Residents are being reminded not to stray too close to Dr May’s Island at Elliott Heads from now until April 2025 with the area closed to the public to ensure the protection of local and migratory shorebirds.
Bundaberg Regional Council closes the section of beach annually during the critical nesting and feeding periods of island inhabitants including the Pied Oystercatchers, Beach Stone-curlews and Red- capped Plovers.
The closure is implemented to safeguard the nesting grounds of these local shorebirds while migratory shorebirds from as far away as China, Siberia and Alaska are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
These birds, though not nesting, rely heavily on the mudflats at Elliott Heads to rest and feed after their long journeys and disturbance to these feeding grounds could have serious consequences for their survival.
Council encourages community cooperation in protecting these vulnerable bird populations and visitors to the beach are urged to avoid disturbing these birds, whether by walking through their habitats or allowing dogs to chase them.
Signage is currently in place at Elliott Heads to explain the closure and its importance.
Fines can apply to those trespassing on the island during the closure period.
Find out more about the region’s local shorebird population here.
