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The most outstanding Mathew Flinders Art Prize in the history of the event

Tags: Art Prizes. Awards. Artists. Bribie Island. Brisbane

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAIL

Following on from what can best be described as the most outstanding Mathew Flinders Art Prize in the history of the event, the walls of the Mathew Flinders Gallery will be filled with entries in the Next Generation Art Prize featuring works by those in the 8 – 18 age group. The prize monies over all age groups add up to a total of $2,550 and the event will be on display in the gallery from August 22nd until September 9th with the official opening being on August 25th.

Featured Image(above): Lydia Bonastre painted this image of Woorim as a present
for her mum Fabienne

The standard of the entries in the 2017 Next Generation Art Prize was nothing less than outstanding and, if the work of one particular competing artist is an indication of what we will see this year, the judges will not find it easy to make their decisions. Year eleven Bribie Island High School student Lydia Bonastre has entered two of her works in the Next Generation Art Prize and I recently had the opportunity to talk to her about her passion for art and how she has developed her skill with the brush. ‘I have always been interested in art and, like many artists, I used to draw when I was very young.

When I was in year four, I began taking lessons from local tutor, Greg Cannon,’ Lydia told me. ‘I have been getting lessons from him ever since. I normally work with acrylics and the majority of my pieces are landscapes,’ she explained. Lydia pointed out that when in the process of creating one of her paintings, she likes to concentrate on attention to detail and her mum Fabienne remarked that when Lydia is painting, she is a different person. ‘I believe that it is very therapeutic for her,’ Fabienne remarked.

Art Prizes. Awards. Artists. Bribie Island. Brisbane

Lydia’s attention to detail is evident

When I asked Lydia about her plans for the future, she said that her aim is to become an interior decorator and after seeing the results of her ability to work with colours, I think that she will be absolutely perfect for that field. The Next Generation Art Prize will no doubt attract many visitors to the Mathew Flinders Gallery, as have the many great exhibitions that have been on display this year. The gallery if a part of the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre which is on Sunderland Drive in Banksia Beach.

The centre is open each day except Monday from 10 am and anyone who would like to find out more about the many activities there or about becoming a volunteer can call 3408 9288 or pay a visit to the centre.

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Entertainers of the Island -JACK JAMES

Tags: Bribie Island Entertainers. Brisbane. Musicians. Music

From the time that I began to write the “Entertainers of the Island” series, I have always found the reason for the feature entertainer taking up music and their main influences to be of particular interest and when I put that question to Bribie Island entertainer, Jack James, his answer was probably not quite what I was expecting. ‘When I was a kid growing up, I used to hear Slim Dusty, Charley Pride, Slim Dusty, Waylon Jennings, Slim Dusty, Johnny Cash and Slim Dusty,’ said Jack.

‘My father had every Slim Dusty album ever made,’ he explained. Jack told me that he first began to take an interest in being a musician as a young teen and after some time of just strumming a guitar at home, he joined with a mate from football and they entertained as a duo. ‘I would say that my main influence in music was John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival and I used to try to sound like him,’ he remarked.

From being in a duo, Jack decided to begin performing on his own and although he still joins with his football friend for a couple of performances each year, he is mainly known as a solo artist. As is the case with experienced entertainers, Jack’s repertoire when performing covers songs from a great variety of genres and eras and he said that there are times when he is surprised at what the audience enjoys. ‘From time to time I do a few Johnny Cash songs and the first time that I decided to sing a Cash song, I really didn’t think that anyone would like it,’ said Jack.

‘As it turned out, they loved it so it just goes to show, you have to have a really long list of songs that will cater for all tastes,’ he said. Having moved to Bribie Island from Toowoomba four years ago, Jack has become well known as a regular performer at the Blue Pacific Hotel, both on the Locals Only Sundays and also Friday evenings. He said that he also entertains at a number of venues in and around Brisbane as well as working full time in the construction industry.

When discussing his wide variety of songs, he said that he particularly enjoys what he describes as “bluesy country” and also songs by Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel and AC/DC. ‘I try to put my own touch to whatever I sing,’ Jack told me. ‘There was a time when if you didn’t sing a song exactly the same as the original artist, the audience hated it but now, it’s just the opposite and people like to hear someone sing a song their way,’ he said.

