Monthly Archives: April 2021

Karragarra compost trial launch sows seeds for food waste recycling revolution


April 30, 2021

Karragarra Island Organics Composting Trial officially opens on April 30, heralding an important trailblazer for more community-based organics recycling schemes.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the collaboration between Council, the University of Queensland’s Centre for Recycling of Organic Waste and Nutrients (CROWN) and three island-based community groups was an important step closer to having a zero organic waste community.

“Karragarra Island produces about 16,000kg of organic food waste a year that goes to landfill,” Cr Williams said.

“It would be fantastic if that amount could be reduced by half.

“With 26 households already signed up, and capacity for a total of about 50 to join the trial, we are well on our way to testing if the community can do that.”

CROWN director Johannes Biala said the Karragarra Island project would be a model and source of information and inspiration for others to follow.

“It has placed Redlands Coast islands ahead of many mainland communities,” Mr Biala said.

“There is no doubt it will continue to thrive well beyond the trial end date in July 2021.”

CROWN has been a key driver in the composting scheme, helping to organise funding through a Goodman Foundation Moreton Bay (Quandamooka) Research Grant, engaging the community and designing the novel, forced-aeration composting system.

“The idea for the solar-powered composting system came from a California-based website,” Mr Biala said.

“Two solar panels are generating power that is stored in lithium batteries.

“This power is then converted to 240V and used to drive a blower, which operates on a time switch.

“Air is supplied via sub-surface pipes to the base of the new compost bays, which is then drawn up into the composted material due to the heat generated by the composting process.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards urged more island households to sign up to the trial.

“If more organic food waste can be retained for beneficial use within the island communities, it will not only be a great saving to Council but a clever way for islanders to become more self-sufficient as food growers,” Cr Edwards said.

“Taking part in the trial is a simple process, with supplied kitchen caddies and compostable liners available at Karragarra Community Garden.

“People can empty their caddies into 240-litre bins that have been placed at the community garden and near the island jetty.”

From left, Rose Childe of Running Wild Youth Conservation Culture, CROWN director Johannes Biala and Shirley Lindsay of Karragarra Community Garden.

Rose Childe, of Running Wild Youth Conservation Culture, said conservation and land management trainees would help process the compost.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for them to use the innovative technology and we’re pleased to be involved in something that engages with the community and ties in with the environmental focus of our organisation,” Ms Childe said.

Shirley Lindsay, of Karragarra Community Garden, said she was hopeful the trial would convert people to separating and composting food waste.

“I think people will want to be part of a great success story,” she said.

“The community garden would use all the compost generated for vegetable crops and fruit trees.

“As a good gardener, you can never have enough compost and mulch.

Jettie Berkhout, of SMBI Permaculture, said the trial aligned with permaculture principles.

“Permaculture is a way of living ethically, caring for the earth and taking care of people and future generations,” Ms Berkhout said.

“SMBI Permaculture believes this is a wonderful beginning in creating a resilient community on Karragarra Island. We hope this program is successful and it will extend soon to the other islands.”

 

Candle Lighting Vigil to shine a light on domestic violence


April 30, 2021

This year’s Redlands Coast Candle Lighting Vigil will be held at Raby Bay Harbour Park on Wednesday 5 May, to remember those who have been lost due to domestic and family violence.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Redlands Coast vigil – presented by Council, Red Rose Foundation, and The Centre for Women and Co. – was a local tradition which was held simultaneously with vigils across the state to mark the beginning of Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

“The vigil is an opportunity to show those who have been troubled by some of the most horrific examples of brutality that we stand with them,” Cr Williams said.

“We must let our candles show that we as a community acknowledge the grief, terrible loss and long-term impact felt by the victims’ families and loved ones.

“As we have seen on the news recently, and in reports of domestic violence crime rising since the onset of COVID-19, the scourge of family violence is an ongoing battle.

“We as a community and society must stand as one and say ‘Enough is enough’.

“In Australia, at least one woman is killed every week by an intimate partner.

“Too often children, and sometimes men, are also the victims of these homicides.

“Legislative changes and education programs aimed at creating long-term behaviour changes are part of the wider societal response to addressing this insidious violence.

