redleaf-heritage

From Uniforms to Impact: Recycling at Redleaf Group

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:00:03 GMT

A Team Initiative Driving Change

At Redleaf Group, sustainability is more than a commitment — it is embedded in how we work every day. As a company dedicated to conservation and environmental stewardship, we believe that meaningful change starts with the decisions we make within our own workplace.

Recently, our Administration team identified an opportunity to further reduce our environmental footprint by responsibly managing our retired staff uniforms. Through a recycling service provided by Macpac in collaboration with UPPAREL, we are ensuring that our old uniforms are recycled rather than sent to landfill.

Giving Old Uniforms a New Life

Uniforms play an important role in representing the Redleaf Group brand and creating a sense of unity within our team. However, like all clothing, they eventually reach the end of their usable life.

By utilising Macpac’s textile recycling service, powered by UPPAREL, our retired uniforms are collected and processed through a specialised recycling system. These garments are sorted and transformed into reusable materials, helping divert textile waste from landfill and contributing to a more circular approach to clothing.

This initiative allows us to extend our environmental responsibility beyond the work we do in the field and into our daily operations.

An Initiative Driven by Our Team

One of the most rewarding aspects of this program is that it was driven internally. Our Admin team recognised the opportunity to improve how we manage uniform waste and took the initiative to implement the recycling solution.

Their leadership reflects the values that guide Redleaf Group every day:

RELIABLE | PASSIONATE | TENACIOUS | INNOVATORS | EXCEPTIONAL

Now the entire office is involved. Staff return old uniforms for recycling and actively participate in our broader workplace sustainability efforts.

At our Redleaf Group office, we currently recycle:

Uniforms
Batteries
Pens
Ink cartridges
Paper

We also look for ways to reuse materials that come through our operations. For example, we receive sampling jars from our scientific testing partners for use in the field when collecting soil, water and other environmental samples. When we have surplus jars, we donate them to University of Southern Queensland so they can be used by students and researchers in their studies.

Each of these actions helps reduce waste, extend the life of useful materials, and reinforce our shared commitment to environmental responsibility.

Living Our Mission

Our mission is clear:

We are committed to connecting people, places, and wildlife, leaving a lasting positive impact for the generations to come.

We also strive to change individuals’ understanding of the bush, our shared heritage, and how we can protect these values.

Our goal — Guiding better decisions today, for the benefit of future generations tomorrow by fostering a connection between individuals and our natural and built environments — extends to the way we operate as a business.

Programs like this demonstrate that sustainability is not just part of the services we provide; it is part of our culture.

Looking Forward

By embracing initiatives like textile recycling and finding opportunities to reuse resources, Redleaf Group continues to look for practical ways to minimise our impact and support a more sustainable future.

Most importantly, these initiatives highlight what makes our organisation strong — a team that cares deeply about the environment and is willing to take action to protect it.

Because protecting the landscapes and wildlife we work to conserve starts with the choices we make every day.

Meet the Team – Spotlight on Ronan Duffy

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Ronan Duffy
Archaeologist and Heritage Consultant

Ronan Duffy is an archaeologist and heritage consultant with a dual academic background in archaeology and zoology, reflecting his strong interest in both cultural heritage conservation and ecology. He completed a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science with majors in Archaeology and Zoology, disciplines that share a focus on conservation and the careful management of significant natural and cultural resources.

Through his role at Redleaf Group, Ronan applies the principles of archaeology and heritage management to a range of cultural heritage projects. He has experience contributing to cultural heritage assessments, Traditional Owner assessments and heritage research across Queensland, working within local, state and national heritage frameworks. Ronan values stakeholder engagement as a core component of heritage planning and strives to deliver outcomes that support both clients and communities.

Ronan also has a strong interest in the use of digital information systems and emerging technologies in heritage documentation and analysis. He is particularly interested in how these tools can improve the way spatial data and cultural heritage information is recorded, analysed and managed.

During his academic and professional career, Ronan has developed a deep appreciation for the role cultural heritage plays in shaping community identity. He is interested in the responsible and accessible sharing of cultural knowledge, while respecting sensitivities and confidentiality where required.

Q&A with Ronan

What drew you to heritage consulting at Redleaf?