Jack James (R) with the guys from Locals Only

Jack James is an artist who has the ability to capture an audience with his style of music and this is obviously the reason why he is kept so busy as an entertainer, both locally and in Brisbane. I would strongly suggest a visit to the Blue Pacific Hotel when he is performing and I know that anyone who takes advantage of an opportunity to do so will not leave disappointed.

If there is anyone who would like to book Jack James to entertain at a venue, he can be contacted either through his Facebook page which is Sing Jack James, by email to jactrak@yahoo. com.au or by phone on 0446 112 166.

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Wallum Action Group help for Dylan

EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS

In the August edition of The Bribie Islander, I told the story of Renee McCann and her battle to fund the training and supply of an assistance dog for her little daughter, Dylan and the resulting generosity of the Wallum Action Group who have paid the required amount. Dylan has been diagnosed with Fibular Hemimelia and PFFD (Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency) as well as a number of other issues and will soon undergo several rounds of surgery which are hoped to improve her future lifestyle.

Featured Image(above): Mike (Kanga) Daley (L) and Colin Dangerfield of The Vietnam
Veterans Association presented Renee and her daughter Dylan with a cheque for $500

Whilst having now been successful in raising the funds for an assistance dog, Renee now has to afford the quite substantial costs that she will incur in the future and these include paying to stay in Brisbane during her daughter’s surgery and recovery and this has now come to the attention of the Vietnam Veterans Association. At a recent meeting of Association members, it was decided to help Renee with these expenses with by providing a very generous donation of $500 and this was presented to her at the Vietnam Veterans Association Dust Off Pad in First Avenue earlier this month.

When Association President Mike (Kanga) Daley handed Renee the cheque, he remarked that although the amount was only small, he hoped it would be of help and Renee commented that in this situation, every dollar counts. President Kanga told me that the donation to Renee and Dylan was made possible through the support that the Association received at their regular sausage sizzles. ‘We are incredibly grateful to the community who support us and, whilst much of our funds are used to help veterans and their families, whenever possible we endeavour to show our gratitude by supporting local causes,’ said Kanga.

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Bongaree Caravan Park to receive cabin refurbishment and bathroom upgrade

Bongaree Caravan Park is set for a major upgrade thanks to a $350,000 tender from Moreton Bay Regional Council that will see holiday cabins benefit from bathroom upgrades including new tiling and shower cubicles as part of the revamp.

Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige said the cabin upgrade was certain to become a drawcard for the park.

“Bongaree Caravan Park has seen over 10,000 guests just last year so it’s important to ensure our holiday parks remain modern and inviting for families and holidaymakers,” Cr Savige said.

Cr Savige said the project, which would involve the upgrade of 13 cabins including new tiling, replacing shower cubicles and fixtures will complement works carried out last year that saw the installation of the communal camp kitchen.

“Once the cabins are upgraded I am certain it will attract more people to Bongaree.”

Works will be staggered across the year to minimise disruption and ensure the park can continue to operate.

The project is expected to be completed next September, weather permitting.

“I’m very excited about this cabin upgrade project and I look forward to seeing it being used by our valued guests.”

The recent marriage of Michael McInerney and Sarah Lee

Our very dramatic cover shot is a photo compilation created by Bribie’s very own Deb Neill of Deb Neill Photography. The photo montage celebrates the recent marriage of Michael McInerney and Sarah Lee on Bribie Island. Deb tells us that Michael McInerney a young man that grew up here on Bribie Island and Sarah Lee (from Kallangur) met at The Sandstone Point Hotel a little over three years ago and fell in love almost instantly.

Featured Image(above): Mr Michael McInerney and Mrs Sarah McInerney

Last weekend saw them marry in spectacular fashion. Michael surprised Sarah with a most magnificent horse-drawn carriage to take them back to their reception at the Bribie Island R.S.L club. The Drayhorse Shires came all the way from Maroon at the Scenic Rim. Nara and Gavin Stevens had every tiny detail covered, right down to the feathers in the horses’ headdress.

Horse-drawn carriage from Drayhorse Shires

It was certainly a different sight to see here on Bribie Island. Michael has one daughter and Sarah has three children, together they will live at Kallangur for the time being. Michael tells Deb that he is pretty sure that their little family will be growing larger in the near future. To the new Mr and Mrs McInerney, The Bribie Islander wishes you both the best of luck in your future.

