Articles about island life, and more
Written by Coochiemudlo Island residents.
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This article by Christine Leonard was written after spending a morning reminiscing with Norma and friends back in May 2024. They revisited happy memories and earlier days on Coochie, with small talk and tall tales lubricated by cups of tea, coffee and biscuits.
Without water, life as we know it would not exist. Coochiemudlo Island’s water arrives to the island via a complex grid that services the Redlands Coast islands and mainland communities. This article offers insight to where our water comes from.
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.
It was full house at the community hall on 10 August, 2024. Coochiemudlo Island residents were out in force, keen for a resolution to their ferry timetable issue.
For an island community, cuts to a vital ferry transport service to and from the mainland is bound to create concern. The community has been mobilised to act. With any community action, it helps to know the facts. This article aims to shed light on few key factors.
Have you noticed the beautiful sail boats that add charm to the already beautiful surrounds of Coochiemudlo Island? Find out about the Blue Peter programs and The Sea School in nearby Redland Bay.
History and research — we can learn from both. Melaleuca wetlands have been valued by Quandamooka people for thousands of years. A survey of our Wetlands’ fauna was completed in 2016 … this article revisits the survey and offers a bite-sized version of this important research — about the wildlife on the island and the animals no longer here.
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.
From magic, music and comedy to craft, outdoor activities and fashion workshops – there are school holiday activities to suit all ages on Redlands Coast from 22 June to 7 July 2024. Check out the list, it might be best to book in advance!
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.
Helen Symes presents interesting questions — and tips — that may inspire you to improve your fitness level! Helen, a personal trainer, is the island-based Recreation Club Gym Coordinator.
Christo Patty is a psychologist with a wealth of knowledge and experience to help unlock human potential. This article is about our relationships, hidden agendas, and self discovery. Christo lives on the island.
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.
Feeding wild birds is a world-wide, nature-based pastime, a practice that can connect us to nature.
However, if birds are regularly fed the wrong food, especially when they are young, there can be severe consquences to their health and wellbeing including brittle bones and soft beaks.
Native to tropical America, painted spurge is an environmental weed in Queensland and NSW and it’s found in many sandy areas on Coochiemudlo’s 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 habited islands.
The impact of ex-tropical cyclone Oswald on Coochiemudlo Island in 2013 has had lasting effects on the environment and community.
Asparagus fern can be found all over Coochiemudlo, and in many parts of the Emerald Fringe. It is a dominanting ground cover that completely overwhelms native plants.
This article was first published in Hi Tidings and written by Nicole Peisley, founder and operator of Aussie Wild Food Co, island-based caterers.
Adaire Palmer is living her dream on board her houseboat moored at Coochiemudlo Island. She has many live-aboard tales to share!
Trish Miller is one of our resident artists. Her artistic practice includes off-loom weaving using tiny glass beads. Her work is so beautiful, exquisite!
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.
Native to Central and South America, Leucaena leucocephala was first planted for fodder in Queensland. Now it grows all over Coochiemudlo but it’s most prolific on the western side — on the Emerald Fringe and around the Community Hall.
Native to Madagascar, mother of millions is a rampant, environmental weed in Queensland and NSW — and throughout the island’s east and north-east shoreline.
Talk about expertise … Michael des David’s tales are written to keep you on the line with fishing tips in the waters off Coochie.