VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 BIEPA News

BRIBIE ISLAND ENVIRONMENTAL !See Page 4 " Editorial PROTECTION ASSOCIATION INC www.biepa.org

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

BIEPA Raffle winner! 1 October Guest Speaker Hon Wyatt Roy MP ! 1 Austn Birds vs GBR ! 2 Vale: Trevor Ford!! 2 Bribie Wallum Wonders!3 Editorial!!! 4 Annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count!!! 4 Turtle Talk!!! 5 Qld Coast Mgmt Plan! 6 Saving Sophie!! 7 Vale: Glen Standfast! 8 Demise of Eric the Emu!8 Sept Guest Speaker - notes And The Winner Is ...... from Susie"s talk!! 9 Gillian Parry, photographed with her husband David, after receiving MBEA Media Release re her Prize in the BIEPA Raffle, drawn at the August 24 BIEPA Meet- MBRC Draft Plan ! 10/11 ing. When the BIEPA Committee arrived with the lovely original Plant of the Month 12 watercolour painted by Nada O"Loughlin, the Parrys had already Bird of the Month! 13 prepared a place on their wall to display the kookaburras. Gillian Book of the Month 14 said she was surprised and very happy to win. Rights of Nature in Paris 15 The BIEPA Committee thanks everyone who participated in sup- General Information and porting BIEPA"s fund- Contacts!! 16 raising raffle and we extend huge thanks BIEPA Committee hands over Prize OCTOBER GUEST SPEAKER to our BIEPA member who anonymously Hon Wyatt Roy MP donated the painting to be raffled. It Wyatt will discuss seemed that every- the Federal one wanted to win it. Government’s Thank you also, to all responsibilities and the members who involvement in volunteered to sell ’s the raffle tickets. We are happy to report Natural Assets and that we exceeded our Environment. fund-raising target.

! PAGE 1 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 OUR GREATEST NATURAL WONDER

! Canadian Harvey Locke is a conservationist, writer, and photographer. He is a recognized global leader in the field of parks, wilderness and large landscape conservation. Harvey gave a keynote address at the recent Queensland Trust For Nature biennial conference held at the Convention & Exhibition Centre. ! In yet another endorsement of what Australian biologist and author of articles and books on nature and conservation Tim Low has stated in his acclaimed book, WHERE SONG BEGAN: Australia's Birds and How They Changed the World, Harvey made this claim: “No longer is the Great Barrier Reef Australia’s or even the world’s greatest natural wonder. Australia’s birds now hold that honour”. ! This is a very significant statement from one of the world"s leading naturalists. Think of the millions of tourists who come to see the Great Barrier Reef. Now imagine the potential of these same numbers of people coming here to see our unique and distinctive native birdlife. ! Australia"s birds are the noisiest, most colourful, most excitable and vibrant in the world. They also have the most beautiful song and their lineage dates back to the dinosaurs. ! Queensland has the good fortune to be home to a great number of these birds. Closer to home, at Bribie Island, there are more than 300 species of birds visiting or making Bribie their home. Sadly, many of these birds will move or die out as the climate changes to the point that they become intolerant of the warmer conditions. It is already happening. Destruction of their habitat in the name of development has also caused many iconic species to disappear from Bribie and surrounding districts. Even more sadly, at Woorim we have seen the second bout of deliberate native bird killings within the last few years. ! So human indifference is playing a major role in degrading what Harvey Locke has called the “greatest natural wonder in Australia”. To put it in economic terms, we are forgoing billions of dollars in tourism revenue because of our “she"ll be right” attitude. We wouldn"t deliberately pour diesel onto a beautiful coral reef but we do the effective equivalent when we degrade and neglect our native birdlife.