"I hadn’t originally pictured a career in archaeology, but when the opportunity arose, I took it because I have always enjoyed learning about the lives, practices, and stories of people in the past. As a cultural heritage consultant, I help to record and conserve the material evidence of those stories so they can be passed on to future generations. What drew me specifically to Redleaf is the chance to work on meaningful cultural heritage projects across Queensland, where I can combine hands-on fieldwork, Traditional Owner engagement, and heritage management in a variety of contexts."

Is there a project or moment in the field you’re particularly proud of?

"One of the most memorable is a road upgrade project, where collaboration with the Aboriginal Party during field surveys revealed extensive surface deposits of stone artefacts. This led to a monitoring and salvage program that recovered nearly 400 artefacts, showcasing advanced practices like precise retouching of tool edges and deliberate heat treatment of silcrete."

What’s your favourite “wait… really?” heritage or archaeology fact?

"Aboriginal people in Australia were heat-treating silcrete (a desirable, very hard stone) as early as ~42,000 years ago to produce superior stone tools. This complex process involved carefully controlling heat (perhaps by burying stones in hot sand near fires) to alter the rock’s structure, making it much easier to flake and create sharper edges. Evidence from sites like Lake Mungo indicate that over 60% of silcrete artefacts from that time were heat-treated. It’s one of the earliest documented examples of advanced material processing on the Australian continent."

What do you enjoy doing outside of work to recharge?

"I spend most of my weekends at my parents’ farm, where I can spend time in nature, work on projects and help with whatever needs doing. In the afternoons and evenings, I often experiment with technology or try to learn a new simple skill."

Delivering a Fresh Start for Queensland’s Heritage: What It Means for the Sector

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has commenced statewide consultation workshops as part of its discussion paper, Delivering a Fresh Start for Queensland’s Heritage. These sessions mark an important step toward shaping a new Queensland Heritage Strategy and potential amendments to the Queensland Heritage Act 1992.

Redleaf Group Heritage attended a recent workshop, with team members Peta, Ronan and Jay contributing industry insights and practical perspectives to the discussion.

A New Direction for Queensland’s Heritage Strategy

A central focus of the workshop was how a revised heritage strategy could better enable communities to identify, recognise and protect places of cultural significance.

A key proposal is the adoption of more thematic, statewide approaches to heritage identification. This would allow for:

More strategic nominations based on shared historical themes
Improved representation of diverse Queensland stories
Identification of underrepresented place types

This approach aims to move beyond isolated nominations toward a more cohesive and inclusive understanding of heritage across the state.

Simplifying Heritage Nomination Pathways

Participants also explored ways to make the heritage nomination process more accessible and transparent.

Key areas for improvement included:

Streamlining nomination processes
Providing clearer guidance for applicants
Encouraging proactive, community-led nominations

There was strong support for reducing complexity and making it easier for communities to engage with heritage protections.

Addressing Gaps in the Queensland Heritage Register

Another important theme was the need to address gaps in the current Queensland Heritage Register.

Workshop discussions highlighted that:

Some stories and communities remain underrepresented
Certain place types have been historically overlooked
A more strategic framework is needed to ensure balanced representation

Expanding the register through thematic studies and targeted nominations was seen as a critical step forward.

Changing the Narrative: “Heritage as the Bad Guy”

One of the most consistent messages from participants was the perception of heritage regulation as a burden on property owners.

Many described heritage controls as:

Creating uncertainty in development and maintenance
Increasing costs for repairs and adaptive reuse
Being imposed rather than collaborative

This perception presents a significant challenge for the sector.

Supporting Owners Through Better Guidance and Incentives

To address these concerns, workshop participants emphasised the need for a more supportive and collaborative approach.

Suggested improvements included:

Clear, accessible guidance for property owners
Early-stage advice to reduce uncertainty
Financial incentives and support mechanisms
Stronger communication about the benefits of heritage conservation

Shifting the narrative from compliance to collaboration will be essential in building trust and improving outcomes.

Redleaf’s Perspective: Practical Solutions for Real-World Challenges

At Redleaf Group Heritage, we work closely with property owners, developers and government agencies, giving us direct insight into how heritage processes function in practice.