“At the grass-roots level, the Candle Lighting Vigils are a way for us to continue to say we want it to stop, we stand with those who continue to be troubled by it, and we support those who confront this brutality as members of our frontline services.”

Community members are invited to attend.

EVENT DETAILS

When: 5.30pm; Wednesday 5 May, 2021

Where: Raby Bay Harbour Park, Shore Street West, Cleveland

Walk the Talk: Join the Zonta Club of Wynnum Redland Inc and Soroptimists International Bayside to walk united to the Candle Lighting Vigil to show your support to eliminate domestic and family violence.

  • 4.45pm – Meet at Kyling Corner (cnr Waterloo and Middle streets, Cleveland)
  • 5.00pm – Walk as a united group to Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland
  • 5.30pm – Attend the Candle Lighting Vigil to remember those who have died because of domestic and family violence

Birkdale Community Precinct is all class


April 30, 2021

Redland City Council is encouraging the community to tap into the educational resources that exist on Birkdale Community Precinct as they imagine future uses for the site.

Mayor Karen Williams said the educational benefits of the 62-hectare precinct were just waiting to be discovered and, with the current community engagement closing on May 4, there was an urgency around considering how they featured in the site’s future.

“A green, natural haven set beside the gentle ebb and flow of Tingalpa Creek is not only an attractive and conducive space for studying and learning, but it is a rich educational resource in its own right,” Cr Williams said.

“From its time of settlement by Traditional Owners through its colonial farming heritage, World War II history and beyond, the precinct offers valuable insights into the life and times of those who walked and worked upon its land.”

Cr Williams said the protected ecosystem of the site could potentially offer up many environmental education lessons around issues such as biosecurity, conservation land management and sustainability.

About two-thirds of the precinct is categorised as protected because of its identified cultural, heritage and ecological values.

Vee Design director David Hatherly believes in actively respecting the precinct’s natural habitat and values when considering the educational opportunities that it offers.

His firm was one of five leading urban design and landscape architecture teams who created ideas boards for the precinct based around themes inherent to the site. Their theme was Education and Discovery.

“Three principles underpin the theme. Respect. Restore. Educate,” Mr Hatherly said.

“Respect for the natural environment and for the cultural history. Restoration of the landscape and management of sensitive environments and ecosystems. Educate through a range of activities such as bush walks, guided tours, day and night activation, and seasonal activation, incorporation of outdoor classrooms, seasonal environmental signage displays, and the provision of a Discovery Hub which could provide information, bookings, learning and site management facilities.

“This project could be considered one of ‘change’. But importantly it is how that change can be managed and reflected in positive outcomes that will be the site’s legacy for generations to come.”

The other themes were:

Adventure and recreation – What exciting, compelling and family-friendly community facilities, assets and attractions would you like to see at Birkdale Community Precinct?  Could it be the home for the highly anticipated Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct? The opportunity is to create an integrated regional aquatic centre of excellence, incorporating the city’s new Olympic standard pool, water play and adventure sports facilities, as well as an Olympic standard whitewater facility that could serve as the event venue for canoe slalom for a potential Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Agriculture and rural tradition – The land had a productive past in farming. How could we use that to help shape a sustainable future?

Heritage and history – In what ways would you like to see the stories of place, from Traditional Owners to European settlers to the land’s role during World War II, acknowledged?

Environment and ecology – How do we preserve, showcase and be innovative with the precinct’s environmental resilience and qualities into the future?

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said it appears the themes of education and discovery are particularly exciting for all ages and especially for younger members of the community.

“This land is just waiting to be experienced; it has many stories to tell and lessons to help us learn,” Cr Bishop said.

“Some suggest this could be a place where children get to meet and learn about the local habitat in a structured, formal way. It also could be a place where youth may enjoy nature play among eucalypts as they celebrate ‘re-wilding’ of open spaces and discover the precinct’s beauty in an informal way.

“But right now, we need members of our community to visit Council’s Your Say page, look at the virtual tour, videos and fact sheets and consider the many possibilities for this precinct.

“Imagine what you want your loved ones to inherit in decades to come. Do the survey and raise any other unique suggestions. The deadline to have your say is fast approaching.”

