By Alistair Gray
The Bibimulya Wetlands right in the heart of Bellara is well worth the visit.
What a treat to sit down with Richard Ogden, president of BIEPA (Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association). A man who gushes with enthusiasm for our natural world and all the fabulous opportunities Bribie offers residents and visitors.
Richard loves being part of BIEPA and working closely with a highly dedicated team of volunteers and leaders in the fight to preserve, protect and advocate for the large variety of wildlife found on Bribie. BIEPA has undergone phenomenal growth over the last three years, now with a membership of close to 400. This has meant careful planning, some structural changes and giving more power and ownership to team leaders to deliver the various initiatives and projects as the breadth of the organisation has widened.
“It is a genuinely, community-wide, supported organisation and that is very exciting,” Richard said.
A lot is going on! The changes have not been without challenges and there is still much to do as this unique organisation positions itself to protect and enhance our environment in a fast-changing world, while working with the government and various partners.
“I want to acknowledge BIEPA’s cross-community partnerships and active engagement with community organisations, including the Seaside Museum and importantly with PIEEC (Pumicestone Indigenous Education and Employment Council),” Richard said.
With the upcoming election in mind, Richard said “it is important for BIEPA to communicate the expectation of the community that the incoming government will do its best on nature, environment and climate because that is a big issue for many of our members”.
For BIEPA, the next major goal is to build an Environmental Discovery Centre on Bribie. The City of Moreton Bay has allocated $170,000 for a pre-feasibility study for the centre, much thanks to BIEPA’s lobbying and help from the Council’s Economic Development Officer. BIEPA is keen to demonstrate and promote the high environmental values of visiting the City of Moreton Bay, not just Bribie and not just to enjoy recreational activities.
“We believe there’s an opportunity for this to become like a listening post to nature. You know, remembering the deep cultural connections through aboriginal history with Stradbroke, the trading routes up here to Sunshine Coast and the fact we have endangered dugongs, turtles and dolphins. You come to the discovery centre and are inspired as to the true value of this place,” Richard said.
Now, an area of concern for BIEPA is the Kakadu bird roost.
“We have an active and deeply concerned shorebirds team because the council is not properly looking after the Kakadu bird roost,” Richard said. “Council officers have listened to BIEPA’s real concerns and are working with Councillor Brooke Savige’s encouragement to restore the bird roost.”
Regrettably, the lagoon has lost its integrity and is draining too quickly, leaving poor-quality water behind and a pathway to the roost. It is suspected there is a problem with the weirs. The lagoon was initially constructed as a barrier to prevent feral cats, foxes, dogs and humans from visiting the roost. Between September and April, migratory birds make the roost their home where they rest, while local shorebirds nest. The nesting birds make any maintenance of the roost very difficult, with work needing to be carefully planned and timed between April and August. Discussions continue with the council to address the maintenance issues. We have international obligations to protect these birds.
“Shorebird populations are down by up to 80% from what they were 50 years ago and they need to be carefully protected,” Richard said.
There are so many great things going on in BIEPA, including being founding partners in the upcoming Bribie Island Nature Festival (October 18/19/20). I have only mentioned a few things here.
If you are interested in finding out more or would like to become a member and get involved in some of their many projects, please visit www.biepa.online
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