Our contribution to the workshop focused on:

Highlighting real-world challenges faced by owners
Advocating for clearer, more practical processes
Supporting balanced solutions that protect heritage while enabling sustainable use

We believe that effective heritage management requires both strong policy frameworks and practical, user-friendly implementation.

What Happens Next?

The consultation process will continue through regional workshops and stakeholder engagement, with feedback informing the development of a new Queensland Heritage Strategy and potential legislative reform.

This is a critical opportunity for industry professionals, property owners and communities to help shape the future of heritage in Queensland.

Final Thoughts

The direction outlined in these consultations signals a shift toward a more strategic, inclusive and collaborative heritage system.

If implemented effectively, these reforms have the potential to:

Improve representation of Queensland’s diverse history
Simplify processes for communities and owners
Strengthen long-term heritage protection

Redleaf Group Heritage looks forward to continuing to contribute to this important conversation.

Talk to us about navigating heritage requirements with confidence.

Did You Know? Scar Trees Reveal Cultural and Historical Stories

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:48:24 GMT

Did You Know?

You can estimate the age of a tree scar just by looking at how thick the regrowth is.

What is a scar tree?

A scar tree is a tree that has had its bark intentionally removed, either by Aboriginal people or by European settlers. These scars were created for a variety of purposes.

For Aboriginal people, scar trees were used to make canoes, containers, and toe holds for climbing, as well as extraction holes for hunting. These trees are culturally significant and provide important insights into traditional practices.

European scar trees, often referred to as Survey or Blaze Markers, were typically used for navigation and land marking. They can usually be identified by metal axe marks and engraved numbers or letters on the exposed surface, known as the ‘dry face’.

Natural and accidental scars

Not all tree scars are cultural. Scars can also form due to natural causes such as fire, animal activity, or impact damage.

Natural and impact scars are often irregular in shape and usually extend all the way to the base of the tree. They are commonly found near roads or tracks and can reach several metres above ground level.

How are Aboriginal scar trees made?

Aboriginal scar trees were carefully created using stone tools to remove bark in a controlled and purposeful way. They are commonly found on species such as gum, ironbark, and poplar box trees.

The removed section reveals what is known as the ‘dry face’, an area where the tree no longer regrows bark. These scars are typically regular in shape, often with smooth edges and rounded or pointed ends.

As the tree continues to grow, new bark forms around the edges of the scar rather than over it. This regrowth provides a useful indicator of age—the thicker the regrowth, the older the scar.

These trees are an important part of Australia’s cultural landscape. Aboriginal scar trees, in particular, should be treated with respect and preserved, as they represent enduring connections to Country and traditional knowledge.

Did you know? Blaze Trees: Silent Markers of the Past

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:26:25 GMT

Did you know? Not all scarred trees are of Aboriginal cultural origin. Some, like the ones in these photos, were “blazed” by early European settlers, explorers, or surveyors to mark trails, boundaries, land parcels and even watercourses.

These scars were often made using iron/steel axes, and the cut marks of these tools alongside visible traces of white paint are typical indicators of a European origin. They were used as surveyor’s marks before being replaced by the permanent survey markers that form the basis of today’s cadastral maps.

You might be wondering: How do our expert archaeologists identify these blaze trees? These trees are identified by:

Iron axe cut marks
Remnants of white surveyor’s paint
Placement on fence lines, lot corners, or boundary points

Scarred trees, including these blazes, are all part of the multi-layered history written, or in this case - cut into our landscapes.

Honouring Country Through Connection: Cultural Heritage Leadership at Nudgee Beach

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:26:21 GMT

At Redleaf Group, our heritage work is guided by a deep respect for Country and a commitment to meaningful connection with Traditional Owners. This year, we partnered with GHD and Brisbane City Council on a cultural heritage assessment at Nudgee Beach , working closely with the Turrbal People , the Traditional Owners of the area.

Collaboration with Purpose

Our Heritage Team walked Country with the Turrbal People, listening to their knowledge and cultural stories that shape the significance of this landscape. While no physical artefacts were found, the process reaffirmed the site’s cultural importance and the enduring relationship between people and place.