For more information about Council’s community consultation on possible future uses for Birkdale Community Precinct, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/imagine

Consultation closes on Tuesday 4 May 2021.

Order a green waste bin during May and be in the running to win one of 100 worm farms


April 30, 2021

Redlands Coast mainland householders have an opportunity to win a worm farm if they sign up for a green waste bin during the month of May.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the promotion was part of Council’s campaign to secure 500 green waste bin orders over the month, starting on 2 May to coincide with International Compost Awareness Week.

“Council wants to boost the uptake of green waste bins because of the benefits they represent for the environment, and because they are convenient and good value for garden lovers,” Cr Williams said.

“Green waste bins currently do not have an establishment fee and homeowners who order before 31 May 2021 will have the chance to go in the draw for one of the 100 worm farms that Council is giving away, valued at $89.95 each.”

An example of the $89.95 worm farms on offer for residents to win.

Cr Williams said at present the ongoing cost associated with a green waste bin equated to just $1.23 a week, or $16 a quarter.

“For keen gardeners who produce a lot of green waste, the fortnightly collection service for bins is an easy and convenient option when compared to loading up the trailer to take it to a recycling and waste centre,” she said.

“People also have the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped weed out unnecessary waste going to landfill because green bin contents are turned into new enriching organic products, such as soils, soil enhancers and mulch.

“And winners will also get to test out how well worm farms work for composting food scraps in their own homes, which helps to further reduce overall waste sent to landfill.

“The May promotion is part of the broader Council target for 21,000 green waste bins to be in use by the end of 2021 and 35,000 by 2025.”

Green waste bins can be ordered online from Council’s website or by calling 3829 8999.

Acceptable green bin items are:

  • Garden prunings
  • Grass clippings (do not bag if using a green waste bin)
  • Shrubs
  • Weeds and flowers
  • Leaves and loose bark
  • Sawdust
  • Small branches or soft wood (no larger than 75cm in length or 10cm in diameter)

Further details

  • The promotion is only available to mainland residents and new customers.
  • Customers ordering a second bin will be eligible.
  • Annual fees apply and are subject to change.
  • Council recommends tenants interested in green bins contact Council and register their interest so that when green waste bins are available to tenants we can contact them directly. Alternatively, tenants can contact their landlords to request they order a bin on their behalf.
  • Island residents can register their interest by contacting Council.
  • Council’s draft Waste Reduction and Recycling plan is out for consultation and residents can hear more about the focus on reducing waste and increasing recycling from the kerbside bins and have their say until 28 May.

Connect and restore at IndigiScapes Eco Markets


April 30, 2021

Celebrate with Redlands IndigiScapes Centre the natural wonders of Redlands Coast at the environmental centre’s series of Eco Markets, kicking off tomorrow (Saturday 1 May, 2021).

Mayor Karen Williams said the May event – the first of four scheduled for this year – would be held in the centre’s beautiful native botanic gardens and include market stalls featuring sustainable products, upcycled fashion, fresh produce and more.

“There will also be live music, local arts and crafts, books and displays, including permaculture and native beekeeping,” she said.

“The IndigiScapes nursery, cafe and gardens will all be open for the community to come along and connect and restore in nature.

“Redlands Coast, from islands to coastal areas and hinterland, boasts a wonderfully diverse natural environment, with 40 per cent protected green space, and so much to see and do.

“Council’s IndigiScapes is one of those great places where people can immerse in nature and discover more about their own naturally wonderful home.

“You will be able to visit the markets, buy native plants from the nursery, enjoy the walking tracks and native botanic gardens, visit the Discovery Centre and gift shop, and choose from a range of delicious food.

“If you like, you can also pack a picnic basket and rug and relax in the gardens while the children enjoy the nature playground and maze.”

Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said the Eco Markets in May would be followed by an Environment and Community Fair on Saturday 5 June, to mark World Environment Day.

“This will be a celebration where people can explore more about global conservation movements and how they can contribute to them with action at home,” Cr McKenzie said.

