Posted: 2023-02-18 03:08:51

The land opposite Bob Newby's house looks like any other slice of suburban bush. 

But if you venture off the concrete footpath towards the creek, you'll find some rustic tracks and dozens of trees in varying stages of growth.

"When I retired, I thought I needed to have something to keep myself occupied," Mr Newby said.

"I had been watching for a long time the decrease in habitats, the falling levels of biodiversity.

A close up image of a hand holding the leaves and small flowers of a native tree
Mr Newby has planted more than 150 types of native trees. (ABC Capricornia: Michelle Gately)

"And I thought, 'Well, this is something I can do that have will have a positive effect, I can plant some trees.'"

But it was more than just planting some trees and now he's a proud OGRE — that's Old Guy Restoring Ecosystems.

Mr Newby's career as an entomologist gave him a unique insight when it came to choosing species that would bring more birds, bugs and butterflies to his neighbourhood in north Rockhampton, central Queensland.

A decade later, the area has become a training ground for conservation students and an example of how communities can restore suburban bushland.

Slow, steady and specialist

When Mr Newby retired, the land was so densely covered with lantana that it was impossible to make it from the footpath down to a small creek.

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