VALE - Trevor Ford Birdwatchers and bird lovers alike are mourning the loss of Trevor Ford who died peacefully on 22 August 2015. Trevor was well known in our region for his vast knowledge of birds and their different behaviours and habitats. As a member of the Bribie Island Rarities Committee, Trevor was meticulous in listing all reported sightings, a magnificent record of the 331 birds listed in BIEPA"s 2013 book Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Bribie Island written by him. Since publication, that number has increased to 338 and rising. Such information is invaluable for bird enthusiasts and for Bribie"s future if we are to protect the natural environment. Trevor also wrote BIEPA"s popular book Bribie Birds for which BIEPA"s committee and mem- bers are very appreciative. His three identification books on birds and butterflies are enjoyed by many. His knowledge of birds sometimes took him overseas to places such as Indonesia, South America and the UK, where he compiled official records of the species he saw. In recent months he concentrated on photo- graphing birds, and his latest images are wonderful. As mentor, he taught new birdwatchers how to look for distinguishing details, to learn the voice when recognising the bird, and to ask for help; he would answer the simplest (and silliest) questions with patience. A favourite tip was that it"s always worth closely examining a group of birds as “you never know what you might find”. Some such discoveries are an Emerald Dove feeding with Bar-shouldered Doves, and an Asian Dowitcher standing with hundreds of Godwits. Still looking for that Barn Swallow amongst the thousands of Welcome Swallows! Trevor was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed, but his priceless recorded knowl- edge and love of birds leave a lasting legacy. Chris Bell Photo: Trevor Ford

! PAGE 2 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

SOME WONDERS OF BRIBIE ISLAND’S WALLUM

! PAGE 3 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 Editorial

Dear Readers Heavy rainfall on the eve of BIEPA!s Wonders of the Wallum Wildflower Walk did nothing to deter enthusiasts who came not only from Bribie Island, but from as far away as: the Northern Rivers in NSW, Toowoomba, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Kingaroy, , Maleny, Brisbane and other places from off Island. “Word had passed around” about Bribie!s Wonderful Pocket of Wallum and its wildflowers. The rain did make it a bit soggy, but most people wore shoes that coped. We had more than 70 people participate including Bribie!s Rotary Exchange Student from Germany and Cr Parsons! granddaughter, both of whom lowered the aver- age age considerably! We wish to thank all the BIEPA volunteers, as well as John Ward from the Wallum Action Group and Allan Carr from National Plants Queensland, who have been so helpful in the preparations for the Walk. We also wish to thank Michael Strong from Turnstone Archeology, who is always so gracious every year when he gets identified in the crowd as someone people can consult about the plants as they walk. He was particu- larly helpful this year with a question about the nutritional value of the Bungwall Fern (Blechnum indicum) and how Indigenous Australians used it as a staple food. Last, but not least, we wish to thank the Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) who John Ward and Allan Carr wading through a sea of Boronia organize the annual Sunshine Coast Spring Wildflower Festival. For many years BIEPA has been advertised in their program. It lists all two weeks of Festival events held in various locations around the Sunshine Coast. BIEPA is provided with advertising material such as: billboard, posters, programs in which BIEPA!s event is listed and brochures we can hand out on the day to help people identify the wildflowers they see. Without this support from the SCC, we would not be able to attract so many and showcase Bribie Island!s unique Natural Assets to such a wide range of visitors in . Thank you everyone! It was a fantastic day. NATIONAL BIRD WEEK 2015 Between Monday 19 October and Sunday 25 October http://birdlife.org.au/

BirdLife Australia and the Birds in Backyards team have come together to bring you the Aussie Backyard Bird Count! Celebrate National Bird Week 2015 by taking part in the biggest citizen science project to hit Australian shores! From 19-25 October, thousands of people are heading out into their backyards, local parks or favourite open spaces to take part in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count! To get involved all you need is 20 minutes. Whether you"re a novice or an expert—we"ll be there to help you out along the way! Simply record the birds you know and look up those you don"t on our !Aussie Bird Count" app or our website. You"ll be contributing to a vital pool of in- formation from across the nation that will help us see how Australian birds are faring. http://aussiebirdcount.org.au/ Ph: (03) 9347 0757. ! PAGE 4 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 TURTLE TALK

These images are the every day realities for wildlife carers in our community. Too often they are called out to horrific scenes of fatal or near fatal injuries to Bribie Island!s “protected” wildlife species. These turtles were victims of hoons operating jet skis and power boats in the Pumicestone Passage - a waterway ostensibly designated as a Marine Park. The Welcome sign at the bridge entrance to Bribie Island announces we offer a sanctuary for fauna and flora. Sadly, Bribie Island is no longer a sanctuary for its inhabitants. There has been an increase in the number of wallabies and kangaroos found dead on our roads and beaches, some were the targets of bows and arrows. We may ask, “When will this carnage end”? We may speculate the answer, “When decision makers realize that the "hoons! add nothing to the image and economy of Bribe Island”. We suggest, “Change the tourism and economic development model. Promote the rejuvenating benefits of Bribie Island!s Natural Assets” and unique lifestyle.

