Bird exclusion netting also excludes solutions for Coochiemudlo Island, Queensland, Australia |
council calls it vandalism! |
Coochiemudlo Island residents tear down dangerous netting as Council ignores cries for help
Community takes direct action against lethal ferry terminal traps while Redland City Council gaslights wildlife concerns Coochiemudlo Island and Victoria Point residents are taking matters into their own hands, actively dismantling bird netting at local ferry terminals after repeated calls for official action fell on deaf ears. Far from mindless damage, locals describe their actions as emergency rescues to save native birds—including swallows—from dying painful deaths behind the barrier mesh.
Despite video evidence showing trapped wildlife, Redland City Council continues to dismiss community outcry, deflecting blame onto resident interference rather than acknowledging a flawed installation.
Frustrated islanders report being systematically stonewalled and gaslit by officials whenever they reach out to request open communication, explanations, or assistance for distressed birds.
Community members stress that tearing down the barriers is a last resort to protect local wildlife from what they describe as poor council oversight and ineffective management. Until Council agrees to engage transparently and implement humane solutions, residents remain committed to protecting the island's birds from terminal hazards.
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Honestly just sad to see this in our community. Council, PLEASE fix it for everyone’s sake.
Not super comfortable with people taking down the net themselves, but if birds are dying I get why it’s happening.
So typical of Redlands, ignore the problem til locals force their hand. Good luck, hope council finally listens.
Any updates on whether council actually plans to meet with residents or just going to keep ignoring everyone?
I grew up fishing off that ferry terminal. Always saw swallows nesting under the beams. Makes me sad this is happening.
Never thought I’d see people called vandals for caring about birds. Priorities are all wrong here.
Council needs a proper wildlife consultant, not just excuses. The animals deserve better.
It’s wild that the officials are still blaming the public after all the videos surfaced. Really?
I’m absolutely disgusted about this nonsense How dare the council think it’s ok to do this with no regard for the little community of birds and how dare they criticise Coochie residents for being upset about it that’s typical ENTITLED politicians 😡 It’s not breaking rules or laws when good people correct things that are just plain WRONG
Wish I could help but I'm not on the island often. Hoping things change soon for the birds' sake.
Count me in if another rescue is needed. Someone's gotta do it if council won’t step up.
Every summer, we see more birds struggling there. This isn’t new, just worse now.
I understand council has rules, but ignoring evidence of trapped wildlife is just cruel.
How many calls does it take until they wake up and actually listen to us? Tired of being ignored.
I’m worried someone will get hurt eventually trying to save birds. All because the council can’t listen.
I would cut the netting if I saw a trapped swallow. Maybe council should examine themselves instead of demonising the residents and concerned community. Are they acting in good conscience and within wildlife protection and conservation guidelines? RCC has form when they backed the Walker Toondah harbour development, which would have seen migrating shorebirds' habitats impacted. It was defeated in 2024 with the intervention of the federal government Environment minister who ruled against it. They are now going after the Welcome Swallows in their disregard for birds and wildlife in general in the Redlands. I have saved the RSPCA contact number in my phone.
Maybe if council had to remove the dead birds themselves, they’d care a bit more. Disgraceful.
My kids are always asking why there’s netting all over the jetty. I wish I knew how to explain this mess.
Council need to ask themselves if the netting is cruel to wildlife. The answer of course is YES. I am asking "Why are you doing this?" Is your conscience clear, can you truly live with yourselves by deliberately harming wild life. If you can, then you don't deserve to represent us.
Is there any actual reason given by council for using that kind of mesh? Feels like it could be changed easily.
I support the residents tearing the netting down. Birds can't speak up for themselves, so we have to.
Saw a dead bird caught there last month. Broke my heart. This problem’s been going on for too long.
Council blaming residents after ignoring us is classic. Maybe show up and see the birds getting hurt next time!
Was there really no other solution than putting up dangerous nets? I get wanting to keep things tidy but this is not it.
I actually saw someone taking down the net a few days ago. Thought it was odd but now I get why. Someone had to do something.
Why is it so hard for the council to just fix the netting? This isn’t complicated. Give us answers, Redland!
Good on you all for stepping up. I’ve seen swallows around there for years and hate the thought of them suffering like that.
Honestly, it shouldn’t fall to the community to keep birds safe. Council needs to listen for once. This has gone too far.