Group takes action to protect wildlife

Passionate volunteers from Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) Moreton Bay are taking action to protect and improve Moreton Bay Marine Park and its inhabitants.

We shine a light on their efforts in the lead-up to World Wildlife Day, which is on March 3.

Spokesmen Colin Scobie and Peter Row say the group, which is connected to the Rotary Club of Redcliffe Sunrise, will meet with elected representatives and council, and organise environmental forums, information stalls and events in the coming months.

“It’s leaving a legacy for the next generation. I’m doing it for my grandson because if we continue this journey, the way we’re going, it’s not going to look good,” Colin says.

In partnership with Redcliffe Environmental Forum and UniSC, they are holding free Eco Forums at the Deception Bay Environmental Hub, Joseph Cres.

During these events, a PHD researcher or aspirant presents information about a chosen topic. Last year, these included koalas, dolphins and kangaroos.

In the first six months of 2025, topics will include gliders, whales or turtles, sawfish, scalloped hammerhead sharks.

“The idea is we’re trying to build community awareness. With all our endeavours we endeavour to facilitate something, participate in something or run something,” Peter explains.

“We’re trying to get some exposure for marine and terrestrial animals, certainly ones which are threatened … there are various levels of threat.”

ESRAG will host its second Family Turtle Expo Day on May 3 at Scarborough’s Queens Beach North and a symposium at The Komo on May 4.

The four-hour event will follow a similar format to last year’s and aims to raise awareness of turtles, which have previously nested at Scarborough.

Speakers will include The Redcliffe Peninsula’s columnist Dr Dazza (Daryl McPhee) and representatives from Bribie Island Turtle Trackers. There will also be children’s activities.

Dr Col Limpus, who started Mon Repos Turtle Rookery on the Bundaberg coast and is retiring, will be the keynote speaker at the full-day symposium.

Later this year, ESRAG is hoping to host an event to catch and remove Tilapia from Humpybong Creek.

Tilapia were introduced to Australia in the 1970s, as ornamental fish, and are now a major threat to native biodiversity.

“The day will have all the elements of a family fun day with the added benefit of environmental improvement,” Peter says.

“Once you get the bad fish out, all the stuff they do to the bank and the bed (of the creek) disappears. All the bottom flora starts to regenerate.”

The group is also planning to run a dugong awareness day in November and will host a Clean Up Australia Day event on March 2.

To find out more about Clean Up Australia Day, or to find an event near you visit cleanup.org.au

Colin and Peter say protecting the environment is one of the seven areas of focus for Rotary.

Visit facebook.com/esragmoretonbay