THESE IMAGES ON OUR BEACHES ARE NOT GOOD FOR TOURISM

! PAGE 5 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 Queensland State Government COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Excerpts: Coastal She#Oaks !Casuarinas" The Coastal Management Plan will shape decisions ensuring nitrogen and depositio$ about management activities and managing coastal of sand on foredune and strandlin% resources on public coastal land. It is aimed primarily shrubs and grasses so Woori& at local government, which is responsible for managing Beach wi' stabilize and grow large areas of public coastal land and beaches. The objects of the Coastal Act related to coastal man- agement are to :- **provide for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and management of the coastal zone, including its resources and biological diversity, and **encourage the enhancement of knowledge of coastal re- sources and the effect of human activities on the coastal zone. Climate variability including projected increases in sea levels and storm intensity, and changed rainfall pat- terns, will compound the vulnerability of Queensland!s Vegetation is important to form and stabilize coastal low-lying coastal areas. Degraded environments can sand dunes. Vegetation on the beach and dunes accelerate this rate of change and increase instability. occurs in zones, according to the degree of exposure to Pressures on the coastal zone harsh coastal conditions. Closest to the sea is the “pio- **Population growth and urban and industrial develop- neer zone”, extending landward from the debris line at ment. This concentrated urbanization creates pres- the top of the beach in an area called the foredune or sures (directly & indirectly) on the coastal environment. frontal dune. The Hind-dune increases stabilization and protection. HOW COASTAL LAND IS TO BE MANAGED The long-term stability of dunes and other coastal land- DEHP recommended plants for “Strandline Zone”: forms are preserved and physical coastal processes Pioneer plants make up the initial dune vegetation - found in including erosion, accretion and the movement of sedi- the dune nearest the sea, where their survival depends on ment are able to occur without interruption. their ability to establish, grow and reproduce. They must tol- erate strong winds, salt spray, sandblast and occasional inun- Coastal Management outcomes dation by salt water. They are: Beach Spinifex (Spinifex hirsu- 1.1# Activities on the coast avoid interrupting the tus); Coastal Jack bean (Canavalia rosea); Yellow Dune Bean natural fluctuations of the coast (erosion and accretion) (Vigna marina); Goat!s Foot Convolvulus (Ipomoea pes- 1.2# Land stabiization against wind and water ero- caprae); Twining Guinea Flower (Hibbertia scandens). sion, and dune-building processes are maintained or # enhanced by protecting, managing and rehabilitating DEHP recommended plants for “Foredune Zone” : native vegetation. The dominant native grasses and trees present in the Fore- 1.3# Dunes, mangroves and coastal wetlands that dune zone are: Angular pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens); protect or buffer communities, infrastructure and # Scented fan flower (Seaevola calendulacea); Long leaved terrestrial ecosystems from coastal hazards are main- matrush (lomandra longifolia); Dianella (Dianella congesta); tained or enhanced. Coastal She-Oak (Casuarina equisetifolia), Screw Pines (Pandanas pedunculatus), Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifo- 1.4# Dune crest heights and sand volume in the ac- lia), Coast Wattle (Acacia sophorae) and Coastal Beach tive beach system are maintained for the protection of # Heath (Leucopogon parviflora). coastal resources, adjacent property and structures against storm wave attack. DEHP recommended plants for “Hind-dune Zone”: 1.5# Longshore transport of sand or delivery of Cotton trees )Hibiscus tiliaceus); Pink and Brown Bloodwoods sediment to the coast is not disrupted. (Eucalyptus intermedia & trachyphloia); Ash 1.6# Where there is an imminent threat to the com- (Eucalyptus tessellaris); Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioi- munity or infrastructure from coastal erosion, develop- des), Lilly Pilly (Syzgium oleosum), Cheese tree (Glochidion ment of a Shoreline Erosion Management Plan ferdinandii) Coastal Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia). (SEMP) is recommended to deliver a science-based All plants help stabilize the dunes and provide resilience to solution to the erosion problem that considers envi- pressures such as sea level rise and storm surges. The most common threats to dune stability are clearing and degrading ronmental, social and economic issues. of vegetation, uncontrolled pedestrian and/or vehicle traffic.

