THE ROLE OF SMCA

 (Springbrook Mountain Community Association Inc) 

Since our establishment in 1991, SMCA has been the community organisation whose primary role is to act as a co-ordinating point for the various sectors of the Springbrook Community.  We act as an interface between all arms of Government and the community and within the Community.   However, we do and never have claimed to “speak for the Mountain”.  We represent only those of our members who attend meetings and who have an input into the organisation.

 Springbrook, as you know, is a unique place, hence the World Heritage status for the National Park and so is a delightful place to live.  However, it is not an easy place to live in and those who make their lives here, long term, must be dedicated to the place.  The rainfall is one of the highest in the state and this is essential for the rainforest to flourish but it also makes managing the day to day challenges of mould, mildew, seeping damp and just plain flood-water a challenge for about eight months of the year. 

We share this beautiful place with wonderful wildlife and we love this but, unfortunately they also want to share of warm dry houses and see us a ready supply of food. 

Springbrook is 45 minutes on a fast run, from the nearest facilities which makes daily life more of a challenge than normal and access to health service, especially in an emergency quite scary.   

Then there is the road. Windy, mountainous, one ways, drop off etc.  fallen trees and landslides.  It is always a challenge.

 But we love it. 

So no one lives up here unless they are dedicated to the place and the lifestyle and are environmentally aware to a greater or lesser degree.

 There are 600 residents on the mountain and SMCA has a paid up membership of approximately 50 people plus 5 Honourary Members.  This register, along with all our records, is kept up to date and is available for public scrutiny.  We have public meetings every month, usually with a guest speaker about some topic of interest to Mountain People and the average attendance is 20 or so.  These meetings are announced via the Community noticeboards, this website and e-mail and proper records are kept.   

SMCA has several sub-committees

Management Committee

Anzac Day Committee

Cultural & Heritage Committee which oversees the Art Show, Open Garden,            

    Singing Group etc

We also act as a reporting base for the following organisations

            Landcare Group

            Fire Brigade

SES

Springbrook State School P & C

CFS

Neighbourhood Watch

Ambulance

In fact we all share common members and have made financial contributions to them at different times.            

Some of the activities we oversee regularly are

            Management of Springbrook Hall

            Management of the Dump 

Some of the projects we have conducted are

            Bush Dance

Reporting to Main Roads and other Government Departments re the state of                   

      Springbrook Road or other safety issues.

            Input into the GCCC Fire Strategy

            Input into the GCCC Visioning Plan

           Application to Queensland Government re an extension to the Great Walk along the plateau

Christmas Kids’ party

Community Cuppa twice a month

Meet the Candidates nights each election

Anzac Day March, Service and Lunch

Art Show

M-Fest Celebrations

Australian Open Garden scheme

Clean Up Australia

Local heritage activities

Guest Speakers

In 2006, we had a year long celebration of the Centenary of the arrival of the first European settlers to the Mountain. This involved several concerts, Bush Dance, Art Show, Open Gardens, commemorative dinner etc. 

We actively support many functions and services for the Springbrook State School, support Care-flight, the Salvos and other charitable organisations each year as well as emergencies that arise from time to time.   

As you can see, we are at the coal face of the local community, especially those of us involved in the Ambulance and SES and Fire Brigade as well.