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Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club

Tags: Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Clubs. Group. Brisbane

A REAL GEM OF A FESTIVAL

When we think about giving someone a gift, we very often consider the possibility of making that gift a piece of jewellery and for anyone who is a friend or relative of a Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club member, their chances of receiving a beautifully handcrafted piece of jewellery as a gift are greatly increased.

Featured image(above): Gem Club members hard at work on their designs

The Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club operates from premises in the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre complex and is a not for profit organisation with more than ninety members who enjoy practising the various skills associated with the lapidary craft and these include casting, silversmithing, enamelling, faceting and even wax casting. Publicity Officer Kerrie Western explained that being in the club offers members a lot more than just the opportunity to cut stones and making jewellery.

gem fossiking clubs groups bribie island brisbane

Busy on the faceting machine – Ron Griffiths visits from South Australia each year

‘We often go on field trips and visit other clubs,’ said Kerrie. In October we will be visiting Inverell and this will coincide with that club’s gem festival,’ she added. Kerrie also told me that the items that the club has for sale are not synthetic or heat treated. ‘When someone buys one of our handcrafted pieces, they always know exactly what they are getting and we can even tell them roughly what area of Queensland the stone came from,’ she pointed out. For anyone who would like to see the beautiful jewellery that members produce or perhaps find out more about what is involved, I would suggest a visit to the Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club’s Gem Festival which will be held on the weekend of September 8th and 9th.

gem fossiking clubs groups bribie island brisbane

An example of the beautiful handcrafted jewellery for sale

The festival will offer visitors a chance to check out the displays by over seventy vendors and also pick up a few early Christmas presents. From when the club was founded in November 1998, it has grown to be one of the best equipped Gem and Fossicking clubs in Australia and after spending time there recently and seeing the range of devices that are available to members, I can see why. Kerrie also mentioned that the club takes pride in ensuring that new members are taught each craft by the volunteer tutors and she added that the tutors hold lessons at U3A each Tuesday.

If anyone would like to find out more about becoming a member of the Gem and Fossicking Club, they can pay a visit to the premises during opening hours which are from 8 am to 1 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday or call Colin Thorpe on 0420 917 625.

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HIGH IN THE SKY – Construction Job at Bellara

An inescapable fact about the construction industry is that there are always rather heavy and at times awkward objects that need to be lifted into their correct position and as this task is usually unachievable by manpower alone, industry workers rely on the assistance of a crane, especially when the building is multi-storied. Actually, even the ancient Greeks, great builders that they were, realised the necessity of a lifting device when working with large stone blocks and archaeological records show that they invented the first crane for lifting heavy loads in the sixth century BC.

Featured Image(above): It’s not a bad view from up there

Wherever there is construction in progress, cranes can be seen and their size and type varies, depending on the application for which they are used. Along with small and medium-sized truck mounted cranes, there are self-propelled models and the extremely capable tower cranes, one of which can be seen at the Midson Constructions unit development site off Benabrow Avenue in Bellara.

This particular example of mechanical ingenuity is a Liebherr 71 EC Tower Crane which features a thirty-three-metre boom and at its current location, the operator’s cabin sits over thirty metres above the ground. The Liebherr company is arguably one of the largest manufacturers of cranes in the world today and has grown exponentially since Hans Liebherr founded the business after recognising the need for tools and machinery in the building industry.

Along with design engineers and tradesmen, Liebherr developed the TK 10 which was the first mobile tower crane in 1949 and as well as being transportable, it was easily set up upon arrival at the site. The company is now recognised throughout the world as the manufacturer of not only a range of cranes but also other machinery including mining equipment, refrigeration supplies and aerospace systems.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Matty, the operator of this tall machine which towers above Bellara and he told me that the Liebherr 71 EC has a number of very advanced features and these include the option of being able to be remotely controlled from the ground and what is called a SMIE System which is designed to prevent a collision with objects such as power lines. ‘Even though the crane can be operated remotely, I still have to go up there to switch it over so I normally stay and work it from the cabin,’ said Matty. ‘It’s not a bad view from up there,’ he added.

He remarked that when the crane is unattended, the boom is always unlocked which enables it to swing freely with the breeze, therefore providing the least resistance to strong winds. Matty said that he and the dogman, Dylan, are employed by Nigel at Elevated Rigging Solutions on the Sunshine Coast which is a company that provides experienced machine operators to sites throughout the region.