! PAGE 6 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 SAVING SOPHIE We thought you would be interested in a koala story from koala carer and expert, Vanda Grabowski, who was guest speaker at BIEPA!s November 2014 meeting. Vanda wrote to BIEPA in August apologizing that she had to cancel her booking to attend BIEPA!s Wonders of the Wallum Spring Wildflower Walk, be- cause she had received an orphaned baby koala who needed 24 hour care. The little koala had been named Sophie. So a few weeks later BIEPA wrote to Vanda to enquire after Sophie. Vanda!s answer will give you some idea of what it is like to be a koala carer...... “Sophie was found in Deception Bay sitting on a fence with members of the public petting her. Mum (ko- ala) did not appear to be around so one can only assume that she was either sick, injured, killed or had abandoned her joey for some unknown reason. There was a female koala in a huge tree located close to the joey!s location but she didn!t respond to Sophie"s yipping. Usually when Mum hears her joey!s cries she will immediately rush to where the sound comes from to check out what is going on, so clearly this wasn!t Mum. Unfortunately this little female still relied on milk from Mum to survive. She was too small to manage on her own so she came into care. Sophie had an intestinal thrush infection requiring medication which hopefully has done the job. Some pictures attached.” The latest update on Sophie as at 11th October: BIEPA member, Sheila, visited Vanda in Glasshouse where Sophie is thriving. Sheila was extremely impressed with Vanda!s Queensland Koala Crusaders facility. For more information on how you can contribute towards the work these dedicated volunteers carry out, such as purchasing land to grow koala food trees, go to: http://www.koalacrusaders.org.au/

Sophi% cuddling her “toy” friend

(Letter to editor - Sunshine Coast Daily)

POLITICIANS SHOULD ACT NOW TO PROTECT KOALA HABITAT

LETTER of the Day: THE Koala Protection Act is an opportunity for all political parties to unanimously support this impor- tant piece of legislation. All Australians can be united in this important cause. On national and international levels, koalas are regarded as intrin- sic to Australia's unique heritage. There is no similar species anywhere in the world. Koala numbers are in rapid decline in SEQ. In step with this urgent action, a key determinant of success will be the political will to ensure koala habitat areas are protected against incompatible land use. As well, protection of habitat, incompatible activities such as noise pollution should be examined and regulated. Due to the acutely sensitive hearing capability of koalas, prevention of acoustic trauma is also highly relevant in breed- ing programs. Reduced immunological capacity can lead to susceptibility to disease and serious disruption of the re- productive and breeding processes. As time is absolutely critical for koala conservation, the Koala Protection Act should be implemented with the greatest urgency.

CHRISTINE from Woombye

! PAGE 7 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

VALE Glen Standfas(

We are sad to advise you that we have lost an" other long time BIEPA member. Glen Standfast passed away in September. Glen dealt graciously with a chronic illness all his life, but it never stopped him from living life to the fullest. He lived independently and took a keen and informed interest in every" thing around him. He had a great love for the natural environment on Bribie Island and gen" erously donated to his favourite wildlife carers. Glen spent many hours walking along the beach on the Pumicestone Passage and would phone some of his BIEPA friends to discuss his observations and thoughts. He loved to corner our guest speakers and give his opinion on the topic or ask the hard ques" tions. We will miss Glen’s indomitable and generous spirit, his humour and quirky conversations. THE DEMISE OF ERIC THE EMU

