Community in uproar after losing icon over metal bird bars

A town north of Brisbane is in uproar after losing one of their region’s most ‘iconic’ features - to new metal bars.

Bribie Briudge where new metal bird deterrents have driven pelicans away from their popular resting place.

NEW additions to Bribie Bridge have residents in uproar with some saying the metal bird deterrents have taken the “soul” out of entering the island.

Transport and Main Roads installed metal deterrents on the light poles of Bribie Island Bridge this week, leaving the pelicans without a place to roost.

Bongaree man Andrew McGillivray said he was disappointed to see the new feature and was angry at the lack of public consultation.

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“Bribie is gradually losing its identity,” he said.

“Everyone I talk to can recall counting the pelicans on the poles as you cross the bridge. It’s like a warm welcome when you come and go.

“Yesterday I drove over and it’s like the island has lost its soul. It’s just a concrete bridge with no life now.”

Roslyn Fritz is another resident who’s unhappy with the changes.

The Bongaree woman said she’d like to see them removed or a new perch installed.

“I’m also the president of the Bombora Outriggers Club and we paddle past the bridge every morning. It’s beautiful to see the pelicans launch off the lights,” she said.

“Now all we see is them flying around, stressed, looking for a place to roost.

“It’s a big loss for Bribie. It’s iconic, every time you drive over the bridge … 1, 2, 3 — you count the birds on every post. Now there’s nothing.”

COUPLE REFLECT ON CROSSING BRIDGE ON DAY ONE

A Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman said in response to community concerns, they will investigate alternative options for pelicans to roost on Bribie Island Bridge.

“The investigation will consider environmental and road safety factors, as well as potential costs,” she said.

“We upgraded the lighting on the Bribie Island Bridge to LED to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption.

“The switch to more efficient LED lights will improve visibility on roads and reduce costs.”

Part of the upgrade involved installing bars that prevent the pelicans from sitting atop the lights.

“Pelican waste dropping on to the lights can cause the lights to fail, requiring more frequent maintenance, including higher costs and having to close lanes to replace damaged lights more often,” the spokeswoman said.

“Lighting replacement is part of routine operations, for which community engagement is not undertaken.”

10,000 MORE CARS CROSSING BRIDGE EVERY DAY

State LNP MP Simone Wilson said the deterrents were installed “by stealth”.

“It has taken our community by total surprise and we want our pelicans returned,” she said.

“These are our mascots and they are a real attraction for visitors coming onto the bridge.

“My community is outraged by what has occurred here and so am I.

“Bribie Island is a flora and fauna sanctuary and our pelicans were much loved and protected by our community,” Mrs Wilson said.

Mrs Wilson said she has received only one complaint in late 2018 regarding pelican droppings on a vehicle travelling along the bridge.