“The year’s theme is Ecosystem Restoration, which can take many forms, such as growing trees, greening cities, rewilding gardens, changing diets, or cleaning up rivers and coasts.

“With World Oceans Day falling on 8 June, the Environment and Community Fair will include marine environment groups and highlight the impact of single-use plastics on our ocean and marine life, encouraging reduced reliance on plastics leading into Plastic Free July.

“Redlands Coast is an amazing place to live, work and play, and I encourage everyone to come along and play in nature at these IndigiScapes events.”

EVENT DETAILS

FREE ENTRY

WHEN: 8am to noon – Saturday 1 May 2021; Saturday 5 June 2021; Saturday 4 September 2021; Saturday 4 December 2021

WHERE: 17 Runnymede Road, Capalaba. Additional parking available via the nursery and My Horizon entry

WHAT: Market stalls, live music, upcycled fashion, fresh produce, native nursery, cafe and more

MORE INFORMATION: indigiscapes.redland.qld.gov.au or 3829 8999

The events will operate under a COVID-safe plan

Trailblazing drones trial to beat mozzies and protect environment


April 30, 2021

In a South-East Queensland first, Redland City Council is trialling drones as a tool for managing mosquitoes in hard-to-reach and environmentally sensitive areas within Moreton Bay Marine Park.

Mayor Karen Williams said the six-month trial had exciting potential for Redlands Coast, where mosquitoes are endemic due to its natural environment.

“We are leading the way as one of the first councils in our region to use drones as part of our Mosquito Management Program,” Cr Williams said.

“Of course, safety is our number one concern. The chemicals used in the drone trial are safe for people and their pets, environmentally friendly and only target mosquito larvae.

“They are the same as those used in Council’s regular ground and helicopter treatments.”

“Treatment via drone has proven successful and now it’s hoped the program can be expanded to protect our sensitive environments as well as the wellbeing of Redlands Coast residents.”

From left, Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, Mozzie Taskforce Chairman and Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle, Proagco Director Brendon Hare and Council Pest Management Team Coordinator Russell Manby.

Due to finish at the end of this mosquito breeding season, the focus of the trial has been on Geoff Skinner Wetlands Reserve at Wellington Point; Point Halloran Conservation Area at Victoria Point; German Church Road wetlands at Mt Cotton; and Rocky Passage Road at Redland Bay.

Cr Williams said agricultural digital solutions provider Proagco supplied two sorts of drones for the trial.

“The smaller drones were equipped with many cameras to pinpoint and map mozzie breeding grounds, with two larger ones used to transport and deliver the chemical directly over mosquito breeding sites,” she said.

“After rain events, our high-density hard-to-reach conservation areas that are lush with mangroves and casuarinas typically contain puddles of water that present prime breeding grounds for mosquito larvae.

“These environmentally sensitive areas are often difficult to access and require officers to travel by foot to apply treatments manually by hand, wearing 25kg backpack blowers.

“Access to other areas might also require the use of the Argo and quad bikes.

“Drones are proving much more versatile, with the ability to travel direct to the breeding site to deliver chemical that is target-specific and only toxic to mosquito larvae.

“This method is increasing the efficacy of treatments while also improving safety for Council officers by reducing manual handling, heat stress and fatigue.”

Regional Mosquito Management Group Chairman Cr Paul Golle said the trial showed drones could be used in treating up to 40 per cent of existing mosquito breeding sites currently treated by hand.

“They also have potential to treat sites presently inaccessible by foot or helicopter,” he said.

“Drone supplier Proagco has collaborated to progressively modify their drones as Council officers discovered how the new technology enables them to better deliver mosquito larvicides effectively.

“Key modifications have enabled the drones to deliver granules, sand and pellets and, with the capacity to fly at up to 30m high.

“Using the drone we are now able to treat two hectares of mosquito breeding sites in about 10 minutes.”

Proagco director Brendon Hare said the $50,000 large drones were originally designed to sow seeds and powdered products in China.

“What we have achieved in working with Redlands’ Mosquito Management Program, developing ways to allow Council to use drones for mosquito control in many different and difficult-to-access settings, is leading-edge technology,” Mr Hare said.

