‘Balanced approach’: how new plan will help shorebirds

A new plan is set to help protect our region’s “little battlers”.

The Sunshine Coast Shorebird Conservation Plan 2025–30 has been adopted at Council’s latest meeting.

It incorporates extensive input from our local community, Traditional Owners, community groups, researchers and government agencies.

The plan outlines a strategic roadmap to protect the region’s rapidly declining shorebird populations – some of which are now at risk of extinction.

To do this, it will promote steps to reduce threats, protect critical habitat and foster community partnerships.

Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Councillor Maria Suarez said the shorebird plan would help the Sunshine Coast thrive as a UNESCO Biosphere where people and nature lived in balance.

“Shorebirds are in serious trouble – locally and globally,” Cr Suarez said.

“This plan is about making small but powerful local changes so we can continue to enjoy our coast while protecting the wildlife that makes it so special.”

Migratory shorebirds are among the world’s most threatened bird species, flying over 10,000km each year from Siberia and Alaska to reach our shores.

They rely on the sandbanks of the Pumicestone Passage and Maroochy River to rest, feed and build up energy for their return journey.

Steps to reduce threats to shorebirds

The plan sets a strategic framework for shorebird conservation outcomes on the Sunshine Coast.

It prioritises evidence-based outcomes such as reducing disturbance at high-value roost sites, improved signage and education, and the integration of shorebird-safe recreation planning – including alignment with the upcoming Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan.

It also provides a strong policy foundation to guide local responses and advocate for the protection of high-value shorebird habitat across our region.

Key outcomes of the shorebird plan include:

• protecting current and future high-value shorebird habitats
• effective management of local threats to shorebirds
• strengthened community education, advocacy and partnerships with Traditional Owners, researchers and the community
• integration of contemporary research and monitoring benchmarks
• alignment with national and international conservation efforts.

Protecting ‘remarkable species’

Joint Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillors Cr Tim Burns said the plan strived for balance in our wildlife-friendly biosphere.

“This is about more than migratory and resident shorebirds – its outcomes will benefit a wide range of coastal birds and ecosystems, ensuring these remarkable species remain part of our coastal landscape for generations to come,” Cr Burns said.

“The Shorebird Plan is one of several conservation strategies Council has adopted that are delivering real, measurable outcomes for our local wildlife – from turtles and koalas to macropods and now shorebirds.

“These plans also reflect our shared responsibility to care for nature and present an opportunity to create the kind of future we want for our coastline, our community and our children.”

Next steps

The next steps are to deliver the implementation plan, in collaboration with delivery partners and stakeholders.

The implementation plan prioritises actions, defines timing of implementation, identifies responsibilities and resources required.

An annual review and report on activities will be provided as part of the Sunshine Coast Council Annual Report.

A comprehensive evaluation, review, and updates (where required) will be undertaken as part of the five-year plan.

View the Shorebird plan

A full summary of the feedback received during community engagement and Council’s response is available at haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

By implementing our threatened species management plans we are protecting and enhancing our natural landscapes and its inhabitants and delivering on the Strategic Pathways of the Environment and Liveability Strategy.