Moreton Bay bioblitz under way

Residents and community groups across Moreton Bay are being urged to join the Great Southern Bioblitz, which started today.

The four-day (October 24-27) bioblitz is being held to document the Moreton Bay’s flora and fauna.

People are encouraged to download the iNaturalist app and register under the project tab The Great Southern Bioblitz 2025 – City of Moreton Bay.

The event invites families to explore their backyards, parks, beaches and bushland in search of plants, insects, marine life and wildlife.

Participants then have an additional 14 days to upload photographs of the species they discover.

Nature rich

The move towards more nature-rich outdoor spaces is growing - inspired in part by publications such as Better Homes and Gardens.

There, journalist Liva Gamble notes a national trend of replacing traditional lawns with native, low-maintenance gardens that support biodiversity.

Locally, Rotary Redcliffe Sunrise is partnering with schools to integrate biodiversity awareness into the curriculum.

The club has also approached local suppliers for financial and in-kind support to help resource the initiative.

Community groups such as Backyards for Biodiversity.org offer guidance, while residents can use programs such as City of Moreton Bay’s Free Tree Program and the Kumbartcho Native Nursery.

Valuable insights

The Biodiversity Council and the State Government’s Regional Ecosystems resources also offer valuable insights.

Colin Scobie, Oceania Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group, said the bioblitz is a way for people of all ages to make meaningful contributions.

“This is a great way to have people photograph insects large and small, leaves, and marine life along our beaches,” Mr Scobie said.

“It helps overcome complacency and reminds us of the incredible biodiversity right at our doorstep.

“Protecting our ‘third place’ - the spaces where we live, work and play - is essential for our mental wellbeing.”