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Paper from Weeds

Paper of Weeds: Utilising the weeds of K’gari

Education and employment proposal modelled on NT Arnhem Djurra example

Transforming K’gari’s weeds into paper by Zela Bissett

K’gari is a World heritage listed Tourist Mecca. However there are a number of biosecurity issues besetting this island, and one of them is invasive weeds. Weeds are defined as non-native plants growing out of control. FIDO (Watchdog of K’gari), founded in 1971 by John Sinclair, is a very active group in the fight to save the native ecosystems of K’gari from invasive weeds in the areas around the settlements, previously classified as Unallocated State land (USL). Some of these areas have been transferred (back) to Butchulla custodianship and the remainder eventually will be. FIDO works with Butchulla rangers and beach clean-up groups and since 2005 has been operating weeding teams in USL around Eurong and Happy Valley.

The Weeds to Paper Pilot project will entail a trial of using weeds to make botanical paper which may in future become a saleable tourism product and provide employment for local young people as well as income. There is a group in Arnhem land currently converting the invasive weed, Gamba grass, into paper (Arnhem Djurra). I did a workshop recently with the papermaker who is their advisor and consultant, Winsome Jobling. Gamba Grass is an invasive weed threatening a large are of the Larrakia Lands in the Northern Territory near Darwin. Papermaker Winsome Jobling has undertaken a project with the local community to harvest the Gamba Grass and turn it into paper, which is sold to artists and as souvenirs to tourists.

 K’gari has a number of weeds which have papermaking potential, notably Mother-in-Law’s Tongue or Sword Grass (Dracaena trifasciata) which is currently being dumped at the tip. Another is sisal. Experiments may reveal other weeds are also suitable.

I can conduct the pilot program. I have already had success making paper with Sword Grass (Mother in law’s tongue) which is a weed at Happy Valley. A preliminary workshop was held at K’gari Research station (formerly Dili Village) on June 6 with FINIA members. This could be a low-tech industry that includes training for young people and could be offered as an eco-tourism experience. Weed plants from K’gari can be used to make paper with a distinct character that can be decorated or sold in a pack or pad as a souvenir. Some papers from the waste stream can also be incorporated. Converting significant amounts of weeds into paper would address a number of challenges including protecting K’gari’s natural integrity.

This proposal has five clear advantages:

  • Weeding should have an aim rather than just relocating pest plants to municipal facilities.
  • This idea can generate income, education and employment possibilities well as improve the natural environment on K’gari.
  • Paper-making is a low-tech process which need not generate any harmful waste. Other local natural ingredients including charcoal, clay and ochres can be used in decoration where appropriate.
  • This model is already working in other countries including France, Slovenia, Ghana and in five states of the USA. With the Arnhem Djurra project in the Northern Territory we have examples we can refer to.
  • Dumping plant waste at Council Tips is not favoured by FCRC and this could reduce the volume of dumped plant material. Some recycled paper (up to 10%) can also be used in the process, further reducing the waste stream.

Venue: The workshop area at Gatakers Artspace will be the venue to conduct the first papermaking workshop. Weeds from local weeding programs on Butchulla Country could be used until a more extensive trial can take place on K’gari. This area also has printmaking facilities to allow some trials of printing images on the paper produced.  Tables, facilities for cutting up and cooking are available at this venue plus a drying area to dry out the papers and equipment to press them. 

Equipment: I can supply (on loan) moulds and deckles, vats, buckets, cooking utensils, couching pads and cloths  and other equipment for forming paper sheets for the pilot program.

Costs: Venue hire, transport, miscellaneous printing and mailing.

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Zela

Susan Zela Bissett (Zela) is an educator, writer and artist with a lifetime involvement in environmental education and advocacy. Zela was born on Butchulla Country in Maryborough and has worked as an artist, educator, permaculture gardener, studio potter and consultant. She is passionate about sustainable lifestyles, maintaining habitat for wildlife and about unleashing the creativity in all of us.

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