People power wins fight to bring pelicans back to Bribie Island bridge

People power appears to be winning the battle to bring pelicans back to a well-known bridge just north of Brisbane.

A Bribie pelican on a bridge light pole.

FIVE pelican roosting platforms will be installed on the Bribie Island Bridge following a huge public outcr.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Bribie Island residents had shown how much they loved the island’s pelicans, and the new solution would ensure the pelicans could continue to roost on the bridge without damaging the lights.

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In May more than 700 people marched across the bridge in protest after metal bird deterrents were placed on new LED lights installed on the bridge with many arguing the bridge pelicans were a Bribie icon.

At the time State LNP MP for Pumicestone Simone Wilson said she would raise the matter with Mr Bailey.

“After residents told me concerns earlier this year, I asked the department to look at solutions,” Mr Bailey said.

Pelicans on Bribie Island. PICTURE: Rusell Brown.

“I’m pleased that crews will now install dedicated roosting platforms for the pelicans on the bridge so residents and visitors can continue to enjoy their presence as they drive along the bridge,” Mr Bailey said.

“Unfortunately, road crews were constantly replacing lights on the bridge that were damaged by waste from the pelicans sitting on top of them.

“It often meant workers replacing the lights also needed to partially close traffic lanes, which was often costly and inconvenient for locals.

The five new perch platforms will repurpose the bridge’s old lights and sit over the water, opposite the new LED lights and will be installed next month, weather permitting.

“It’s great that we’ve been able to come up with a solution that means the birds can continue to roost on the bridge, while retaining the energy efficient LED lights that are providing better, safer lighting and reducing ongoing maintenance costs.”