Eggs and nests culled at Logan Ibis colony on land needed for M1

The Transport Department is reducing an ibis colony on land earmarked for the widening of the M1 in Logan, where land resumptions for the project are yet to be announced. WATCH THE VIDEO

The Transport Department is reducing a protected ibis colony on land earmarked for the widening of the M1 in Logan, where land resumptions for the project are yet to be announced.

The stinky, noisy ibis roost is on land likely to be used for a new busway or the M1 Motorway extension and is being reduced despite state laws protecting the native birds.

The state government is slowly cutting down the colony in line with the Nature Conservation Act with ecologists removing eggs and nests from the Loganholme site.

But the bird numbers are still drawing complaints and attention with Springwood MP Mick de Brenni revealing the Loganholme roost was listed as a tourist attraction on Google maps.

The bird numbers are drawing complaints and attention with Springwood MP Mick de Brenni revealing the Loganholme roost was listed as a tourist attraction on Google maps.

The land, owned by the Transport Department, is sandwiched between the M1 and the Hyperdome at Loganholme and is currently a “retention basin” for water run-off from the highway.

Maps show the site is crucial for a new busway from Daisy Hill and the M1 upgrade even though exact road designs for both projects are still under wraps.

A Transport Department spokesman said ensuring optimal performance of the Pacific Motorway was a priority of both federal and state governments, with $1 billion committed for upgrades to the M1 from Daisy Hill to the Logan Motorway.

“This project is currently in the business case phase,” the spokesman said.

“Details regarding property impacted by planning for the future are strictly confidential and can only be discussed with property owners or their nominated representative.

“We have received correspondence from concerned locals, both requesting the removal of the ibis colony and seeking assurance that the native species are being appropriately protected.

“As the Australian white ibis is a native bird and protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, management strategies must comply with the Nature Conservation Act.”

The roost, which was 4000 strong, has dropped back to about 2000 birds since ecologist contractors for the Transport Department started removing eggs and nests from the site in 2018.

An ibis roost. The Queensland Transport Department is reducing the number of birds at an ibis colony at the Hyperdome in Logan.

The colony moved to the Mandew St land next to the Logan Hyperdome in 2017 after Logan City Council forced the birds off the Browns Plains tip.

Environmental officers were called in to control the situation after complaints the birds were dying from crashing into cars on the motorway.

During the 2018–19 financial year, specialist contractors removed 12 eggs and 236 nests, while 20 eggs and 76 nests were removed during the 2019–20 financial year.

Removal will continue this financial year to further decrease the onsite population.

Mr de Brenni, whose electorate covers the Hyperdome, was surprised this week, when the colony made it onto a list of local attractions on Google Maps.

The former Sports Minister Mr de Brenni, who regularly visits The Bike Shop at the Hyperdome opposite the colony, said there were many biking opportunities in the region to visit.

“There are lots of great places to visit in our neighbourhood but I never realised that ‘Chateau de bin Chicken’ was such an attraction,” he wrote on Facebook.

“No matter what people might think of the ibis, or bin chicken, as it’s affectionately known, they are a protected species which makes their management complicated.

“With that said, I am appreciative of the work that the Department of Transport and Main Roads has undertaken and I have noticed an improvement in the area.”

The Transport Department is reducing a protected ibis colony on land earmarked for the widening of the M1 in Logan, where land resumptions for the project are yet to be announced.

More than 200 of the birds were found dead near the shopping centre in 2017, when the colony was at its peak.

The state Health Department refused to comment about the number of complaints about illnesses from the site or any links with avian bird flu at SARS.

A Queensland Health spokesman warned residents to stay away from the site saying the birds could transmit diseases including salmonellosis.

“Ibis may also harass humans and occasionally become aggressive towards humans for food,” the spokesman said.

Logan City Council also refused to comment claiming it was a state government issue as the Australian white ibis (Threskiornis Molucca) is protected under Queensland laws and the colony was on state land.

Logan resident Tahlia Winter said it was not funny for locals who had to smell the roost.

“I’ve written to the state government multiple times but nothing has been done about it,” she said.

“I walk my dogs past there and cover my nose every time. It’s enough to turn you off eating.

“Surely it’s a health hazard — decomposing birds in a muddy swamp.”

Another resident Scott Beattie agreed and said he runs past the colony many times.

“It’s freakin' disgusting, there are rotting birds there and I can’t understand why they are a protected species.”

Originally published as Eggs and nests culled at Logan Ibis colony on land needed for M1