He explained that he has worked his way up in the industry, beginning as a rigger/dogman, and he is now in his twenty-fourth year as an operator. ‘I operate all varieties of cranes including mobiles and the tallest job that I have worked on was twenty-four stories,’ he said. The job in Bellara involves building a four-story unit block on top of a ground-level carpark and Matty pointed out that, depending on a few variables including the weather, the completion date is expected to be somewhere around Christmas time.

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Letters to the Editor Aug 2018

Dear Editor, The P.M. has promised $20,000,000 to perform miracles in the Longman electorate and they are all good. I spoke with both the federal and state LNP people about when will Bribie road at King John creek be raised so thousands of us don’t have to use the Old Toorbul Point Road every time Bribie Road floods. I was told that planing may commence in 2020 and it is the responsibility of the State Government Main Roads Department to action, all it needs is a temporary deviation around the present site while it is raised, should only take about 6 months not 10 years, go to it Anna, do Susan a favour. Kev Breslin, Bongaree

Dear Editor, As one of Bribie Island’s Older residents, I was saddened to see the display of bad manners by our Prime Minister last Friday at Sandstone Point Hotel. As part of his tax-payer funded campaign for his candidate in Longman, he visited the hotel and was questioned by a local lady about various issues, which obviously were discomforting and which he did not want to address. His response was to slide away, grinning and exhorting his candidate to leave the contentious lady because there were “some young people wanting to have photos taken”.

The emphasis was on “young”. Now, Mr Turnbull, it is becoming more and more apparent that you are quite content to pose for “selfies” and only be around people who agree with you. Younger people. Not the outspoken “oldies” who do not stand in awe of your position, but judge you as a man. Your response to the by-election results again falls short of displaying any character. Why put up a candidate if you expected that the previous sitting member would be re-elected? Why subject us to months of campaigning, expenditure and tiresome spite if you “knew” that the so-called 98-year-old tradition would be upheld. I am at a loss to pinpoint just when our parliament became such an ill-mannered slanging match between elected members.

Call me old-fashioned (or even just “Old”) but when I was at Primary school (many many years ago) we were taught in “Civics and Morals” that the majority ruled and respected the minority in our government system. In this current day and age, we are constantly celebrating the values of courage, sacrifice and mateship of the fallen in war. You are happy to praise our staunch, brave national character, but gosh, you are the last person I would hope was looking after my back in a tight situation. Perhaps a few snide words and a selfie are the newly accepted marks of manhood?

Being old, I am a little out of touch. I look at photos of my family members who fought in the wars, raised families, worked hard all their lives and were good mates to all around them They might not have had the education, privilege and sarcastic wit of you and your “mates”, but they were the solid and loveable foundation of this country’s values. Their innate decency and respect for others would never have permitted behaviour such as yours. Grace and dignity are the words that spring to mind. So smile and pose, Mr Turnbull… ignore the messier realities of life. May your narcissistic ill-mannered self-interested “mates” have your back when you need them.

D Williams Morning

Dear Editor, Just wanted to share we drove down on the beach Friday evening and look what greeted us, have some amazing pics of this beautiful New Zealand fur seal I believe? Always amazing here at Bribie.

Thanks, Hailey Voke

COMMUNITY NEWS – Aug 2018

THIS MONTH’S MEETING OF BRIBIE MASONIC LODGE

This month’s meeting of Bribie Masonic Lodge was A Christmas in July function at which sitting Master Ron Leth took the opportunity of presenting several acknowledgments. The widow of the lodge founding master Mrs. Eunice Dossell was given a memorial presentation case of her husband Keith’s Masonic decorations.

The case having been made by long-term member David Burey himself the recipient of an award marking his retirement from 14 years as volunteer bus driver for the Masonic homes for the aged and infirm at Sandgate. Worshipful Master Ron Leth also presented a cheque for $500. to the girls doing the catering for the night, the Masonic “Daughter” organisation “Job’s Daughters” to help with their forthcoming trip to America furthering their excellent charitable work. All in all, a very pleasant night characterised by much hilarity mirth and good companionship.


CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Pumistone Passage Probus Club had a jolly time for their Christmas in July. Funny hats, seasonal clothes, and the traditional Christmas lunch. Up in Montville, it felt suitably chilly but the view from Secrets on the Lake was beautiful. Turkey dinner with all the trimmings meant everyone enjoyed themselves. There was only one downside !! That being the Santa didn’t show up however we had it on good authority that he was working overtime with the elves to make sure everyone has a great time with lots of presents in December.


