Showers put rain back into forest and growth onto the vines

Welcome falls of 36mm have put the rain back into the forest around O’Reilly’s just as the beauty of Lamington is set to spring into life, while the perfectly timed precipitation will encourage early spring growth on the vines at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, where 44mm fell.

Despite higher altitudes and a generally cooler and wetter micro-climate, the Lamington rainforest has experienced the dry conditions prevailing across Southeast Queensland, with below average winter rainfall following on from a dry autumn.

O’Reilly’s Discovery Centre Coordinator Sarah Lyngcoln said more rain is needed to get the waterfalls flowing freely again and to promote the health of trees and a number of wildlife species.

“The waterfalls are really only a trickle at the moment and the creeks are being choked by dead weed that has been killed off by winter frosts, “ Ms Lyngcoln said.

“This rain, and hopefully more to come, will wash away this weed material and we’ll start to see some decent flows over the falls.”

There are also concerns for the health of trees, with recent research showing some have shrunk in girth after under-average rainfall over the last 12 years, and for the breeding of the bush turkeys.

“The turkeys need the moisture in the ground to generate humidity in the mounds they build to keep their eggs warm, so we need more rain to ensure a good breeding season.”

It’s hoped the rain will green up the forest and promote the orchid bloom over the next month or so.

Whilst the drought conditions have not caused major problems during the winter dormancy period at the vineyard, rain from now and into early spring is vital to kicking along a growth spurt that can see vines grow 10-15 centimetres in the space of a week.

Nature’s hinterland playground is the place to be as spring arrives, with conditions ideal for exploring the flora and fauna of the rainforest. While the spring mountain air is still crisp, at Canungra Valley Vineyards below picnics are a popular lunch option as the weather warms – washed down with O’Reilly’s award-winning wines, including two new red releases.

September usually brings a kaleidoscope of colour as dozens of orchid species come into brilliant bloom, while bird species such as Noisy Pitta and Paradise Riflebird are most active during the nesting period.

Bookings for day tours from O’Reilly’s are highly recommended, whilst the popular picnic baskets at the vineyard must be booked at least a day in advance.

For further information, please contact O’Reilly’s on 1800 688 722 or O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards on 07 5543 4011.

ENDS.

Further information on Lamington National Park.

MEDIA:
For further information on this press release, please contact:
Amanda Tidmarsh
Phone: 07 5502 4900
Fax: 07 5502 0988
E-mail: amanda@oreillys.com.au
Or
Kathy Bourke
Phone: 07 5539 9883
Mobile: 0419 757 622
E-mail: kathy@articulatecommunications.com.au