REF AGM November 29th 2021
The Redcliffe Environmental Forum conducted its Annual General Meeting at the Peninsula Cricket Club at Woody Point on the 29th November 2021. The meeting was supported by Moreton Bay Regional Councillors, Karl Winchester and Sandra Ruck and Federal member for Petrie, Luke Howarth. The President, Bob Crudgington provided a presentation to the attendees on REF's activities during 2020 and 2021 including progress on environmental programs, activities as well as an update on REF's new home at Deception Bay. Reports were also provided by Jasper Johnson on Bushcare and the annual audited financial report by REF finance officer, Sarah Crudgington. Karl Winchester thanked the REF committee for their work during the year, then chaired the election of officials for the 2021/2022 year. The current committee and positions can be reviewed at this link
Hays Inlet Koala Census Day
Due to COVID and weather events, the original plan to survey the Koalas in Hays Inlet was finally completed, 6 months later than planned on the 10th October 2020. The project was coordinated by the MBRC and involved teams from various community groups including Pine Rivers Koala Care, Moreton Bay Koala Rescue, Koala Action and the Redcliffe Environmental Inc.
On the day, a number of volunteers from REF including Therese Hollan, Kate Scriven, Phil Johnson and Bob Crudgington participated in the survey at the Silcock Street Reserve. Covering a number of transects across the park, as well as at Hercules Road over 20 volunteers found 60 koalas including 43 adults, 12 juveniles, 3 subadults and 2 unknown. 2 koalas were deemed as potentially being diseased and the Moreton Bay Koala Rescue team are attempting to rescue them for treatment.
The information will be used by the Council to coordinate a State Government Grant including the development of a “masterplan” for Hays Inlet. Part of this plan will include mapping (wildlife movement) for planning as well as identify projects associated with targeted weed management and revegetation.
We can now look forward to the next stage with a group selected to help the council prepare a grant for a koala management plan (and projects). REF has already provided a Letter of Support for this worthwhile cause.
Bob Crudgington
On the day, a number of volunteers from REF including Therese Hollan, Kate Scriven, Phil Johnson and Bob Crudgington participated in the survey at the Silcock Street Reserve. Covering a number of transects across the park, as well as at Hercules Road over 20 volunteers found 60 koalas including 43 adults, 12 juveniles, 3 subadults and 2 unknown. 2 koalas were deemed as potentially being diseased and the Moreton Bay Koala Rescue team are attempting to rescue them for treatment.
The information will be used by the Council to coordinate a State Government Grant including the development of a “masterplan” for Hays Inlet. Part of this plan will include mapping (wildlife movement) for planning as well as identify projects associated with targeted weed management and revegetation.
We can now look forward to the next stage with a group selected to help the council prepare a grant for a koala management plan (and projects). REF has already provided a Letter of Support for this worthwhile cause.
Bob Crudgington
Clean Up Australia Day
1st March 2020
Since 2005, REF has been participating in the Clean Up Australia Day initiative targeting the wetland areas of Hays Inlet. This year as in many others the clean up focused on the MacDonnell Road Reserve. The amount of rubbish collected indicated that after years of clean ups, the Reserve is finally in fine condition. The issues reported around the Transfer station did not see any illegal dumping of domestic rubbish as in past years and only 4 tyres were collected this year. There was a significant drop in the number of recyclable drink containers indicating the new recycling program may be having appositive impact on the environment.
Since 2005, REF has been participating in the Clean Up Australia Day initiative targeting the wetland areas of Hays Inlet. This year as in many others the clean up focused on the MacDonnell Road Reserve. The amount of rubbish collected indicated that after years of clean ups, the Reserve is finally in fine condition. The issues reported around the Transfer station did not see any illegal dumping of domestic rubbish as in past years and only 4 tyres were collected this year. There was a significant drop in the number of recyclable drink containers indicating the new recycling program may be having appositive impact on the environment.
Bushcare Service Day
19th October 2019
REF Inc hosted a youth group from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints with support from volunteers from the Redcliffe Sunrise Rotary and the Birders of the South Pine River. Despite the threat of rain over a 100 people including our volunteers turned up at Silcock Street to participate in a Bush Care Service Day. Divided into two groups they were guided on a tour of the koala habitat rehabilitation area, the ecopath and the saltmarsh and mangrove edge of Hays Inlet. After the tour, everyone enjoyed morning tea provided by the volunteers from Rotary. The koalas certainly garnered everyone's attention but their was plenty of other wildlife to observe including the popular Ospreys and 48 other species of birds! A very successful community event highlighting the value of the Hays Inlet wetlands.
REF Inc hosted a youth group from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints with support from volunteers from the Redcliffe Sunrise Rotary and the Birders of the South Pine River. Despite the threat of rain over a 100 people including our volunteers turned up at Silcock Street to participate in a Bush Care Service Day. Divided into two groups they were guided on a tour of the koala habitat rehabilitation area, the ecopath and the saltmarsh and mangrove edge of Hays Inlet. After the tour, everyone enjoyed morning tea provided by the volunteers from Rotary. The koalas certainly garnered everyone's attention but their was plenty of other wildlife to observe including the popular Ospreys and 48 other species of birds! A very successful community event highlighting the value of the Hays Inlet wetlands.
