International visitors flocking to Moreton Bay
15 September, 2006
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Thousands of international visitors are about to descend on Moreton Bay to enjoy the city's warmer months.
Brisbane City Council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson, Councillor Helen Abrahams, said migratory shorebirds had started returning to Moreton Bay waters after roosting in warmer climates overseas for the past few months.
"More than 40,000 migratory shorebirds travel to Siberia, Alaska and Japan as part of their breeding cycle before returning to Brisbane to feed about this time each year," Cr Abrahams said.
"Moreton Bay is one of the largest sites in Australia for migratory shorebirds and are protected under several Commonwealth and international agreements."
To protect the birds' habitat, Council is urging people in bayside areas to be particularly vigilant and ensure dogs are kept strictly on a leash or potentially face a $150 fine.
"The birds travel thousands of kilometres each year and utilise Moreton Bay to restore their body weight and health before heading back overseas to breed once again," Cr Abrahams said.
"They are most commonly found on beaches, sandbanks and mudflats around the city, so residents should be especially wary to protect the birds' habitat in these particular areas.
"Dogs owners may consider taking their pet to designated off-leash areas or other areas around the city during this annual migration period."