It has not been confirmed if Sadly, “Eric!s” demise is yet and migratory species (birds and Eric the Emu was in fact the emu, another example of the turtles) will be honoured. There is cruelly mauled to death by a dog in consequences of uncontrolled no funding to instal an electronic the National Park area open to access to National Park - in this gates to control access. 4WD recreational vehicles on north case the beach open to 4WD It appears it is a moral obligation to Woorim Beach. The emu, known recreation. There is no regular abide by the rules and regulations as Eric, had become a beloved policing of who enters the beach governing the privilege of icon on Bribie Island, enchanting from the 4WD access at Woorim. accessing Bribie Island!s National locals, golfers, walkers, cyclists Without 24 hour surveillance, Parks for recreation. Appropriate and anyone who encountered an access is essentially open to abuse funding from State and Federal adult emu on Bribie. “Eric” was not of the rules and regulations. There governments is necessary to tagged, but emu sightings assumed is no sure method for ensuring effectively maintain National Parks it was Eric. every single vehicle has a permit; and to monitor their use for that every vehicle appropriate recreation. Without driver is not carrying funding, we will continue to see the guns, bows and cruel loss of wildlife such as “Eric”, arrows or other kangaroos found shot by hunting weapons; that dogs arrows and the destruction of are not on board; dunes and habitat on which that drivers are not migratory birds and endangered accessing the nesting turtles depend for survival. beach close to high At the entrance to Bribie, we tides. There is no promote our Island as a “Flora and guarantee the Fauna Sanctuary”. international agreements that It needs to be asked, “Are we protect wetlands truly a sanctuary for flora and fauna”? ! PAGE 8 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

SEPTEMBER GUEST SPEAKER Susie Chapman (Northern Area Manager, Coastal Catchments Team, South East Queensland Catchments)

UPDATE (Thanks to Kathleen): John Oxen- Susie (2nd from right) with BIEPA members ford introduced Susie to the September meeting and explained that she is in charge of the area from Noosa to the Caboolture River, including Bribie Island. John referred to BIEPA!s long standing association with Susie, in particular her work with the com- munity in producing the 2010 Action Plan for Climate Proofing Bribie Island which was presented to Council for endorsement. Susie gave a brief introduction about SEQ Catchments! (SEQC) mandate and work. SEQC was founded 12 years ago as a community-based, not-for-profit organisation and is one of the 14 Natural Resource Man- agement Organisations in Queensland.

SEQC undertakes co-ordinating work in partnership with community groups, governments, councils, busi- nesses, schools and universities, other not-for-profit organisations, private landholders and Traditional Owners. She said that unfortunately SEQC has recently see a reduction in its government funding, resulting in the loss of one quarter of its staff. She outlines the management structure of the Organisation which has recently changed to support its transition to a community social enterprise. Of the Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) addressed by SEQC, Susie said that for this Meeting she had chosen to outline the im- portance of the Subtropical and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh. These intertidal areas are extremely valuable as habitat for birds, fish and rodents (e.g. the rare water mouse), as food sources, as a buffer for erosion (often working together with mangroves) and as a carbon sink. She showed slides of examples of saltmarsh and how in some areas it had been downgraded. Threats to saltmarsh include - flood mitigation (well meaning but can prove harmful); off-road vehicles; climate change; urban development; inappropriate fire regimes, etc. This saltmarsh is often seen as swampland of no value. SEQC has funding for a programme to focus on these areas, including an advertising campaign, social media, etc. and is asking local groups such as BIEPA to become involved with promoting their protection. A member raised the issue of the development of the area now the property of the Sandstone Point Hotel (SPH) and it was observed that the area adjacent to the Passage had been put under lawn and that construc- tion was taking place around the existing building at the water!s edge. The question was raised as to where the waterside boundary of the Hotel!s land was and it was also suggested that a boardwalk in that area could be a way of protecting the mangroves while still allowing access. The clearing of parts of Kakadu Beach was also mentioned and it was questioned as to whether this was appropriate given its designation as a shorebird reserve. It was pointed out that this subject had again recently been referred to BIEPA by residents. On examination it appeared that the clearing had been carried out according to the guidelines for this habitat, however, it was acknowledged that there are various opinions concerning this from different birding experts.... There was a general discussion concerning mangroves around the Passage and it was agreed that education and awareness of the value of saltmarsh and mangrove areas should be promoted, amongst the fishing com- munity and in schools especially. It was hoped that the Mangrove Monitoring Programme, the implementation of which in our area has been delayed for various reasons, would soon start. Meanwhile even still photos, with a record of time and place, would be very useful. Ian Bell mentioned the value of NearMap. Susie said that SEQC had a licence. Susie mentioned SEQC hosts the SEQ Fire & Biodiversity Consortium and we were able to say we had their Dean McNulty as guest speaker earlier in the year. Finally, Susie drew the Meeting!s attention to the Climate Proofing Bribie Island Action Plan document of 2010 which is on SEQC!s website and that it may be opportune to revisit some points raised in that document. John thanked Susie and invited everyone for refreshments.

