New Wetland at Yandina Creek, Sunshine Coast

Greg Roberts, a well known Sunshine Coast birder, blogger and conservationist, has discovered a new wetland at Yandina Creek. The wetland is extensive and has created excellent waterbird habitat for a number of threatened species. Lewins Rail, Spotless Crake, Little Grassbird, Black-necked Stork, Red-necked Avocets, Red-kneed Dotterel, Glossy Ibis, Latham's Snipe,Whiskered Terns and other species inhabit the wetland and adjacent grasslands. Sadly this area is threatened with development. Perhaps we can help. Below is a letter written by Greg Roberts to Sunshine Coast Council's Mayor Mark Jamieson. Please use the information to help lobby the Council to protect the area.

   I would appreciate it if you could bring the attached blog post to the attention of Mayor Mark Jamieson:

http://sunshinecoastbirds.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/yandina-creek-wetlands-and-its.html

It is clear that an Yandina Creek, there is an area of wetland and grassland that is arguably one of the most important waterbird habitats in south-east Queensland. It is certainly the most significant habitat of its kind on the Sunshine Coast. Until now, we were unaware of the significance of this area. I have found that a species listed as Threatened in Queensland, Lewin's Rail, is common there. There is an extraordinary range of rare and uncommon bird species using this wetland as a feeding or nesting refuge. 

I had previously approached council to purchase land in this area. Council declined to do so and its reply is attached. However, at the time, I was unaware of the extent of the wetlands or of the variety or nature of the birds to be found there.

I ask that you reconsider council's decision not to purchase and manage this wetland before it is too late. Further information can be found in the blog post.

For your information, this email is being sent to many people around the Sunshine Coast who are concerned about environment protection.

Regards

Greg Roberts