There has been a lot of concern from the public about the deaths of MANY beautiful Ibis birds on The Sunshine Motorway (between Nicklin Way and the Maroochy River bridge), due to recent vegetation management works. These birds have been nesting very close to the Motorway, therefore getting hit by cars every single day! Every time I use this section of the road I see at least 5 that have recently been hit by cars and killed. 

I am aware that some concern has already been raised to Transport and Main Roads as they are responsible for this area. They have said that NOTHING can be done. This was their full written response:

"Thank you for contacting the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) regarding concerns raised to Sunshine Coast Council by members of the public about ibis deaths due to recent vegetation management works on the Sunshine Motorway.

There is an ongoing program of vegetation maintenance along high-speed roads in the North Coast Region and as part of this program, works have recently been undertaken on sections of the Sunshine Motorway between Nicklin Way and the Maroochy River bridge. The purpose of these works is to clear vegetation and trees close to the road to remove potential hazards, improving the safety of motorists. The works will also improve the visibility of signage and have the secondary benefit of increasing the firebreak within the road corridor.

TMR advises the vegetation maintenance works operate under an environmental management plan and in accordance with all relevant environmental legislation. Additionally, these works are conducted under the supervision of a qualified fauna spotter catcher, who proactively checks the work zone for animals and wildlife ahead of any vegetation clearing and manages animals identified that could be impacted during the works. TMR takes its environmental responsibility seriously and any active ibis nests in the work zone are relocated in accordance with the provisions of a species management program approved under the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020.

The incidence of ibis strikes are unfortunate and to further limit these occurrences we have advised our maintenance contractor to cease vegetation clearing in areas where ibis are actively roosting. Unfortunately, ibis will sometimes return to roost in the areas which have been recently cleared.

Your suggestion to install a barrier or screen to prevent ibis flying onto the motorway has been reviewed. TMR considers fauna management measures, including exclusion fencing, during the planning and design phases of new road construction or road upgrade projects. As the vegetation management works on the Sunshine Motorway are routine maintenance activities and not a road upgrade, TMR is unable to install barriers/screens along the Sunshine Motorway at this time

We trust this information is of assistance. Should you require further information about this matter please contact Ms Lisa Sheppard A/Senior Environmental Officer - North Coast Region, on 5451 7055. Ms Sheppard will be pleased to assist."

PLEASE, PLEASE sign this petition in support of helping prevent any further deaths of these beautiful birds. SOMETHING must be done, whether it be installing nets, barriers, reduced speed signs on this section of the road, or signage that Ibis birds are nesting nearby. 

Something is better than nothing, we must help these birds as they are unable to speak for themselves. 

You can also contact the above people to raise your concerns. 

Thank you SO much for your support! 

- Christina.