Numbers of critically endangered birds on Curlew Island halve as state dithers
An endangered bird is being driven out of the Gold Coast while bureaucrats dither over simple signage that might save it. Here’s why it has them in a flap.
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A critically endangered bird faces being lost from a Gold Coast island – because of a bureaucratic flap over who should put up a sign.
Conservationist Bob Westerman has spent ten years campaigning for one to be erected at the Broadwater’s Curlew Island warning people they could harm rare Eastern Curlews and other migratory birds.
But despite promises to “protect and manage” the island and provide “information signage” in the Spit Master Plan released by the state government in May 2019, action has not been taken.
“One of the biggest things is education. There’s no enforcement. There’s no management,” Mr Westerman said.
“The big issue is people with dogs. A dog will clear this island in a matter of minutes. The mere smell of a dog will put them to flight.”
Mr Westerman said 80 of the birds were recorded on the island in 2017, but this year there were only 37.
He said Curlew Island was a vital roosting spot for birds who performed an extraordinary 30,000km round trip to and from the northern hemisphere each year.
“They can’t make use of an area unless they have a high tide roost,” Mr Westerman said.
“Curlew Island is one of the main high tide roosts. If people are constantly disturbing them, they not only abandon the roost, they abandon the whole area.”
On a visit to the island, the Bulletin observed dog droppings, boats anchored just off the shore and paddleboarders walking across the sand.
Mr Westerman said the problem would get worse during the Christmas holidays, when high tides reduced space available for the birds and the Broadwater was filled with people.
“When the tide’s high, that’s when the birds really need the island,” Mr Westerman said.
“... I’ve been asking ten years for a sign to be put up.”
The state government says a public trustee must be appointed before action can be taken. In a response to a Question on Notice from Bonney MP Sam O’Connor on December 1, Deputy Premier Steven Miles said consultations were ongoing.
“The State Government remains committed to protecting the environmental values of The Spit including Curlew Island,” Mr Miles said.
“Considered assessment of consultation outcomes and management options is essential due to the legal accountability required of a trustee for an environmental reserve.
“My department is consulting with the Department of Environment and Science on a strategy and action plan for protection of the environmental values of the island. Once finalised an announcement will be made about how the island will be protected and maintained into the future. No trustee has been appointed.
“Educational signage will be installed through implementation of The Spit’s Wayfinding
and Interpretative Framework.”
In an announcement at The Spit on Friday Mr Miles revealed the “first stage” of Wayfinding and Interpretative Signage would be rolled out in the area next year.
Mr O’Connor, who received similar responses to questions in May 2020 and March and November last year, said it was remarkable erecting a sign had taken so long.
“It (putting up a sign) is a pretty simple thing. It’s ridiculous that it hasn’t been able to happen,” Mr O’Connor said.
“People are respectful. (A sign would) make a massive difference. If you see it, you’re going to feel bad about having your dog here and you’ll go to one of the many other parts of the Broadwater to take them.”
Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek said it was imperative signage was installed soon.
“We put so many signs in so many places for so many different things,” Mr Langbroek said.
“... Surely we can get a sign here, just to put at the top of people’s minds that they need to be considerate of nesting birds or migratory birds.”
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