Council accuses Coochie residents of vandalism!

more birds are being trapped in the netting, we need your help to free them!

Adaire Palmer

Aug 19, 2026

⚓

⚓From the Helm⚓

⚓

This week, I’m angry.

Redland City Council put out a media release attributing damage to the bird netting at the Victoria Point ferry terminal to vandals, and saying that damage allowed birds to become trapped.

That word has really stuck in my craw.

Because we’re talking about tiny Welcome Swallows desperately trying to reach the places they know. Places they have returned to season after season to roost, nest and raise their young.

When they encounter netting where once there was an open path, they don’t understand council infrastructure, pest-control measures or who installed what. They simply keep trying to get home.

And when people see a little bird trapped behind that netting, frightened and struggling to escape, what exactly are they supposed to do?

Stand there and watch it die?

Is compassion really vandalism?

While there may be people who have damaged netting for reasons that have nothing whatsoever to do with rescuing birds, I also know what I would do if I saw a Welcome Swallow trapped and believed it was going to die.

I would try to save it.

Calling people who intervene to save a helpless animal "vandals", while seemingly sidestepping the much bigger question of why protected native birds are becoming trapped around this netting in the first place, defies belief.

And judging by the response this week, I’m far from the only person who feels that way.

The community is talking about it. People are watching the jetty. People are asking questions.

Good.

Because these little birds need us watching.

There’s something bigger at stake now

We’re moving into breeding season, which makes what happens next even more important.

BirdLife Australia’s Andrew has previously suggested that removing the netting should be considered so the Welcome Swallows have the opportunity to breed.

That matters even more with H5N1 avian influenza looming as a serious threat to Australian wildlife.

We cannot control everything nature may throw at these birds.

But we can control what we put between them and their nesting places.

And there’s one other question in all of this that I can’t quite shake: when does repeatedly trying to get through a barrier stop being a “bird problem” and start telling us something about the barrier?

Please don’t just walk past

So this week, I’m asking you to do something very simple.

If you are at either jetty and see a Welcome Swallow trapped, injured or in distress, please don’t assume somebody else has reported it.

Call RSPCA Queensland immediately on 1300 264 625.

Put the number in your phone now.

Take a photo or video if you can do so without delaying help, note the time and exact location, and make the call.

These birds weigh only a few grams. They cannot write letters to Council, lodge complaints or argue about who is responsible for what.

We can.

But first and foremost, when one of them is trapped and frightened, we can make sure somebody comes to help.

1300 264 625.

Please save it.

And please keep watching our swallows.

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

What's inside this week 👀

⚓ Acting Mayor Julie Talty calls jetty users 'vandals'

⚓ Residents hit back, asking council why they are ignoring the plight of the welcome swallows

⚓ A 'MUST WATCH'. Local writers produce a hilarious comedy, 'The Hairy Marys'

⚓ Coochie Progress survey

⚓ Last chance to grab tix for Mundy-Turner in concert on Sunday
⚓ Win up to $15k in the Coochie Community Shopping Service Raffle (hosted by Bendigo Bank Bayside Community Fund)

⚓⚓Scroll down to the end for updated and standing events and other handy information (like community contact info and how to make a complaint to council - because why not!)

💬 8 Comments

Vandals accused of targeting bird netting at ferry terminal - Redlands Coast Today

Redland City Council is urging the Coochiemudlo Island community to help combat ongoing vandalism to bird exclusion netting at local ferry terminals.

Recent incidents at the Victoria Point terminal have seen repeated tampering, allowing swallows and other birds access to protected areas and raising concern among residents over both wildlife safety and public asset damage.

Authorities have confirmed that these events are being escalated to police, after social media videos revealed birds caught behind damaged netting.

Investigations blame human interference rather than equipment failure, proving the need for properly maintained netting to protect structures from bird droppings and nesting issues.

The barriers, professionally installed this year at both Coochiemudlo Island and Victoria Point, were put in place without harming wildlife.

Locals are asked to report any vandalism or trapped wildlife, ensuring these coastal assets remain safe for all.

Karen FritzReader

1 week ago

“I support the residents tearing the netting down. Birds can't speak up for themselves, so we have to.”

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💬 23 Comments

Residents challenge ferry-terminal bird netting - Redland Bayside News

Residents of Coochiemudlo Island are voicing strong concerns after the installation of bird exclusion netting at the local ferry terminal, fearing it disrupts native wildlife, especially the welcome swallows that have long nested in the area.

Locals say the move came with minimal public input, leaving many feeling unheard during the Council’s decision-making process.

Kylie Francis, a Coochie resident, emphasized the swallows’ deep connection to both Coochiemudlo Island and Victoria Point, describing a community sense of loss and mounting frustration.

The Council maintains the netting addresses maintenance and safety issues caused by bird droppings, resulting in costly repairs.

However, residents question the evidence behind this decision and urge consideration of eco-friendlier alternatives.

