Gardening for wildlife on the edge: Creating butterfly and bird havens in a changing Island landscape

Bribie Island and its surrounding suburbs sit at a fascinating crossroads — where suburban backyards meet the edge of coastal national park, wetlands and dunes. With more than 340 bird species recorded in the area and a rich array of butterflies, our gardens represent a massive opportunity for conservation. Yet many yards remain ‘green deserts’ of lawns and exotic plants that offer little to local wildlife. 

BIEPA’s Backyard Biodiversity project highlights this perfectly: the Island’s gardens could support thousands more native birds and butterflies if we shift toward native planting suited to our sandy, nutrient-poor soils. 

Why it matters here 

Bribie’s unique position makes backyard habitat especially valuable. Urban pressures, habitat fragmentation and a changing climate (stronger storms, salt intrusion, shifting rainfall) challenge local wildlife. Migratory shorebirds rely on our foreshores, while resident species like lorikeets, honeyeaters and fairywrens need reliable food and shelter year-round. Butterflies depend on specific host plants for caterpillars and nectar sources for adults. 

Every garden becomes a potential corridor linking suburbs to protected areas like Bribie Island National Park. 

Key elements of a Bribie wildlife haven 

Create four essentials: food, water, shelter and places to breed. 

Layer your planting— from tall trees and shrubs down to groundcovers mimicking natural coastal ecosystems. 

Native plants thrive in our conditions and support far more local insects (the foundation of the food web) than exotics. 

Recommended plants for Bribie gardens 

Visit the Bribie Island Community Nursery or Bribie Island Butterfly House for local advice and stock. 

For butterflies (nectar + host plants): 

• Lomandra species and native grasses: Shelter and host for various butterflies. 

• Banksia and Grevillea (local varieties): Prolific nectar for butterflies and honeyeaters. 

• Slender Rice Flower (Pimelea linifolia): Important for ‘Blues’ and other small butterflies. 

• Butterfly Bush alternatives and other nectar-rich plants that are recommended (use with care to avoid invasiveness). 

For birds: 

• Callistemon (bottlebrushes) and Melaleuca: Nectar and insects. 

• Fruiting natives like certain Lilly pillies or Figs (choose non-invasive). 

• Eucalypts or Acacias suited to sandy soils for seeds and shelter. 

• Groundcovers and dense shrubs for nesting (e.g. coastal rosemary or native hibiscus). 

General tips for success on Bribie: 

• Improve sandy soil with compost, mulch (use local leaf litter or banksia cones) and worm castings. 

• Group plants in layers for wind protection and microclimates. 

• Add a shallow birdbath or pond with rocks for safe access. 

• Reduce or eliminate pesticides — they kill the insects, birds and baby butterflies need. 

Real impact on the edge 

Local efforts show what’s possible. BIEPA’s model gardens and nature strip transformations demonstrate how even small patches can boost biodiversity. Bribie Island Butterfly House educates thousands of visitors while showcasing plants that work in home gardens. 

In a changing landscape, these havens provide refuge during extremes and help species adapt by offering connected habitat. 

Start small, think big 

You don’t need a huge yard. Begin with a corner dedicated to natives, replace part of your lawn, or transform your nature strip. Contact BIEPA’s flora team if you  would like your garden featured as a model. 

Your backyard can become part of the solution — a vibrant haven where butterflies dance, birds chorus at dawn and the unique wildlife of Bribie Island and Surrounds continues to thrive.