Residents launch protest for the return of island’s icon - the pelican

The lights may have gone out on a Queensland coastal town icon, but residents aren’t having a bar of it - they’re organising a protest to bring back the pelicans.

Sandstone Point residents Christine Wilson and Richard Hardaker are gearing up to protest the metal bird deterrents installed along Bribie Island Bridge.

THE lights may have gone out on one of Bribie Island’s biggest icons and residents aren’t having a bar of it.

Sandstone Point woman Christine Wilson is organising a protest against the metal bird deterrents that were installed on the light posts along Bribie Island Bridge.

“It’d be spectacular to be holding hands right across the bridge to say ‘this is an entrance to a sanctuary -- it shouldn’t be bastardised,” she said.

“I think whoever did it had no idea what they were doing. I’m not looking for blame, it just needs to be rectified.

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“I saw a photo of a pelican trying to sit on the new lights. It had one foot on the light and one on the rod.

“If they get caught there they’ll hang until they die. We need to move quickly.”

Fellow Sandstone Point resident Richard Hardaker said he would be joining Ms Wilson’s fight against the metal deterrents and would like to see them removed or a separate platform for the pelicans installed.

State LNP MP for Pumicestone Simone Wilson said she would be joining residents on April 27 to show her support.

“The pelicans of Bribie Bridge are local icons and a welcoming sight to behold,” she said.

“Since the deterrents were installed so many locals have expressed their outrage at what has happened.

“The Department of Transport and Main Roads said they investigate all options to address this issue, however they also said they need until the end of May to respond. My concern is that by then the pelicans may have left for good.

“I will most certainly be there on the day in solidarity with my community.”

The protest has already gained the interest of more than 200 residents and Ms Wilson expects that number to grow.

Residents wanting to join the march should meet on the Sandstone Point side of Bribie Island Bridge on Saturday, April 27 at 9am.