BELLARA NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

At the Bellara Neighbourhood Watch meeting in July, Superintendent Brady awarded three members with Neighbourhood Watch awards. Lee Martin and Rod Noakes received the Bronze Award for more than three years of volunteering and newsletter delivering for Neighbourhood Watch and Vonnie Barraclough received the Gold award for more than 13 years of volunteering as newsletter deliverer as well as being treasurer for the community group.

Brenda Allardyce, Bernie Murray and Pam Murray were also awarded the Bronze award but were unable to make the ceremony. Councillor Brook Savige, Simone Wilson MP and Police Inspector Jeffries also congratulated the recipients on their awards. After the awards ceremony, the Bellara NHW AGM was held and the following people were appointed to the committee. Area Coordinator- Stacey Olson Secretary – Lynne Mellers Treasurer- Sue Huismann

Superintendent Brady, Stacey Olson, Lee Martin, Vonnie Barraclough, Rod Noakes, Simone Wilson MP and The beautiful case that was made by Councillor Brooke Savige.

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BRIBIE ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB – Aug 2018

Tags: Photography Club. Bribie Island, Queensland. Brisbane

The big news for this month is that new member Prim Rogers- Walker who entered her photo in the Novice section was awarded Photo of the Month by our visiting judge John Marshall. Her beautiful shot “Precious One” was a standout winner. Congratulations to Prim! The theme for the month was “Portrait” and was won by another new member Angela Smith. Angela submitted a striking shot titled “Eid” which was awarded first place. John Cupper was the winner of the two Mono categories with his “Have my Eye on You” and “On the Hunt”.

Featured Image(above): Photo of the month

Beth Mottershead submitted a beautiful photo of a rose “For Mother’s Day” which was the winner of the Colour Print section. Marj Webber won the colour PI with “Black Jezebel” a beautiful butterfly common on Bribie Island during the cooler months. John Marshall was our visiting judge who critiqued each photo and awarded the places and a mark out of 10. A photograph was submitted by Roger Bowden for our Smart Workflows exercise where members practice their processing skills on a photograph and submit their finished images to Dropbox.

These are displayed at the meeting and it is amazing to see the variation in the individual finished photos. Some lovely shots of our location shoot outing to Toorbul last month were also displayed. Centenary Lakes at Caboolture on a crisp, sunny, winter’s day was the venue for our location shoot this month. Our keen photographers busied themselves with snapping photos of water features, waterfalls, flora and the plentiful birdlife. During these outings, more experienced photographers are on hand give assistance to any member needing extra tuition.

After a fruitful photography session, the group enjoyed morning tea together in the park. There are several interclub competitions coming up to which our club will be submitting photos. The Bribie Island Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 pm in the boardroom at the back of the Arts Centre on Sunder land Drive. New members are always welcome. The first two meetings are free. If you wish to come along ring Gordon at 3408 2649 or Gail at 3408 9850.

www.sites.google.com/site/bribiephotographyclub

e: [email protected] 

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LAUGH RIOT – Funny Jokes & Humour

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Sitting by the window of her convent, Sister Barbara opened a letter from home one evening. Inside the letter was a $100 bill her parents had sent. Sister Barbara smiled at the gesture. As she read the letter by the window, she noticed a shabbily dressed stranger leaning against the lamp post below. Quickly, she wrote, “Don’t despair. – Sister Barbara,” on a piece of paper, wrapped the $100 bill in it, got the man’s attention and tossed it out the window to him. The stranger picked it up, and with a puzzled expression and a tip of his hat, went off down the street.

The next day, Sister Barbara was told that a man was at her door, insisting on seeing her. She went down and found the stranger waiting. Without a word, he handed her a huge wad of $100 bills. “What’s this?” she asked. “That’s the $8,000 you have coming Sister,” he replied. “Don’t Despair paid 80-to-1.”

An elderly Italian man who lived on the outskirts of Rimini, Italy went to the local church for confession.

When the priest slid open the panel in the confessional, the man said: “Father… During World War II, a beautiful Jewish woman from our neighbourhood knocked urgently on my door and asked me to hide her from the Nazis. So I hid her in my attic.” The priest replied: “That was a wonderful thing you did, and you have no need to confess that.” “There is more to tell, Father.