The debate intensified after vandalism at the Victoria Point terminal’s netting, highlighting both emotional and practical divides in the community.

Lyla F.Reader

1 week ago

“Council acts so quick when it’s about money! Wildlife gets sidelined every time. Swallows deserve better.”

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💬 36 Comments

Unmasking the Hairy Marys: Secrets, Rebellion, and the Power of Unconventional Actions

Two Coochiemudlo mums turned years of parenting, caring, bureaucracy and barely controlled chaos into something unexpected: a comedy series. The Hairy Marys grew from the real-life experiences of Moze and Tamara, two single mums and carers who discovered that sometimes the best way through the hard stuff is to find something to laugh about.

Fiona O.Reader

1 week ago

“Would love to see more on the small kind gestures like the ferry workers. That stuff means a lot, especially when things are tough.”

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💬 5 Comments

Have your say! Coochie Progress Survey

Coochiemudlo Island residents unite to address key community issues

A local survey is now open, inviting Coochiemudlo Island residents to share feedback on key issues shaping daily island life:

Parking: Feedback on Victoria Point ferry terminal parking and on-island mobility scooter spaces.
Jetty Bins: Solutions for overflowing bins and collection schedules near public spaces.
Health Access: Desired levels of local medical support and on-island pathology.
Roads & Paths: Priority fixes for potholes and expanding wheelchair-accessible footpaths.

Your responses build a united voice to present to local council and authorities.

Pauline V.Reader

1 week ago

“Took the survey, thanks. Can we also look at beach access for prams? Not just wheelchairs.”

0 Reply Join the conversation

View all 5 comments

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Escape to Coochiemudlo Island on Quandamooka Country for the rare opportunity to experience Mundy-Turner in Concert at the charming community hall.

Best Duo finalists in the Australian Folk Music Awards 2025, Cath Mundy & Jay Turner weave original songs of heart, humanity, and humour with harmony-rich vocals, masterful fiddle, acoustic guitar, piano, ukulele, and stomp box.

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FULL DETAILS & BOOKINGS:

https://events.humanitix.com/mundy-turner-in-concert

📬 Got an idea, event, or organisation you’d like featured?

Hit reply to this email, or send a message in a bottle

(aka Facebook Messenger) or to editor@coochiecommunityonline.com.

Why Coochie?

People, places, creatures and things that make our little slice of paradise so special...😍

Click the image to purchase tickets

Back on the Road: Coochie Community Shopping Service Is Rolling Again!

There’s good news for one of Coochie’s quietly invaluable community services. The Coochie Community Shopping Service (CCSS) van is back on the road after being off duty for repairs.

And there’s a particularly nice bit of community spirit behind the story.

A big thank you goes to the Coochie Men’s Shed, whose members completed the work needed to get the van up and running again. It’s a great example of one local volunteer organisation lending a hand to another, and ultimately helping island residents in the process.

The CCSS is available to Coochiemudlo residents who need a hand getting their shopping and essentials from the mainland. It’s one of those services you might not think much about until you need it, and then it becomes very important indeed.

Could you spare one day a month?

With the van rolling again, the Shopping Service could also use a couple more pairs of hands.

CCSS is currently looking for a couple of volunteers who can help out on a monthly basis.

It’s not a huge commitment, but an extra person or two on the roster can make a very real difference to keeping the service running reliably.

If you’d like to find out what’s involved, call Rosemary Starr on 0403 014 396. No pressure, just have a chat and see if it might suit you.

Want to use the Shopping Service?

The service is available to all island residents. To register or find out more, contact Angela Phillips on 0432 000 859. (Life on Coochiemudlo Island)

And while you’re at it, grab a raffle ticket!

Another easy way to support the Coochie Community Shopping Service is through its raffle.

Buy your CCSS raffle tickets here

A working van, a few willing volunteers and a community prepared to pitch in. Sometimes that’s all it takes to keep a very useful little island service moving.

And to the Men’s Shed crew, many thanks for helping put the wheels back under it. Literally!

📅Upcoming Events and Useful Dates!📅

Check out the powerhouse duo here

Tickets only $25! Click the image to Book now!

Check in more details of the event by visiting this link

Click here for more information and the map.📍

Standing items

Regular, unchanging. Same every week 🤣

RFDS Medical Chest on Coochie💊

The RFDS Medical Chest has made it easy for you to get urgent care. (NOT emergency care, you'll still call 000 for that!)

💚Community on Coochiemudlo Island💚

🌴Stay Connected on Coochie 🌴

Life on Coochiemudlo Island is all about community. Whether you’re here full-time, part-time, or visiting, it’s easy to get involved and feel at home.

From emergency services and medical contacts to local clubs, sports, and social groups, there are plenty of ways to connect.

Looking for a Justice of the Peace?

Want to join the Progress Association, Men’s Shed, or Recreation Club?

