We are very fortunate to have such an abundance of unique and diverse Birdlife species here in Australia. 
And there are numerous benefits reported from Bird-focused Tourism, including the benefits for our native bird species and their precious habitats.

The Care4esK alternate development proposal for Mount Glen Rock, which was presented to the Somerset Regional Council earlier this year, is predominately focused on sustainable Nature, Wildlife and Cultural Tourism.
It includes a strong emphasis on the Bird-focused Tourism, known as Avi-tourism.

The recent findings from the 'Bird and Nature Tourism in Australia' report, authored by Dr Rochelle Steven, clearly shows that Avi-tourism is a fast-growing niche market, contributing an estimated $283 million dollars, from domestic sources alone, to the Australian economy.

With dedicated marketing and investment, this source of tourism, has the potential to grow further, particularly in regional areas, where the natural bushland environments are home to countless species of birds.

An article in the recent Birdlife Australia magazine, states that Birdwatching has already been around for about a century as a recreational activity.

A key finding from Dr Rochelle Stevens' report, is that Bird and Nature tourists spend more than other types of tourists, especially on overnight trips.

Further findings also quoted from the article on Dr Steven’s report are:

-Over half a million Australian travellers incorporate birdwatching into their travels each year. Of the survey respondents, over 80 percent incorporated birdwatching into their travel plans.

-Birdwatching tourists commonly combine other nature-based activities and cultural experiences with their birdwatching travel, including other wildlife experiences, food and wine, and Indigenous cultural and Historical tours.

-Birdwatching tourists encompass all levels of experience and engagement, from the keen birder and professional Ornithologist, (around 15 percent of survey respondents), through to the casual or even non-birder, (around 42 percent).

-Whilst bird tours and guides are popular, the vast majority of Bird and Nature tourism occurs independently.

-Bird and Nature tourists are among the most environmentally aware Eco-tourists. 
83 percent indicated they are willing to record and share survey data.
Over 90 percent are willing to pay entry fees for the conservation and management of the places they visit.

This clearly shows that a great majority of Bird and Nature focused tourists are very environmentally conscious. Whilst they enjoy their travel experiences for personal pleasure, they also care deeply about the bigger picture of our environment with the enthusiastic contribution to conservation efforts, for the protection and preservation of our native birds, other wildlife and their habitats.
 
Care4esK members, along with other avid Bird watchers, continue to collect and record bird data in the Somerset region. Already 60 species have been sighted along the Fire trail area of Mount Glen Rock. These numbers will continue to increase with the change of seasons.

This type of tourism for our town's beautiful Mount Glen Rock, has the potential to bring great economic benefits to Esk and the Somerset region.

With Bird and Nature tourists walking more gently on Country, simply taking photographs, collecting valuable data for research and science, and leaving only footprints behind, it clearly shows that Avi-tourism especially, can be far less impacting on other wildlife, and the precious environment of our towns iconic natural landmark.

If you love to be amongst Nature, and enjoy being serenaded by the songs of our beautiful birdlife, please consider voicing your support for Avi-tourism, to the Somerset Regional Council.

ATTN: CEO Andrew Johnson 
mail@somerset.qld.gov.au 

ATTN: Acting Manager Recreation and Tourism, Daniel Rowe
mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

Mayor Graham Lehmann 
glehmann@somerset.qld.gov.au 

Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke 
hbrieschke@somerset.qld.gov.au 

Cr Bob Whalley
bwhalley@somerset.qld.gov.au 

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke 
cgaedtke@somerset.qld.gov.au 

Cr Sean Choat
schoat@somerset.qld.gov.au
 
Cr Jason Wendt
jwendt@somerset.qld.gov.au

Cr Kylee Isidro
kisidro@somerset.qld.gov.au

Please continue to share our petition...

Let's get it to 15,000 signatures!

We thank you immensely and are grateful for your ongoing support.

References: June edition of Birdlife Australia

For the full findings of the Bird and Nature Tourism in Australia Report by Dr Rochelle Steven, go to actforbirds.org