Paddle against Plastic
13th October 2019
REF were happy to take part in an initiative of the Ocean Crusaders and Healthy Land and Water. Paddle against Plastic at the mouth of the Pine River (Brighton). In an incredible cooperative work, members of the public were provided with kayaks and paddles and invited to paddle out and collect rubbish (particularly plastic) which was collected by the Ocean Crusaders for proper disposal. 72 people participated and thanks to Ocean Crusaders and Clontarf State High School there were enough kayaks provided for all of them.
REF were happy to take part in an initiative of the Ocean Crusaders and Healthy Land and Water. Paddle against Plastic at the mouth of the Pine River (Brighton). In an incredible cooperative work, members of the public were provided with kayaks and paddles and invited to paddle out and collect rubbish (particularly plastic) which was collected by the Ocean Crusaders for proper disposal. 72 people participated and thanks to Ocean Crusaders and Clontarf State High School there were enough kayaks provided for all of them.
Hays Inlet Eco-path opening a success
4th August 2019
The opening of the eco-path at Silcock Street today was a successful day with large numbers of people visiting the site and enjoying the opening of the new public asset: Stage One of the Hays Inlet Eco-Path Project. The event was officially opened by Federal member Luke Howarth along with local State member and Attorney General, Yvette D'Ath and MBRC Councilor and REF Patron, Koliana Winchester, The construction of this first stage would not have been possible without the funding provided by the Federal Government along with support from the Moreton Bay Regional Council. The goal of the project is to highlight and conserve the remaining Hays Inlet wetlands and its remarkable fauna including local koalas and the critically endangered Eastern Curlew and the Australian Bittern. Many visitors to the event wanted to see a koala and the local marsupials didn't disappoint with two of them show. One at the event site and another perched on one of the Eucalypts in the reserve. Many people also enjoyed the opportunity to watch the local Ospreys who have a nest in the area put on a show. The public support for the project will drive our volunteers at REF and all of our strategic partners to start the next stage of the project, allowing visitors the opportunity to see the various habitat types and a view of Hays Inlet.
The opening of the eco-path at Silcock Street today was a successful day with large numbers of people visiting the site and enjoying the opening of the new public asset: Stage One of the Hays Inlet Eco-Path Project. The event was officially opened by Federal member Luke Howarth along with local State member and Attorney General, Yvette D'Ath and MBRC Councilor and REF Patron, Koliana Winchester, The construction of this first stage would not have been possible without the funding provided by the Federal Government along with support from the Moreton Bay Regional Council. The goal of the project is to highlight and conserve the remaining Hays Inlet wetlands and its remarkable fauna including local koalas and the critically endangered Eastern Curlew and the Australian Bittern. Many visitors to the event wanted to see a koala and the local marsupials didn't disappoint with two of them show. One at the event site and another perched on one of the Eucalypts in the reserve. Many people also enjoyed the opportunity to watch the local Ospreys who have a nest in the area put on a show. The public support for the project will drive our volunteers at REF and all of our strategic partners to start the next stage of the project, allowing visitors the opportunity to see the various habitat types and a view of Hays Inlet.
REF would also like to acknowledge our guides of the day, Jack Whiting and Rita Larsen from the South Pine Birders, Geoffrey Redman and his local knowledge on mangroves and Jasper Johnson who set up the plant display to highlight our bushcare area and finally Gavin Dale who provided a bushwalking display and ensured visitors had access to sunblock and insect repellent.
Redcliffe Kite Fest: Welcome to the Whales
The Redcliffe Environmental Forum participated in the "Welcome to the Whales" Ceremony on the 15th and 16th June 2019 at the Redcliffe Kite Festival. Many thanks to the many REF volunteers who manned the REF information stall at Pelican Park. It was a great day with lots of interest from the public around Bushcare, the Eco-path construction, birds and the saltmarsh (and snails)! It was also great to collaborate and share ideas with other people from other like-minded groups and the public in general.
REF would like to thank the organisers, MBRIT for putting on such an engaging event.
REF would like to thank the organisers, MBRIT for putting on such an engaging event.
Construction on Eco-path at Silcock Street has begun
REF Hays Inlet: Clean Up Australia Day 2019
Despite inclement weather, 16 volunteers turned up at 7.00 am on a Sunday morning to participate in the clean up of MacDonnell Reserve at Clontarf. The reserve forms part of the Hays Inlet wetlands and is bordered by the Clontarf Industrial Estate. The reserve is composed of saltmarsh and mangrove habitat and is an important asset in terms of improving water quality for Hays Inlet and Moreton Bay as well as providing habitat for wildlife and a nursery for fish and crustaceans.