! PAGE 9 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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! PAGE 11 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 PLANT OF THE MONTH Casuarina equisetifolia !Variety Incana" Family Casuarinacea% Australian Coast Sheoak, Beach Casuarina, Beach Sheoak, Horse#tail Sheoa)

DISTRIBUTION: The Australian Coast Sheoak is an introduced spe- Casuarina equisetifolia/incana occurs naturally on cies to Hawaii and Florida and is considered a weed tropical and subtropical coastlines from northern Aus- that is not compatible with their foreign ecosystems. tralia southwards along a narrow coastal strip from FEATURES: Cairns through central Queensland to near Port Mac- In Australia the crown is finely branched and the quarie, NSW . The Casuarina / Coast Sheoak is en- branchlets are drooping, needle-like, 20-40 cm long demic along Bribie Island!s eastern foreshore dunes. and sometimes hairy. Most trees bear both male It is salt and wind tolerant providing pro- tection for the salt intolerant vegetation in Casuarina/Coast Sheoa) the Woodland/ Hind-dune zone. The Coast Sheoak is an essential part of the patchwork of grasses, herbs and shrubs that cling to the windswept foredunes and strandline that face the sea. Foredunes are rich in diverse flora and fauna and the diversity of plants is essential to the stabil- ity of our sandy coast, deflecting winds, trapping sand to grow the beach and pro- tecting and enriching the vulnerable dune soils and plant communities beyond. ECOLOGY: Equisetifolia/incana occurs in hot humid to sub-humid areas. The area is frost-free. In Australia, the mean annual rainfall is 1000-1700 mm with a strong monsoonal pattern in the north. Coast she-oak is Food for native birds commonly confined to a narrow strip on sandy coasts and rarely extends inland. It is subject to salt spray and occasionally and female flowers and are wind pollinated. The to inundation with seawater. Soils are principally cones, 10-24 mm long and 9-13 mm in diameter, deep, well-drained and course-textured sands comprise small, dull brown, winged and single which may be alkaline. It has a symbiotic rela- seeded individual fruits., 3-4 mm long. The ~ 270,000 tionship with the nitrogen-fixing actinomycete viable seeds per kilogram germinate readily without bacteria Frankia which assists it to grow on low treatment. fertility soils. This species may be the only Other comments: woody plant on the coastal sand dunes growing Casuarina equisetifolia was first described in 1759. over grasses and broad-leaved herbs, or it can be The genus name is based on the Malay kasuari = part of a richer association of trees and shrubs. cassowary, referring to the resemblance of the tree!s INTERACTION WITH HUMANS: foliage to the cassowary!s The Coast Sheoak"s most common use is for plumage. The spe- sand dune stabilization, shelter-belts, land recla- cies is named from Casuarina flower mation and erosion control. Unfortunately, most of the Latin equinus the Casuarinas have been removed from Bribie!s = horses, and fo- dunes in order to provide ocean views. This has lium = leaf, refer- compromised the stability and ability of the dunes to ring to the fine recover and grow after erosion from storm events. drooping twigs This in turn exposes an unprotected built environment which are reminis- to greater risk, especially with sea level rise. cent of horse hair.

! PAGE 12 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

BIRD OF THE MONTH BUSH STONE"CURLEW BURHINUS GRALLARIUS This month we are featuring a bird recently spotted in a back yard on Bribie Island. The Bush Stone- curlew is rare on Bribie Island, so it was a real treat for Bribie!s birders to hear about the spotting. Many thanks to Keith Gavin for sharing his wonderful photos - two of which are featured here. The Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius is a large, slim, mainly noc- turnal, ground-dwelling bird. It is mostly grey-brown above, streaked with black and rufous. It is whitish below with clear, vertical black streaks. The bill is small and black, and the eye is large and yellow, with a prominent white eyebrow. Both sexes are similar. Young Bush Stone-curlews are similar in appear- ance to the adults, but are paler, and a little browner in colour. Bush Stone-curlews are nocturnal birds, doing all their feeding and other ac- declined in numbers through loss of habitat from land tivities at night. clearing and predation by foxes and cats. You may The Bush Stone-curlew is quite an unusual looking enjoy this short video of conservation efforts in West- bird, and unlike any other bird found in Australia. The ern Australia. related Beach Stone-curlew,$Esacus neglectus, has a http://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/bush-stone-curlew-to-be-rei much larger bill and more boldly marked face, and ntroduced-into-the-wild-8461/ has little or no black streaking on the body. Bush Stone-curlews have a wide-ranging diet, but The range of the Bush Stone-curlew once extended prefer to feed on insects, molluscs, small lizards, throughout Australia and was quite common, but has seeds and occasionally small mammals. Feeding takes place at night. During the breeding season, nesting birds will search for food in the vicinity of the nest site, while at other times, birds may travel large distances. All food is taken from the ground. Bush Stone-curlews have a remarkable courtship dance. Individuals stand with their wings out- stretched, their tail upright and their neck stretched slightly forward. The birds will stamp their feet up and down, like a soldier marking time. This courtship ritual is repeated for an hour or more at a time and is accompanied by loud and constant calling. Eggs are laid in a shallow scrape in the ground and both adults share the incubation and care for the young.

