Help shape a new bird hide for Buckley's Hole

City of Moreton Bay has advised us that the Buckley’s Hole bird hide has been temporarily closed due to concerns about its structural integrity. The decision was made out of caution for public safety while further investigations are carried out.

Council is seeking community input on the future of the Buckley’s Hole bird hide. Improvements to infrastructure offer a rare opportunity to both enhance bird protection and visitor experience, while also showcasing the site’s importance as a top-tier birdwatching destination in Southeast Queensland.

While the closure is disappointing for the many community members, birders and photographers who regularly use the hide, Council has invited BIEPA to provide input on how the hide is used, and opportunities for future improvements. This is a welcome chance to ensure any replacement or refurbishment meets the needs of both the birds and the growing number of people who enjoy and value the site.

BIEPA’s Securing Shorebird Team has been working hard to highlight the importance of well-designed bird hides and screening to reduce disturbance to shorebirds across the Pumicestone Passage—particularly at the internationally significant Kakadu and Toorbul High Tide Roosts.

This work reinforces the need for hides that:

• minimise disturbance to birds

• provide improved screening from pedestrian movement

• enable safe, accessible viewing for all visitors

• support interpretation, education and citizen science

• complement the site’s environmental and cultural values
  

These principles can be applied equally at any site, so the redevelopment of Buckley’s Hole Hide provides an opportunity to broaden this conversation on how protections and viewing is enhanced in other significant birdwatching sites on the island.

We encourage everyone to share their experiences and insights. To aid in gathering input, we have developed a short survey to ensure any redevelopment plans are informed by the community. The survey is open to all, so please share this post amongst your birdwatching friends.

One of the region’s premier birdwatching sites, Buckley’s Hole features Birds Queensland's top 10 birding hotspots in South East Queensland.

Upgrades to visitor Infrastructure at Buckley's Hole should support protection of the birds, provide inclusive access, and recognise the site’s ecological and community value.

Complete the survey by clicking on this link or copy and past this address into your web browser https://forms.gle/ffckAdQLvZx2TZtr8