Community Unites to Protect Endangered Shorebirds on Urunga Island
Published on 03 October 2024
The Urunga community, alongside key stakeholders, is taking vital steps to safeguard the endangered Pied Oystercatcher and critically endangered Beach Stone-curlew on Urunga Island. These iconic shorebirds, which mate for life, return annually to breed and raise their chicks in this region. However, human activity, dogs, and boats have disturbed these birds in recent years, preventing successful chick rearing.
With only 15 breeding pairs of Beach Stone-Curlews left in New South Wales, one of these pairs makes its home on Urunga Island. Sadly, disturbances have jeopardised their breeding efforts in recent seasons.
In response, the Urunga Shorebird Working Group, supported by a grant from Bellingen Shire Council’s Environment Levy Community Fund, has installed new signage along Atherton Drive. The aim is to raise awareness among residents and visitors about the critical role they can play in protecting these vulnerable species.
The signage highlights the birds' breeding season, which runs from August to January, and encourages people to avoid visiting Urunga Island during this "resting" period.
Brad Nesbitt, a member of the Urunga Shorebird Working Group, expressed hope that the signage will raise awareness and help minimise disturbances.
“Urunga Island is a popular picnic spot, but during the breeding season, human and canine presence can cause severe disruptions, leading the shorebirds to abandon their eggs. With so few breeding pairs left, it's essential that we give these birds the space they need to thrive. We hope the signs will encourage people to appreciate the birds from a distance while enjoying the nearby Atherton Drive Reserve,” said Mr. Nesbitt.
The signage includes a design by Brentyn Lugnan from the Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation. Urunga Island and the beach nesting shorebirds are culturally significant to the Gumbaynggirr people. Brentyn Lugnan's artwork represents the importance of these shorebirds, including incorporating the footprints of the Waribun (Beach Stone-curlew).
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Stephen Allan, commended the initiative: “This project exemplifies how our Gumbaynggirr leaders, community members, local Council, and State government departments can collaborate to protect our shared natural heritage. The signage is just one of several planned initiatives aimed at helping these endangered birds thrive during the coming breeding season. Awareness is going to be a key piece to these birds' protection and the Shorebird Working Group’s dedication is truly commendable.”
The Shorebird Working Group urges everyone to respect these incredible birds by keeping away from nesting areas—especially on Urunga Island—and ensure dogs remain on a leash. By working together, we can help secure the future of these precious shorebirds.
Photo Credit: Brad Nesbitt