"Securing a Future for Pumicestone’s Migratory Shorebird Roosts” proposes a roadmap for the management of these internationally significant environmental and economic assets located in the City of Moreton Bay.

The paper outlines a shared vision to secure the future of the migratory shorebird roosts in Pumicestone Passage—sites of international significance within the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. Facing increasing pressure from disturbance, habitat degradation, and climate impacts, the paper presents a practical, evidence-based framework to restore and protect these critical habitats. Built around five key management pillars and strengthened governance, it calls for coordinated action between government, experts, and the community to ensure these globally important roosts continue to support migratory shorebirds and deliver lasting ecological and community value.

A Shared Vision for Pumicestone's Migratory Shorebird Roosts

About this issue

The Kakadu Beach and Toorbul Migratory Shorebird Roosts are under increasing pressure from human disturbance, vegetation encroachment, coastal erosion, and declining maintenance, threatening their ability to function as safe resting habitats for migratory shorebirds. These sites are identified as among the most vulnerable in Moreton Bay, despite their international significance within the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. BIEPA Wildlife Team's Securing Shorebirds Project are our lead advocates on this issue.

How it impacts our mission

The degradation of these roosts directly undermines BIEPA’s mission to protect Bribie Island’s natural environment and globally significant wildlife. Without secure, undisturbed high tide refuges, migratory shorebirds cannot conserve the energy required for survival and migration, leading to population declines and loss of biodiversity, as well as diminished ecological, cultural, and nature-based tourism values.

What we are doing about it

Through our discussion paper and BIEPA is advocating for a coordinated, evidence-based management approach built around a Five Pillars framework: governance reform, habitat integrity, protection from disturbance, improved visitor experience, and strengthened community awareness. This includes pushing for a formal advisory board, improved maintenance regimes (such as beach profiling and vegetation control), enhanced protection measures, and strategic investment in education, infrastructure, and stewardship programs to secure the long-term viability of the roosts. Use the link below to download BIEPA's discussion paper "Securing a Future for Pumicestone's Migratory Shorebirds Roosts "

Who supports us on this issue

BIEPA's position is informed and supported by long-standing collaboration with expert and stakeholder organisations, including the Queensland Wader Study Group, BirdLife Australia, and alignment with frameworks such as the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership. The responsibility for management sits with the City of Moreton Bay and Queensland Government, with the proposal reinforcing their obligations under national and international agreements including Ramsar and migratory bird treaties.

Printable version