September is biodiversity month. This article aims to outline why our biosecurity awareness is important. It also offers an interesting snapshot into Australia’s historical and current biosecurity incidences.

September is biodiversity month. This article aims to bring awareness of the importance of managing biodiversity on Coochiemudlo Island.

One straightforward start: Let’s stop the dumping of lawn clippings and garden waste onto the Emerald Fringe and Melaleuca Wetlands … or over the neighbour’s fence!

Impressive results from this year’s Curlew Count! The information in this article includes a graph of stats compiled by the Wildlife Team in the Environment and Education Unit, Redlands City Council (RCC).

In March 2025, Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s path down the south coast of Queensland was erratic and hard to predict. is a brief overview of the impact on the island, for historical reference plus tips for future, similar wild weather events. [Image: Screenshot from a BOM video, 4 March]

Tim Herse is a self-proclaimed weather freak — always has been. Since he moved to Coochiemudlo, he’s been methodically recording the island’s rainfall and each month he posts the tally to the Coochie Community Facebook group …

A lot of people don’t like the Australian white ibis and, from my observation, the feeling is mutual. But ibis gravitate to areas where humans regularly group — parks, picnic areas, and urban outdoor eating places.

From 1 October 2024, the NFAEP is introducing a new approach to fire ant treatment on Coochiemudlo Island.

When you report suspected fire ants or nests on your property, you will receive a fire ant treatment kit by mail. It includes an instructional brochure that shows you how to treat nests.

Rae Wear has written an excellent article about how the ‘behaviour of birds, plants and animals has been shaped by natural light — sunrise, sunsets, the moon, the stars and periods of darkness’. Over recent years, there’s been a lot of research into the importance of conserving ‘Dark Sky Places’ around the world. Rae’s article is a great introduction. It includes a couple of links to drill down to deeper info.

Why not take part in the BirdLife Australia survey of birds in the neighbourhood? Download the app for free, the app helps you identify the birds you see. Terrific for kids, for everyone!

Update: Coochiemudlo Islanders advised not to self-treat suspect fire-ant nests.

Read this article and check out videos produced by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program to gain knowledge and awareness about this venomous, invasive species. Without successful eradication, there’s a lot at stake.

As an angler with more than fifty years experience, Dave Elsdon has sage advice for others who share his passion for fishing, the bay, and the island’s wildlife.

Gardeners generally like to control nature through raking, clearing and picking up fallen branches. At Bushcare, on the other hand, we leave dead trees, logs and dropped branches in place unless they are creating a hazard. Deadwood, either standing or fallen, provides shelter for birds and other wildlife.

In an attempt to limit the huge amount of household waste that ends up in landfill — and provide beneficial composting options for households — RCC has introduced a compost bin subsidy for residents to make composting more affordable.

Keith Slack writes about how, in 1878, the Surveyor General’s Department was mandated to leave a minimum buffer of 150 links (30 metres) to the high-water mark in the island’s survey of crown land. This area was opened as an esplanade that is now known as the Emerald Fringe.

The Emerald Fringe is bushland that skirts right around the island. It’s public/state-owned land, and heritage listed with Redlands City Council. This feature sets Coochiemudlo Island apart from other Queensland inhabited islands.

The impact of ex-tropical cyclone Oswald on Coochiemudlo Island in 2013 has had lasting effects on the environment and community.

Besides being a beautiful tree, the Bribie Island Pine has many other virtues as explained in this short article from Bushcare, written by Peter Wear.

Talk about expertise … Michael des David’s tales are written to keep you on the line with fishing tips in the waters off Coochie.