Current Issues & Threats

We will keep you updated with current known issues and threats to our coastal area. Being part of a larger ecosystem, we also include other issues in the greater South East Queensland region.

Current known issues & threats

• Human impacts on natural coastal ecology
  Our coastal areas – ocean, rivers, beaches, and dunes – are all tied together in a delicate natural balance. For brief outlines on how these environments all work together to maintain and protect each other, and the impacts that humans are having on this balance, check out these documents:
  • Coastal Ecology – dunes, wetlands, heaths, and forests
  • EPA Information Sheet – Assessment of building work in an erosion prone area or seaward of a coastal building line
  • EPA Information Sheet – Removing or interfering with coastal dunes
  • EPA Information Sheet – Coastal erosion and assessment of erosion prone area widths
  • EPA Information Sheet – Common misconceptions about beaches
  • Qld Office of Climate Change – 2011 Queensland King Tide Photographic Survey

• Myrtle Rust fungus
  Myrtle Rust is a serious fungal disease that affects plants in the Myrtaceae family, including plants such as bottle brush, eucalyptus, and tea trees. It infects new growth, and can kill the host plant. Myrtle Rust has been found in a number of locations in South East Queensland – nurseries, public parkland, revegetation sites, and private residences.

  Because of the serious implications for our natural environment, the disease is notifiable. If you suspect a case of Myrtle Rust in any location, including your property, please call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

  Here is a link to the DPI website, for more information on what to look out for, including photos.

• Sunshine Coast Marine Park
  Since the landmark rocky foreshores survey of the Coolum area in 2000, data has existed to support an application for a reserve to protect marine plants and animals as well a the rocky foreshore along the Sunshine Coast. The unique marine environment stems from the meeting of the tropical and temperate currents. We are undertaking another survey in 2010/2011 to update this data in the wake of the Moreton Bay Oil Spill. Volunteers are needed to further progress this effort – contact info@coolumcoastcare.org.au for more information.

• Desalination Plants
  We urge the community to support CADI (Communities Against Desalination Inc) in their efforts to promote more sustainable methods of water management. You can download our position paper here or visit the CADI site here.

ACTION ALERT – If you see any of the following immediately contact:
Queensland Dept. Primary Industries & Fisheries: Ph: 13 25 23
Sunshine Coast Council: Ph: 1300 00 7272

• Dob in a Fox!

Report ALL fox sightings by using the above contacts. Foxes dig up turtles nests and can kill hatchlings. Foxes are not native to Australia and are a huge threat to any ground dwelling birds, reptiles and small mammals.

Download our Fox Fact Sheet here

• Feral Birds: Indian Mynah:

Observation of the non-native Indian Mynah in the Coolum area should be reported to the Sunshine Coast Council as they will undertake a trapping program. The Mynah is aggressive and competes with native birds and animals for hollow log homes. The Indian Mynah is not to be confused with the noisy Miner which is an Australian native bird.

For more info visit Common Indian Myna website