1 September 2026
A Southern Downs Regional Council conservation initiative is bringing together community groups and local students to help protect the region’s critically endangered Dalveen blue box (Eucalyptus dalveenica).
To support the species' recovery, Council recently acquired 110 saplings, planting 60 locally and shared the remainder to the Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium, Granite Belt Sustainability Action Network and Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group.
The initiative also now includes Dalveen State School, with the Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium donating five saplings for students to plant and care for while learning about a species found nowhere else in the world.
Dalveen State School Principal Tricia Best said the project gave students the opportunity to take part in conservation in a meaningful way.
"The Dalveen blue box provides a real-world opportunity for students to learn about biodiversity, sustainability and the importance of protecting endangered species," Ms Best said.
“Being involved in a project like this gives our students ownership. They are not simply learning about conservation; they are becoming active participants in it.”
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the project combined practical conservation action with community education and engagement.
"The Dalveen blue box is an important part of our region's natural identity and is recognised as one of the rarest tree species in Australia," Mayor Hamilton said.
"Council is proud to support local conservation groups who have advocated to protect this species, while also creating opportunities for our young people to become involved in its recovery.
"By planting saplings at Dalveen State School, students will have the chance to learn about a species that exists only in their local area and play a direct role in helping protect its future.”
First identified as a distinct species in 2019, the Dalveen blue box occurs only in a small area around Dalveen. With about 350 trees remaining, it is listed as critically endangered by both the Queensland and Australian governments.
Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium spokesperson Liz Bourne said protecting the Dalveen blue box was critical to ensuring the survival of one of Australia's most threatened plant species.
"There are only about 350 trees remaining, making it one of the most threatened plants in Australia," Ms Bourne said.
"It only grows at Dalveen and is not protected in any conservation reserve, so it is extremely important that we do everything we can to ensure its survival into the future.
"We were keen to increase the number of these trees in the Dalveen area and involve the students with a practical conservation project.
"Having students and their parents more aware of the significance of this species means they can help in our efforts to find possible new locations of it around Dalveen and also look after these new saplings as they grow and mature.”
The Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium has also partnered with the Queensland Department of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation to develop an approved Recovery Action Plan focused on protecting habitat, increasing population numbers, improving knowledge of the species and strengthening community involvement in its conservation.
Portfolio Councillor for Healthy Communities Cr Sarah Deane said Council's sapling distribution complemented the goals of the Recovery Action Plan and demonstrated the value of community partnerships in protecting the region's unique environment.
"The future of the Dalveen blue box depends on all of us working together," Cr Deane said.
"Through partnerships with environmental organisations, landholders, schools and volunteers, we can help ensure this endangered species continues to survive and thrive in the Southern Downs."
Last edited date 01 Sep 2026