Keen to play tennis, pickleball, or keep fit at the gym (once it reopens)

Or maybe you’d like to explore art, craft, music, or gardening with fellow islanders?

You’ll find it all in one handy place.

👉 Check out the full list of community contacts here

It’s your go-to resource for staying safe, connected, and part of our wonderful island life.

📅Community Calendar📅

Want to know what's coming up? You don't need to wait for us to share, check the calendar right here!

Credit: Angela Hoskins for this wonderful resource 🥰

Your Local Library

Open Saturdays 8.30 - 11.30am (Downstairs)

Open Saturdays 8.30 - 11.30am. Downstairs in the Community Hall. Pop in and say hi to Pam and Christine. Pick up a book or two.

Read about Mabels life through books

Artisan Alley

Open Sundays 8am - 1pm weather permitting

Check here for more information...

Pickleball on Coochie 🥒🎾

The Fun, social exercise of pickleball continues each week on Coochie. Thurs, Fri & Sun at 4pm. All standards welcome, so come & check this out. Pickleball is moving it start times to 3pm in March and 2pm in June for the public sessions on Thurs, Fri & Sun

New players always welcome so come & join us for some fun exercise. Tuesday Youth Pickleball for 10 to 15s, continues 4.45 to 6pm.

The courts are behind the Gym & Op Shop, beside the Croquet lawn. 🥒🥎🎾😄

Want to join the fun or at least come watch the chaos?
Give Dave a buzz on 0408 079 098. He’s the Pickleball oracle around here.

Qigong on Coochie - Morwong Beach

Qigong at Morwong ( opposite 186 Victoria parade North ) in the park on Wednesdays at 8 am. All welcome and bring water. FREE!

Image by my trusty AI assistant 😁

Coochie Paddlers - room with a view 🛶

Sunrise, Salt Air and a Whole Lot of Smiles

If you’ve ever stood on the shoreline at dawn and thought, “I should be doing something with this view,” here’s your sign.

The local outrigger paddlers meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.15am for a 6.30am start, and it’s one of the best-kept secrets for starting your day right. It’s free, it’s welcoming, and no, you don’t need to be an elite athlete who drinks kale smoothies for breakfast.

Paddling an outrigger canoe builds full-body strength without punishing your joints. You’ll work your core, shoulders and legs while getting a solid cardio workout, all without staring at a gym wall. It’s fitness disguised as fun. The kind where you’re too busy laughing to notice you’re actually working hard.

But here’s the real magic. It’s the camaraderie. There’s something about being on the water at sunrise, paddling in rhythm, that bonds people quickly. It’s friendly, frolicking, fitness-inducing and genuinely good for the soul. You’ll leave energised, salty-haired and slightly smug that you’ve already conquered the day before most people have had their first coffee.

If you’d like to give it a go, contact Helen on 0414 533 781 and she’ll point you in the right direction.

Early mornings never looked so good. 🌊🚣‍♀️

Image taken by Adaire (that's me!) from the outrigger canoe recently. HDIGABTT?!?!?!

COOCHIE OUTRIGGERS

Video by Nick Obrien

Standing for TRUTH and FREEDOM

Every First Sunday Of Each Month From 10-11am

1000+ parks. Over 30 Countries.

No Agenda
No Religion
No Leaders

Wear yellow in unity.

Coochie's Stand In The Park is in the park at Main Beach, in the shelter opposite the Memorial (near the beach bar)

🙏Alpha at Pineridge Place 6pm Tuesdays 🙏

Red Bin, Yellow Bin, or Both?

Below is the yellow bin calendar for the rest of the year.

You can either look down the road and follow your neighbours lead, or check in here and take the lead your neighbours will follow 🤣

If you're a Rec Club member, note the following 👇

Gym fees are carried over from last year, but the annual membership ($5) is still required.

You can pay either by dropping the $5 (in an envelope) to Yvonne Symes, Treasurer, at 1 Kingfisher,

or deposit into:

Coochiemudlo Recreation Club

Bendigo Bank

BSB: 633-000

Account: 137959631

💥NEW💥Roles & Contacts for the Rec Club:

Redland City Council

Make a complaint. Report an issue. Details below.

"How to Contact Redland City Council for

Various Community Issues"

Here is information on how Coochiemudlo residents can contact Redland City Council for various issues.

Individuals can report issues such as potholes, trees, roads, paths, rates, planning & development, and graffiti by phone, email, or submitting a contact form.

Residents can also give feedback, lodge complaints, or seek assistance from the council.

Report an Issue

Uncover island mysteries, local action, and vital updates—discover what’s really happening on Coochiemudlo!

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Redland City Council Meeting Webcast offers an archive of past meetings for public viewing.

Have questions?

Visit the help page for assistance.

Did you know you can access recordings of General Meetings, Special Council Meetings, and Special Budget Meetings?

Stay informed about important decisions and discussions within the council.

Visit the Redland City Council Public Meetings archive here.

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