She started to repay me with sexual favours. This happened several times a week, and sometimes twice on Sundays.” The priest said, “That was a long time ago and by doing what you did you placed the two of you in great danger, but two people, under those circumstances, can easily succumb to the weakness of the flesh. However, if you are truly sorry for your actions, you are indeed forgiven.” “Thank you, Father. That’s a great load off my mind. I do have one more question.” “And what is that?” asked the priest. “Should I tell her the war is over?

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MAD POETS – Poems, Rhymes and Riddles – Aug 2018

YOGA BEND
Now I have been teaching Yoga 29 years
It has not dated or disappeared
You can learn to balance breath and stop
Harness your mind and stop eating slop
Educate your brain and learn about a
culture
No need for furniture the mat is your
bolster
Learn another language and music as well
Blow out the cobwebs that have lived in
your knell
Raise your arms instead of a glass
Centre your awareness allow things to
pass
Now meditation is a big learning curve
So many things to think about it will get on
your nerves
That is the general idea pay attention you
see
Let go of the holding
Allow your mind to be free
You can be as young as you like or old and
depleted
So long as you practice your asanas life is
not defeated
To living this minute right here right now
Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not a
promised vow
It will not cure wrinkles or get rid of false
teeth
But your muscles and skeletal frame wont
miss a beat
There is no exercise equipment just a yoga
mat
Om is the new word just hum don’t chat
So when all the work on your body is done
Other people will want it so pass it on
You will take in your surroundings and
hug a tree
Let the ants go and the bees
Find yourself picking up plastic and having
a vege patch
The guidelines are good the kids are on
track
So all this started with not being able to
sleep
Feeling kind of yucky and always feeling
beat
Mind you! Its a challenge the mind body
and breath
Leaning forward and back headstands and
sweat
But after the lesson and you let go of the
stuff
The mind and body are free and it makes
your feel chuffed
There will be a sense of calm after the
Yoga Class
The world is your oyster as you stroll out
of class
Written by Sharmayne Kurtz 28/5/18

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SHELLFISH REEF TRIAL DOUBLES FISH POPULATIONS

Hello to all oyster gardeners, Thanks for your numerous questions and patience regarding the initial results from the shellfish reef restoration trials we are conducting in Pumicestone Passage. The University of the Sunshine Coast has now released their results from the first fish counting trial which forms part of the shellfish reef performance monitoring process. Using underwater cameras to count fish, results were compared against baseline fish counts that were done prior to the reefs going in.

Overall, the number of fish in the area where the restoration activities occurred was double that seen prior to reef deployment. The number of fish species also doubled, showing the reefs had a positive effect on biodiversity as well as fish numbers. After 6 months, around 20 different species of fish were observed inhabiting the trial reef area, including several species familiar to recreational fishers, such as yellowfin bream, Moses perch, ludrick, silver biddy, silver trevally, happy moments, butterbream, summer whiting and toadfish. A variety of other reef-associated species were also observed, including beaked coralfish, Bengal sargentfish, blacksaddle goatfish, cardinalfish, Fanbelly leatherjacket, Gunthers wrasse Rainbow monocle bream bald spot monocle bream stripey, striped grunter Yellowfin tripodfish.

Several reef designs are being trialled, with the results suggesting that on average most fish were aggregating around biodegradable potato starch reefs (BESE reefs), however similar abundances of fish were observed around some (but not all) of the patch reefs formed from recycled oyster shells topped with live shellfish from Bribie’s oyster gardening initiative.

Results so far also suggest the highest fish species richness (greatest number of fish species) was also recorded over one of the patch reefs topped with live shellfish from oyster gardens. This is great news for oyster gardeners – nice to know all that effort that was put in to tend the live oysters has paid off! These initial results are preliminary and the surveys will be repeated every 6 months for the next few years to determine how trends in fish numbers vary over time.

Surveys of invertebrates and settlement of baby oysters on the reefs are also planned to determine if the reefs can become self-sustaining over time and whether they are indeed boosting the supply of small fish, crabs and shrimp which act as food items for local fish stocks.

Thanks to University of the Sunshine Coast and Healthy Land and Water for supplying the survey results, and thanks to all oyster gardeners, OzFish Unlimited volunteers and local community supporters for their continued efforts in recycling even more oyster shells at Ningi Tip, which we hope will be placed into the water this coming summer to further boost fish numbers. The table below: Fish species observed to be associated with trial shellfish reefs in Pumicestone Passage (Data from University of Sunshine Coast).

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