Listen to its wailing call here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi1GX_VRaM0

! PAGE 13 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 BOOK OF THE MONTH Island Home: a landscape memoir by Tim Winton “Australian minds have been colonised in the same way as our landscape”, Winton argues in his latest book, “...but country is calling us home”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GEYVQ4rwhI

In Europe in the 1980s, author Tim Winton revelled in the architecture, the culture, the magnificent achieve- ments of humans. But, like many Australians, he found something lacking - and it was in the natural land- scape. It was too domesticated, too cute, and it made him miss the so-called untamed empty spaces of home. In his new book, Island Home: a landscape memoir, he writes about how Australia has shaped him as a writer, an eco-warrior and also a deflator of myths. “Tim Winton's Island Home isn't memoir, it's a cultural call to arms”, says Jamie Hanson reviewing Tim Win- ton!s latest book, Island Home, a landscape memoir. http://www.theguardian.com/profile/jamie-hanson Tim Winton!s new book, is a meditation on the places that have breathed life into his fiction over the past decades. But Island Home is not just the “landscape memoir” of its subtitle. The book contains a more ambi- tious theme – reading the relationship between Australian writing and culture, and the role of the Australian landscape in shaping both people and the lives they lead. Australian writers have largely failed to explore the physicality and beauty of lives lived in Australian places, argues Winton, a failure that may well be tied to deeper cultural currents. For generations of settler-Australians, our landscapes have been treated as “terri- tory” to be explored and exploited, from which to gouge a living (or a fortune). There has been a lack of love for country or to see it for what it really is. The consequences of this carelessness are saddening. Our cities are wealthy. That wealth is Australia!s prin- cipal achievement of the past century or so. But the costs have been high. Hugging the coasts are Australia!s arable regions – denuded, most often degraded, many of these areas were forests just 200 years back. (What was once a stunningly beautiful coastline is today just another concrete jungle - the Gold Coast.) Scattered across the country are thousands of abandoned mines leaking pollution into our waterways for generations. Offshore we empty the oceans of life, even as we oversee an experiment in extinction on land. If Aboriginal people are forced off their land, who will pass down the stories? But there is also cause for hope. Winton sees a shift in thinking, from a view of Australian land as “territory” to “country”, a complex living place that shapes us every bit as much as we shape it. Country is essential to who we are, saturating us in particularities of space, texture, sound, ambience. Winton discovered the depth of his connection with the West Austra- lian environment only when he failed to connect to iconic European landscapes. This discovery wasn!t just liberating, it was metaphysical. The realization? Our sensibilities are shaped by places we!re from. It took a long time to learn the wisdom of Richard Flanagan!s words, or to be ready to hear the wisdom of Winton!s. But they are, of course, right: it is time for Australians to develop a strong, vernacular literature capable of connecting with the deep and particular love of place so many of us feel – and we are on the way to doing that. We will need that if we are to treat our homeland with the love and care that it needs in the challenging decades ahead. It is not an accident that many of the writers most able to evoke Australian places have also been activ- ists fighting for its protection. Judith Wright was prominent in the first campaigns to protect the Great Barrier Reef, Winton lent his name to the campaigns that resulted in Ningaloo being listed on the World Heritage register, and Richard Flanagan has been prominent in debates over Tasmania!s forests. Island Home is a beautiful example of that aesthetic response to the glory and the mystery of Nature.