Embedding Cultural Values in Project Delivery

Redleaf provided practical recommendations to ensure the project continues respectfully, including:

On-Country cultural heritage monitoring
Cultural heritage inductions for project teams
Opportunities for signage and interpretation of local cultural stories

Walking Forward Together

With this phase complete, the project progresses with a shared understanding of Country and its cultural values. Redleaf is proud to support work that brings people and Country together—and we remain committed to culturally grounded, collaborative heritage practice.

Brisbane 2032 “Games laws”: what’s changing for cultural heritage approvals in Queensland

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:30:00 GMT

As planning accelerates for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Queensland Government has introduced a Games-specific approvals framework that changes how cultural heritage is managed for certain Games-related projects.

Recent amendments to the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Act 2021 (BOPGA Act), introduced through the so-called “Games laws”, establish an alternative pathway for cultural heritage approvals for a limited class of Brisbane 2032 infrastructure.

This article outlines what is changing, which projects are affected, and what this means for proponents, project teams and heritage practitioners.

A new approvals regime for Brisbane 2032 venues and transport infrastructure

The Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025 amends the BOPGA Act to create a tailored approvals framework for certain Brisbane 2032 venues, villages and transport infrastructure, referred to as “authority venues” and project areas.

For these defined Games projects, cultural heritage is managed through a Games-specific process, rather than relying solely on the usual interaction between:

the Planning Act 2016
the Queensland Heritage Act 1992
the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003, and
other relevant State and local laws

Under the Games laws, approvals are centralised within Games delivery entities, including the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), and aligned to the strict timeframes required for Games delivery.

How the Games-specific cultural heritage process works

A key feature of the Games laws is the introduction of a formal “cultural heritage notice”.

Once a cultural heritage notice is given for a qualifying Brisbane 2032 project:

the project transitions into the BOPGA Act approval pathway
cultural heritage matters are assessed under the Games-specific regime
decisions are made by designated Games authorities rather than through standard approval pathways

This process is designed to streamline approvals for Games infrastructure, while still requiring heritage considerations to be addressed.

What the Brisbane 2032 Games laws do – and do not – apply to

It is critical to understand that this regime is narrowly targeted.

The Games-specific cultural heritage framework applies only to projects that are:

expressly identified as Brisbane 2032 authority venues, villages or Games transport infrastructure, and
regulated under the BOPGA Act

For these projects, compliance with the Games laws can, in certain circumstances, authorise works despite potential inconsistencies with other legislation, provided all Games-specific requirements are met.

However, most projects in Queensland are not affected.

For non-Games projects – including the majority of council works, private developments and regional infrastructure – existing heritage frameworks continue to apply in full, including:

the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003, including Duty of Care and Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) requirements
the Queensland Heritage Act 1992
local planning-scheme heritage overlays and local heritage registers

Practical implications for project teams and proponents

For organisations involved in infrastructure delivery, the key questions are:

Is the project a Brisbane 2032 authority venue, village or Games transport project?
If not, standard cultural heritage obligations apply.

If it is a Games project, which provisions of the BOPGA Act apply?
This includes understanding the role of the cultural heritage notice, decision-makers, and project-specific timeframes.

Early identification of the correct approvals regime is critical to avoiding delays, compliance risks and stakeholder issues.

How Redleaf is supporting Brisbane 2032 cultural heritage compliance?

Redleaf is closely monitoring the evolution of the Brisbane 2032 Games laws and approvals framework.

Where clients become involved in Games-related infrastructure, we can:

determine whether the Games-specific or standard heritage regime applies
design heritage methodologies that meet BOPGA Act requirements
support robust engagement with Traditional Owners and key stakeholders, even within accelerated delivery timeframes

If you would like advice on how the Brisbane 2032 Games laws affect your project, please contact our team.

Early Traditional Owner engagement under EPBC reforms – what it means for heritage projects

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Recent reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) have strengthened expectations around early engagement with Traditional Owners for projects that require federal environmental approval. For organisations planning major infrastructure or development, this affects how heritage, culture and environment are considered right from the outset.

What has changed at the federal level?

The reforms introduce new National Environmental Standards (NES) and associated guidance that make clear Traditional Owners should be engaged early, not just once an EIS or assessment is already in full swing. For proposals affecting World Heritage and National/Commonwealth Heritage places, Ramsar wetlands or other Matters of National Environmental Significance, proponents are expected to show how Traditional Owner knowledge has informed project design, impact assessment and mitigation measures.

