial timber plantation. The initial
experimental plantings of exotic pine were done there. Sections
of the original arboretum and visitors’ plots still exist
and include exotic pines and native species. The mature stand of
Queensland Maple (Flindersia brayleyana) is particularly
impressive. Scientific Area No One was the first area gazetted
after the 1959 Act. Its 624 Ha of mainly wallum is of
considerable interest to the scientific and general community.
The Centre was downsized in the 70’s due to plant disease.
 Again
with assistance from Jupiters, an amenities block was constructed
to Roger’s design in 1995. This replaced the original
toilets and septic which had potential to pollute Little Bluegum
Creek. The block was to cater for 40 people and incorporated
environmentally responsible design methodology. A wastewater
treatment plant was chosen over dry toilets due to better
capability with irregular use and the ability to reuse treated
effluent for irrigation. The raised roof form incorporated solar
water heaters and south facing translucent panels for
daylighting. The timber frame is ACQ treated, considered more
environmentally sound than CCA. This form of termite protection
was an alternative to use of organochlorides, which was standard
practice at the time.
 The
single men’s quarters were constructed from local Scribbly
Gum (Euc. signata) and two have the original corrugated iron
galleys. The seed drying shed pictured is essentially a roof on
stumps. Despite its simplicity, it displays elegant detailing
such as vented gable ends. The Marksman brand corrugated
galvanised iron was available from Sachs between the wars.
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