! PAGE 14 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

#STAND UP FOR EARTH RIGHTS#" Give Mother Earth a Voice in Paris Watch video here: http://paristribunal2015.causevox.com/

It is time for the world!s people to take the lead in addressing the key challenges of the 21st Century and prove that regardless of what governments do, global organizations and communities will make the 21st meeting of the Convention of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, a success. Against the backdrop of the UNFCCC$climate talks—highlighting false solutions$and$failed negotiations—we will do more than just protest. On the 4th and 5th of December 2015 in Paris, we will for- malize the establishment of the International Tribunal for the Rights of Nature. The International Rights of Nature Tribunal stands as true systemic change — a forum for the world we are creating. Nearly everywhere, current law states that nature is mere property to be used and destroyed for profit. We cannot protect ecosystems without recognizing their rights to "exist, persist, and regenerate their vital natural cycles."$ We are inviting you, and all the members and supporters of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, to be part of this historic event.$

##################### If you represent an organization, community or group that qualifies as a signatory, please become a party to the Peoples" Convention for the Establishment of the International Rights of Nature Tribunal by clicking the Commit as an Or- ganization button and completing the letter of commitment. If you wish to show your personal support for the Tribunal, please click the En- dorse Personally button and submit a completed form to endorse the Tribunal.

$$ $“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” ! R. Buckminster Fuller

! PAGE 15 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE B.I.E.P.A. DATE CLAIMERS Diane Oxenford! President www.biepa.org Ron Watson! Vice President October 1-10! Organic Week Lia Saint-Smith! Treasurer Jenny Walker! Secretary October 5! World Habitat Kathleen Catalan!Committee October 15! Ride to work Kay McIntosh! Committee October 18-14! Water Week Therese Puffett! Committee October 19-25! Aus Bird Count October 24! UN Day

WILDLIFE & GENERAL CONTACTS October 26! BIEPA Meeting* Bribie & District Wildlife Rescue, 0400 836 592 November 6! International Day for preventing the Exploit- Aust Zoo Wildlife Hospital, 1300 369 652 ation of the Environment in War ABN:! 18064 697 900 Turtles: Diane: 0438 111 163; and Armed Conflict PO Box 350 Val: 3410 8192; Ann: 3410 1771 November 13! Walk to Work Bribie Island Qld 4507 QPWS: marine strandings: 1300 130 372 November 9-15! Recycling Week Email:[email protected] QPWS Rangers: Bribie Island: 3408 8451 Web: www.biepa.org Wildlife Hotline: RSPCA: 1300 ANI MAL November 21! World Fisheries Phone: 3410 0757 Snakes: Qld Wildlife Solutions, November 23! BIEPA Meeting* Geoff: 0414 962 688 (Fee charged) 2015 - International Year of Soils Bat Rescue Hotline - 24 hours 0488 228 134 Dept Agric, Fisheries, Forestry (DAFF) QLD Parliament Sitting dates: Fishwatch Service for reports on marine plant damage (eg. mangroves) October 13-15 and 27-29 1800 017 116 (24 hour hotline) November 10-12 Pelican & Seabird Rescue (Brisbane): December 1-3 24 hour hotline: 0404 118 301 http://birdrescue.com.au/ Twinnies Pelican & Animal Rescue BIEPA BOOKS (Sunshine Coast) Tel: 07 5439 9995 FOR SALE Mob: 0421 476 561 MBRC Requests: (Ask for Reference #) Ph: 3205 0555 Bribie Birds !...... !$16:50 Walum Action Group Phone: 34100088 Annotated Check List Birds [email protected] of Bribie Island ...!$ 6:00 Wildflowers of Bribie Island ...... !$17:00

Wildflowers and Birds Package (2 bks)...!$20:00 All 3 books ...... ! $25:00 How to support BIEPA’s ongoing work # We wish to thank all those BIEPA members who have so generously made donations to the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association in the past. # We continue to work, lobby and advocate to prevent environmental damage to Bribie!s natural assets. All donations to BIEPA"s Public Environment Fund are tax deductible and may be easily and securely made by bank transfer to: BIEPA Inc Public Environment Fund - BSB 064448, Account 06444810041186 # Receipts will be mailed to donors, so please remember to put your name on the transaction and follow up with an email to: BIEPA Treasurer at [email protected]

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