This petition has been initiated by Friends of Fernglade in an attempt to secure more support and funding for Fernglade Reserve in Burnie, Tasmania. This 50 acre conservation area along the Emu River, is home to 11 threatened species, over 50 bird species, and a healthy and reliably seen platypus population. Situated only minutes from the Burnie CBD it feels like it’s a world away, and is a much loved area by the local community. 

The ecotourism potential for the area is enormous. The wild platypus viewing is considered one of the top 3 sites in the country, and the only one located near a port, hosting a rapidly growing cruise ship industry. Visitors frequently enjoy viewing platypus, wallabies, echidnas, giant freshwater lobsters, eagles and a huge variety of birdlife. Possums, bandicoots, quolls, Tasmanian devils and much more also call Fernglade home.

Friends of Fernglade are concerned with ongoing incidents of illegal lobster poaching, rabbit trapping, trail-bike riding, lighting of fires, the presence of dogs, vandalism and hooning. Lobster poaching recently resulted in the deaths of 3 platypuses within the reserve. Please sign our petition asking for more support and funding for Fernglade. Friends Of Fernglade are a voluntary group assisting Burnie City Council and Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service in the management of the reserve.