The updated federal “Engage Early” guidance reinforces that Traditional Owners and relevant Aboriginal parties are the primary source of information about Indigenous cultural values, and that their involvement should be planned into project timelines and budgets rather than treated as a late compliance step.

What hasn’t changed for day‑to‑day Queensland work?

These EPBC changes do not alter Queensland’s own heritage legislation. The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 , the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 and local planning‑scheme heritage overlays continue to operate as before, with the usual Duty of Care and CHMP processes still in place. For purely State or local projects with no federal referral, existing obligations and workflows remain the primary reference point.

What this means in practice

For projects that have a realistic chance of triggering the EPBC Act , there are practical implications:

Scoping: Potential EPBC issues (e.g. World Heritage, National Heritage, Ramsar) should be identified early, and Traditional Owner engagement built into the project scope from the beginning.
Engagement planning: Engagement with Traditional Owners should occur before referral or early in the assessment process, with clear records of meetings, input and how concerns have shaped survey design and mitigation.
Reporting: Heritage and environmental reports for EPBC‑relevant projects should explicitly reference the new expectations for early engagement and demonstrate how Traditional Owner perspectives are integrated into final recommendations.

For clients, building this engagement in upfront can reduce risk and delay in federal approvals while supporting better cultural and environmental outcomes.

Major Changes to the EPBC Referral Process – What You Need to Know (2025)

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 01:37:21 GMT

The Commonwealth Government has introduced the most significant reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) in over two decades. These changes reshape how environmental referrals, assessments, and approvals are undertaken, with stronger national standards and new streamlined pathways.

Key Changes You Need to Know

Streamlined Assessment Pathway: Multiple older assessment routes have been consolidated into a single streamlined pathway. For eligible proposals, decisions may now be issued within 30 business days, provided the referral information is complete and robust.
Higher Upfront Information Requirements: Referrals must now include more detailed baseline data, impact analysis, and justification to qualify for the faster pathway.
Binding National Environmental Standards: All referral decisions must now align with new National Environmental Standards, ensuring proposals avoid “unacceptable impacts” and meet strengthened requirements for managing residual impacts.
Expiry of ‘No-Controlled-Action’ Decisions: A “no-controlled-action” determination will automatically lapse after five years unless the project has substantially commenced.
Creation of a New Federal Regulator: The reforms establish the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) , significantly increasing compliance oversight and enforcement powers.

Traditional Owner Engagement

The reforms strengthen expectations around early Traditional Owner engagement, particularly for projects affecting MNES such as listed ecological communities, wetlands, and culturally significant landscapes.

Proponents are now expected to:

Demonstrate early and proactive liaison with Traditional Owners or Native Title parties
Include cultural values, knowledge and perspectives in baseline information
Identify impacts on culturally significant species, places or landscapes
Show how Indigenous engagement has informed avoidance, mitigation, and offset planning

Early engagement is now considered essential for delivering a “complete” referral that qualifies for streamlined pathways.

How Redleaf Can Support Your Project

Redleaf can help you navigate the new EPBC requirements by:

Conducting early project screening and identifying risks
Preparing referral packages that meet strengthened information thresholds
Facilitating Traditional Owner liaison and integrating cultural values into project design
Updating impact and offset assessments
Advising on the suitability of streamlined vs. standard pathways

If you’re planning a future development or unsure how the reforms affect your project, our team is here to help.

Redleaf After Dark: A Night of Appreciation and Celebration

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 01:30:04 GMT

As we reflect on 2025, one of the standout moments for our team was hosting Redleaf After Dark—a cocktail evening held in appreciation of our valued clients. This exclusive event brought together over 20 of our partners and collaborators for a memorable night of celebration, gratitude, and connection.

Held in a relaxed, elegant setting, the evening was our way of saying thank you for your continued trust and support throughout the year. We enjoyed great conversation, good music, and a chance to unwind and reflect on the successes we’ve achieved together.

For those who joined us, thank you for making the night truly special. And for those who couldn’t make it, we look forward to celebrating with you next time!

Below are some highlights from the evening—capturing the energy, camaraderie, and joy shared by all. Here's to another year of growth, teamwork, and achievement with the Redleaf Group.
Cheers!