Bribie Island is undergoing critical erosion at the northern end. The issue has been exacerbated by the effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred early this year. The island’s northern spit of land has been eroded to the point of being a tenuous isthmus. It usually measures 30-40m across and up to 300-400m long. Until very recently, this picturesque tidal breakthrough had divided this spit into two separate halves. This event has cut off a 180+ acre tract of land directly opposite Golden Beach.
It was this crisis that compelled Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie to act. To address this challenge, he called in seasoned coastal engineers to study the state of relentless erosion. With each high tide, the spit disappears a little bit more. This has deeply concerned multi-generational island residents and independent wildlife guardians about its devastating effects on the island’s biodiversity.
Coastal Erosion and Its Impacts
Erosion is severely affecting Bribie Island’s topography. In addition, it’s putting one of the island’s main attractions — its wildlife — at severe risk. The northernmost of the island, Coz Vieille has lost the most land, especially after being pummeled by Cyclone Alfred in February. This cyclone worsened the acute erosion that had already occurred, thus deepening the environmental malaise.
Joining in this worry is Dr. Javier Leon, a specialist in the research of coast erosion. He fears these changes have already seen wildlife, such as kangaroos, displaced from Bribie Island. He noted, “We have had a large swell from the east the last two days that might have contributed to further erosion and potentially, the wash-over of wildlife.” The urgency of these warnings reminds us that our land, and the animals that all too often call it prey, are under greater threat than ever.
It’s created an unprecedented rush of wildlife carers to the remote stretch of land. They are concerned about the loss of habitat for important species including alligator snapping turtles, river otters, and other keystone species. Jen Kettleton-Butler from the Pumicestone Passage Catchment Management Body (PPCMB) has been supporting search efforts around the island’s tip. One of her main priorities right now, though, is finding all the stranded or displaced animals.
The Plight of Eddie the Echidna
Among the wildlife displaced is a lone echidna nicknamed “Eddie,” first seen on the severely eroded spit weeks ago. The echidna’s fate hung in the balance until, fortunately for it, someone spotted it stranded on the Caloundra foreshore. In fact, to get there it must have swum more than a kilometer from Bribie Island. Rescuer Sybelle Foxcroft looked over Eddie, noting his harrowing condition. She said, “There was a real crackle on his chest that might be due to aspirating water. He was extremely dehydrated and his eyes were burning from the salt.”
The find raises the alarming question of how many other animals may be at risk from the still-ongoing erosion. “Looking at footage, his size and condition matches what I’d expect if he’d gone without proper food,” Foxcroft added, underlining concerns about food availability for displaced wildlife.
Wildlife conservationist Dr. Kate Dutton-Regester, who studied echidnas’ swimming skills, offered a glimpse into the creatures on Australian Geographic. As she noted, echidnas are not natural swimmers, but they do have powerful forelimbs. Their snorkel-like beak is what allows them to float all day. “They’ve got really strong forelimbs, and their long beak can act like a snorkel as they float,” she said. This incredible adaptability should give you as much hope for echidnas like Eddie as it has given us when they adapt to their new, changing home.
Community Concerns and Future Outlook
Local residents and wildlife lovers alike are growing concerned about the long-term effect of ongoing erosion on Bribie Island’s ecosystem. The tidal breakthrough cuts a new kind of isolation for wildlife. This leads to critical questions concerning their adaptability, survival, and thriving in this increasingly dynamic habitat.
Dr. Dutton-Regester shared a keen awareness of how important timing is. Bribie Island now is just entering into echidna breeding season. “We’re at the beginning of echidna breeding season,” she remarked. This period is vital for population sustainability, adding urgency to conservation efforts amid ongoing environmental challenges.
According to local resident Mr. Cairns — who has decades of experience watching and documenting wildlife — the current situation was unlike anything he’s seen before. Never — not once in 30 years,” he said when asked about the possibility of such a drastic move occurring before.
