Redlands locals are urging migratory bird experts visiting Brisbane for an international conference next week to raise their voices in support of the protection of a significant Moreton Bay wetland which is under threat.
Toondah Harbour, on Brisbane’s doorstep, is the single most important feeding site for Eastern Curlews, a critically endangered bird that flies to all the countries of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Toondah Harbour is an internationally recognised Ramsar wetland.
Delegates representing countries across the East Asian-Australasian Flyway will gather in Brisbane from 12 to 17 March to discuss conservation priorities and emerging issues for threatened migratory birds that depend on intact habitat across the flyway.
The federal government is in the process of deciding whether or not to approve a massive real estate project being proposed by Walker Corporation for Toondah Harbour.
Delegates from the East Asian-Australasian Flyway conference will visit Toondah Harbour on Thursday 16 March as part of a field trip to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
“Every summer Eastern Curlews and Grey-tailed Tattlers recuperate at the Toondah Harbour wetland following their epic flight back from the northern hemisphere,” said Tania Kromoloff of the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Bayside group.
“Eastern Curlews are one of 110 priority species in the Albanese government’s Threatened Species Action Plan, released last year by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.
“Walker Corporation’s plan for a marina and high-rise apartment complex would destroy irreplaceable feeding ground for the birds and a big chunk of the Ramsar wetland.
“These international migratory bird experts need to see how special and under threat this place is – we urge them to speak out in support of its protection.
“The Australian Government has demonstrated international leadership in shorebird conservation by helping secure a World Heritage nomination for parts of the Yellow Sea.
“Environment Minister Plibersek has a great opportunity to continue that leadership at home by rejecting Walker Corporation’s destructive real estate project at Toondah Harbour.”
In May last year more than 2,200 people rallied against Walker’s proposal.
Header pic by Nikki Michail