 

Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre to close temporarily


April 30, 2021

The Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre will temporarily close for maintenance for four days a week (Monday to Thursday) over two weeks from 17 May 2021.

Mayor Karen Williams said the closure was necessary for the safety of Council employees, contractors and the community.

“Works are planned to repair a storm water drain which has been damaged following recent heavy rain,” she said.

“The drain runs beside the down exit road and the site needs to be closed so repair works can be completed safely.

“In an endeavour to reduce the impact on residents as much as possible the works will take place between Monday and Thursday over two weeks, from 17 May to 27 May, with the centre to remain open during peak times.

“The centre will need to close on these days, with works to be undertaken during daylight hours, but will reopen from Friday 21 May to Sunday 23 May.”

Cr Williams encouraged residents to either hold on to waste and recyclables for a Friday to Sunday drop-off at Birkdale, or make use of the Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre.

Commercial operators are being asked to use alternative facilities during the closure period.

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said she acknowledged the temporary closure may be an inconvenience for some people.

“We appreciate the community’s patience during this short-term closure while we improve services to our residents,” Cr Huges said.

“The centre is expected to reopen on Friday 28 May, subject to weather conditions and the progress of the maintenance work that will be required.”

Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre, located at 761-789 German Church Road, is open seven days a week from 7am-5.30pm.

This centre only accepts residential and commercial waste in vehicles with a gross combination vehicle mass (GCVM) of less than 4.5 tonnes. Recyclable material including cardboard and scrap metal is not subject to this limit.

The following commercial items are not accepted at Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre:

  • Commercially generated or transported fibro, cement sheeting and asbestos-containing material. Redland Bay only accepts residential quantities (up to 10sqm)
  • Commercial bricks and concrete
  • Commercial and industrial mixed waste in vehicles greater than 4.5 tonnes GCVM.

Commercial operators are encouraged to go to alternative locations where possible during the closure. Please check with operators regarding what waste is accepted.

Alternative locations include:

  • Chandler Resource Recovery Centre (Brisbane City Council), Tilley Road, Chandler – vehicles less than 4.5 tonnes GCVM
  • Resource Recoveries and Recycling, 706 Mount Cotton Road, Sheldon – does not accept commercial and industrial waste
  • Carbrook Waste and Recycling Facility (Logan City Council), 1801 Mount Cotton Road, Cornubia – vehicles less than 4.5 tonnes GCVM
  • Stapylton Resource Recovery, 144 Rossmanns Road, Stapylton.

Redlands Coast community groups urged to apply for Seniors Month grants


April 29, 2021

Redlands Coast community groups can now apply for Redland City Council grants under a new age-friendly initiative designed to support events for seniors during Queensland Seniors Month in October.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Redlands Coast Seniors Month Grants Program was specifically aimed at activities being planned for Seniors Month, an annual state-wide celebration of positive ageing.

“Redlands Coast has plenty of wonderful seniors and ensuring that people of all ages are respected and included in all aspects of community life is a key outcome of Council’s Redlands Coast Age-friendly Action Plan 2021-2026,” Cr Williams said.

“Bringing our older residents together helps them create and maintain new connections in their community, can enhance wellbeing and reduce the risk of illness, loneliness and isolation.

“These grants are a way for Council to encourage groups with a range of different focal points – such as recreation, support, wellbeing and learning – to deliver events and initiatives across the city over the full month.”

Cr Williams said grants of up to $1500 from a total budget of $10,000 would be available.

“Applications will be received online from 30 April to 30 May,” she said.

“We want the grants to support initiatives that are both active and passive in nature, catering to our most mobile seniors, as well as those with limited opportunities to be out into the community.”

Cr Williams said the Redlands Coast Seniors Month Grants Program supported Council’s broader aims for an age-inclusive community.

Have your say on Council’s draft Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan


April 28, 2021

Redlands Coast residents can now have their say on Redland City Council’s four-year plan to boost recycling and reduce local waste going to landfill.

Council will open its draft Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2021-2025 for four weeks of community consultation from 27 April.

Councillors have also endorsed in principle a longer term draft waste management plan developed by the SEQ Council of Mayors to guide a regional approach to waste management, which will be launched in May.

