“Privilege” to lead amazing volunteers

After four years as president of one of Moreton Bay’s major environmental groups, Richard Ogden is stepping down.

He plans to hand over the reins at Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association’s (BIEPA) annual meeting in May.

Mr Ogden paid tribute to the "amazing volunteers", saying it's been a “privilege” to serve as president and he leaves with BIEPA “in great shape”.

“We have really good people, a really good committee and really good projects going on,” Mr Ogden said. “Our teams and systems are achieving excellent results.

“The single reason why our collective efforts have built this success is our amazing volunteer base, developed because of a commitment to encouragement, inclusion and active participation.

“It has genuinely been a highlight of my professional career to work alongside everyone and has reinforced my view that by working together across community, people achieve tremendous results.”

BIEPA currently has around 500 members, attracts up to 90 for monthly meetings at Bribie RSL and is rated one of the top environmental groups in Queensland.

Highlighting some of its successes, Mr Ogden spoke of “the likely establishment” of the Yarun Environmental Discovery Centre thanks to support from Moreton Bay City Council.

Also BIEPA’s “David v Goliath” legal challenge against a development “enveloped by crucial National Park habitat” on First Avenue.

While not stopping the development, every condition on numbers, parking, noise, light and more was met and BIEPA received $50,000 to restore and rehabilitate the natural habitat.

BIEPA also secured $46,000 from Moreton Bay City Council for a huge weeding and planting project at Buckley’s Hole, in Bongaree.

Up to 50 volunteers have worked in teams most mornings each week removing “weeds”, such as asparagus fern, at the one-and-a-half hectare site.

BIEPA’S turtle awareness program, part of the Sunshine Coast Rookery, continues to raise awareness of Bribie’s marine turtles and the need to protect dunes and beaches which are key nesting areas.

The environmental group is also now part of the Coochin Creek Coalition working to protect areas around a south Caloundra site recently approved for a major festival venue.

And BIEPA is working to fix the Kakadu Bird Roost, further protect shore birds and address “poor beach management practices”, while also organising and supporting community events.

“The story of BIEPA is one of inspiring community commitment to nature,” Mr Ogden said. "It’s really amazing what we’ve done.

“BIEPA is in good shape. We have a home (BIEPA Central), money in the bank, good governance, structure, a fundraising arm, good projects, good relationships … the whole community is on side.

“I have done my very best to value the contributions of every member, to maximise our reach and effectiveness as an organisation, nurturing relationships with government and fellow community bodies as well as the business sector.

“It is my sincere belief that the organisation has potential to continue growing, attracting ever more contributors and supporters."