To work in this area is challenging, especially in late summer, as there is water and a heavy infestation of mosquitos after the recent rains. Nevertheless, people cheerfully got stuck into the work, clearing rubbish which lies predominantly within a few meters of a road bordering the industrial estate. Although the Redcliffe transfer station is located a kilometre from the reserve and their services are provided for free, incredibly people still dump their household rubbish into the wetlands.
The Redcliffe Environmental Forum have been conducting Clean Up Australia Day events since 2005 and each year we target the wetlands of Hays Inlet. The MacDonnell Road Reserve has been cleaned up 6 times and volunteers and organisers were still amazed that over 6 cubic metres of rubbish was collected from this area. Rubbish included tyres, furniture (chairs beds and cupboards) house hold rubbish and the usual collection of cans, bottles and takeaway containers. Hopefully in the future the new Queensland government scheme providing 10 c a container will see a reduction in this type of rubbish entering our waterways.
It’s amazing what can be done in a couple of hours with a group of dedicated volunteers.
The Redcliffe Environmental Forum would like to thank them all for turning up and making a difference to our precious waterways of Hays Inlet and Moreton Bay.
To work in this area is challenging, especially in late summer, as there is water and a heavy infestation of mosquitos after the recent rains. Nevertheless, people cheerfully got stuck into the work, clearing rubbish which lies predominantly within a few meters of a road bordering the industrial estate. Although the Redcliffe transfer station is located a kilometre from the reserve and their services are provided for free, incredibly people still dump their household rubbish into the wetlands.
The Redcliffe Environmental Forum have been conducting Clean Up Australia Day events since 2005 and each year we target the wetlands of Hays Inlet. The MacDonnell Road Reserve has been cleaned up 6 times and volunteers and organisers were still amazed that over 6 cubic metres of rubbish was collected from this area. Rubbish included tyres, furniture (chairs beds and cupboards) house hold rubbish and the usual collection of cans, bottles and takeaway containers. Hopefully in the future the new Queensland government scheme providing 10 c a container will see a reduction in this type of rubbish entering our waterways.
It’s amazing what can be done in a couple of hours with a group of dedicated volunteers.
The Redcliffe Environmental Forum would like to thank them all for turning up and making a difference to our precious waterways of Hays Inlet and Moreton Bay.
Promotion well under way for Moreton Bay Wetlands Expo
The Moreton Bay Expo is gathering pace with planning and scheduling well under way for this exciting event celebrating the 25th Birthday for the Ramsar in Moreton Bay. Planning for such an event is complex with insurance, logistics and communicating with our partners well under way. Another aspect is promoting the event to locals as well as our school and education community within the Moreton Bay Region. Sharon France, one of our REF committee members is also a graphic artist and she has kindly agreed to help us with our communication and has provided us with some banners (see above). Keep checking the REF Facebook and our other social media for details.
Article on Moreton Bay Expo published by the Redcliffe Guide
3rd October 2018
The Redcliffe Guide published a feature on the Moreton Bay Expo with REF stalwart and one of the drivers of this event, Geoffrey Redmond featured. You can find out more about the event and the Redcliffe Guide by going to the link below and checking it out:
https://www.redcliffeguide.com.au/eguide/mobile/index.html
The Redcliffe Guide published a feature on the Moreton Bay Expo with REF stalwart and one of the drivers of this event, Geoffrey Redmond featured. You can find out more about the event and the Redcliffe Guide by going to the link below and checking it out:
https://www.redcliffeguide.com.au/eguide/mobile/index.html
Bird List for Hays Inlet (Survey Results)
7th August 2018
With the completion of 3 years of bird surveys, there has been 118 species of birds sighted at the Silcock Street Reserve at Hays Inlet, Clontarf. To download a copy of the list, which includes seasonal sightings go to the page Birds Surveys
With the completion of 3 years of bird surveys, there has been 118 species of birds sighted at the Silcock Street Reserve at Hays Inlet, Clontarf. To download a copy of the list, which includes seasonal sightings go to the page Birds Surveys
Preparations under way for "Moreton Bay Wetlands Expo"
updated 30th August 2018
Moreton Bay Regional Council, in conjunction with a number of local environmental community groups are creating a program of community events in order t0 celebrate The wetland areas of Moreton Bay during the spring of 2018. REF will be hosting an event to celebrate the Ramsar convention, which is an international agreement to protect the habitat sites of international waders.
Organisation for the event highlighting the wading birds at Deception Bay is well under way; This event will be held on Sunday, 21st October 2018 from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. Please click on the page "Moreton Bay Wetlands Expo" where details for the event will be updated and please check out the REF Facebook site and Instagram for more details.
Organisation for the event highlighting the wading birds at Deception Bay is well under way; This event will be held on Sunday, 21st October 2018 from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. Please click on the page "Moreton Bay Wetlands Expo" where details for the event will be updated and please check out the REF Facebook site and Instagram for more details.
Black-winged stilts at Deception Bay roosting on a sandbar as high tide approaches