National Parks Teams Join Us!

BIEPA was privileged and delighted to host a field trip for National Parks Australia Council. Key executives and staff from several states visited us this month to explore and understand our unique location and the challenges we’re addressing.

A BIEPA team of Darren Jew (Wildlife Team Leader) Brendan Walsh (Environment Team co-Leader) and Richard Ogden (President) accompanied the group up the Island track to see firsthand our National Park, adjacent forestry, and beach. The visitors were welcomed to Country by Joondoburri Elder, Uncle Phil Krause who explained several important and relevant features of this special place.

Richard with NPAQ CEO Chris Thomas

In recognition of the value of Bribie Island, CEO of the National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) Chris Thomas approached us to undertake this briefing, an opportunity for which a location in Queensland would only be selected once in a six-year cycle.

QPWS rangers joined the trip, which included significant environment professionals from Eastern states

The objective for National Parks Australia was to examine firsthand the amenity, operations, culture and management challenges of Bribie Island National Park. For BIEPA it provided an opportunity to share our aspirations from the point of view of a dynamic community environmental group’s perspective. We were really delighted with the engagement of these very experienced managers. Discussions produced ideas and suggestions, as well as a really clear recognition of our shared goals.

BIEPA can be sure of a valuable alliance and we are definitely on the map! NPAQ, with the backing of National Parks Australia holds regular meetings with key state government agencies, and will no doubt advocate for our objectives of achieving best-practice for nature here on Bribie Island.