Mayor Karen Williams said all residents had a vested interest in how Council and its local government neighbours met waste reduction and recycling targets necessitated by significant changes in the waste sector in recent years.

“Better management of our waste and the greater uptake of recycling means more than just helping our environment and progressing to a zero-waste future, it is also critical to minimise extra costs to ratepayers,” Cr Williams said.

“In July 2019 the State Government introduced a waste levy in an attempt to reduce waste being sent to landfill.

“While this levy is currently subsidised by the State Government, we are concerned this subsidy may change in the future, making the investment into improved recycling a better use of community funds.

“Council’s draft plan, developed alongside the broader draft South-East Queensland Waste Management Plan, outlines how we can all work together to better use our existing kerbside waste, recycling and green waste services as efficiently as possible.

“Through it we will work to double the number of households with a green-waste bin for garden organics, as well as halve the amount of recyclable material being placed into general waste bins.

“We also want to ensure everyone knows the importance of using the right bin and reduce the contamination in yellow-lid recycling bins that can undermine residents’ recycling efforts.

“Our aim is for 90 per cent of our community to be correctly recycling 90 per cent of their waste, 90 per cent of the time. This is what it will take to reach Queensland’s recycling target of 70 per cent by 2050, together with other industry action.”

Cr Williams said the draft plan relied on residents working with Council to reduce waste and increase recycling.

“The plan outlines a way we can collectively achieve waste reduction and recycling targets set by the Queensland Government,” she said.

“Community involvement is important to the success of the plan and achieving a collective impact on our waste management and a zero waste future for the Redlands Coast.

“Now that the consultation period has started, I encourage everyone to provide feedback on the priorities and initiatives identified in this draft plan.

“I know how passionate our community is about helping to look after our environment and keeping Redlands Coast naturally wonderful.

“So please take this opportunity to tell us what you think.”

Redland City Council’s draft Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2021-2025 includes encouraging the improved use of the existing kerbside services such as:

  1. doubling the number of households with a green waste bin for garden organics
  2. halving the amount of recyclable material being placed into general waste bins
  3. reducing contamination (non-recyclable materials) in the yellow-lid recycling
  4. ensuring everyone knows the importance of using the right bin.

Currently almost two-thirds of what goes in Redlands Coast red-lid waste bins could be kept out of landfill, including more than 10,000 tonnes a year of garden organics and 6,000 tonnes of other waste which could be recycled.

Visit Council’s Your Say website https://yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/  to read all about the draft Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2021-2025 and have your say by 28 May 2021. As an added incentive, those who complete the online survey will have the chance to enter a competition draw to win one of 10 x$50 IndigiScapes vouchers (terms and conditions apply).

Straddie’s gorge walk still open for a naturally wonderful experience


April 23, 2021

The popular Point Lookout Gorge Walk is still open for visitors to enjoy, despite a section currently being closed due to erosion following a recent severe weather event.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the majority of the walk on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah remained open, with tourists and locals welcome to use the facility as long as they adhered to the safety signage.

“With two long weekends coming up we wanted to remind people that the gorge walk still offers an amazing and naturally wonderful outdoor experience, with multiple vantage points to see stunning scenery and abundant wildlife including kangaroos, sea eagles, dolphins, rays, turtles as well as humpback whales during their annual migration from May – November.

“Most of the boardwalk is still open, with two entry points – one to the south of the closure and one to the north. It’s just not a circuit at present, so when you get to the closed section roughly in the middle of the walk, it’s as simple as retracing your steps back the way you came,” Cr Mitchell said.

“The heavy rain that resulted in erosion and flooding in many areas of south east Queensland in the lead up to the Easter break caused a wash out around boardwalk foundations on the southern side of North Gorge.

“The affected section was immediately closed off to ensure visitor safety and to allow Council’s engineers to assess the damage.

“The walk is an iconic destination, and this special experience can still be enjoyed – but to do this safely, sticking to the designated trail is a must, for your own safety as well as to protect the sensitive vegetation in the area.

“A fall from the closed section could result in serious injury, so we ask that visitors and locals take heed of the site safety signage and not enter the closed area, create shortcut trails around it or try to bypass it.