Council is calling on the community to have its say on proposed amendments to a subordinate local law which will provide greater protection for shorebirds nesting at the mouth of the Elliott River.
Governance portfolio spokesperson Cr David Batt said the proposed change would see Dr Mays Island permanently closed to public access during nesting season.
“In a meeting in May this year, Council resolved to enact the subordinate local law which will prohibit public access to this essential shorebird habitat between September 1 and April 30 on an annual basis,” Cr Batt said.
“As part of this amendment, Council is undertaking a 21-day public notification period to give residents an opportunity to lodge their objection or support for this proposal.
“Following this process, all properly made submissions will be considered and, based on this review, Council will decide whether or not it wishes to proceed with the proposed subordinate local law or make amendments to the proposal.”
Environment and Natural Resources portfolio spokesperson Cr Danny Rowleson said the proposed amendment to Council’s local laws was one aspect of a targeted approach to protecting shorebirds nesting on the region’s coastline.
“Council has also made representations to Queensland Marine Parks requesting them to consider recognising areas of our coastline as designated Shorebird Roosting and Feeding Areas,” Cr Rowleson said.
“With thousands of shorebirds flocking to our shores each year, some migrating from as far as Siberia and Alaska, it is critical to their survival that we are able to offer them an undisturbed stay.
“Any disturbance during this roosting period can result in a loss of energy which the birds desperately need to get safely to their breeding grounds in Northern China, Siberia and Alaska.”
Cr Batt said the public notification period for the proposed amendment to Council’s subordinate local law (attached) was September 24 to October 16.
“To lodge a properly made submission regarding this proposal, submissions must include your full name and contact details and state the grounds of the submission and any facts and circumstances to support this argument.
“During the consultation period the proposed subordinate local law will be made available at the Bundaberg administration centre at 190 Bourbong Street and on Council’s website.”
Submissions should be addressed to Council’s Branch Manager Parks, Sports and Natural Areas, Geordie Lascelles and emailed to ceo@bundaberg.qld.gov.au, mailed to PO Box 3130, Bundaberg or delivered in person to any of Council’s Service Centres.
ENDS
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