About our group
BirdLife Southern Queensland (BSQ) extends some 400 kms down the east coast of southern Queensland from Maryborough to the NSW border and west for 1700 kms to the NT border past Birdsville.
This is a diverse area, from the white dunes of the World Heritage Fraser Island to the red dunes of the Simpson Desert National Park. In between are beaches, mountains and plains containing wetlands, heaths, rainforests, mulga and brigalow scrubs, grasslands, eucalypt forests and woodlands.
We specialise in bird surveys with an emphasis on threatened species and habitats, especially in a number of Key Biodiversity Areas. We are taking an increased interest in local conservation issues where birds are affected.
There are seven Local Groups. They have a rich program of birdwatching events and surveying activities in designated local areas.
Get involved
Conservation Activities
We are actively involved in campaigns to protect threatened bird species. Activities include, but are not limited to:
- Writing submissions and lobbying local, state and federal governments to advocate for the conservation of species and high conservation value land.
- Working with local community groups to challenge inappropriate developments that impact threatened bird species.
Surveys
We undertake a range of conservation-focused survey projects with our community partners:
- Yandina Creek Wetlands – Unitywater
- 20 Million Trees Project – CO2 Australia and TJM Select Investments
- Powerful Owl Project – State Government, QUT, Orica and local councils
- Sunshine Coast Waterbird Monitoring – Sunshine Coast Council.
- Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater surveys.
These surveys may be held over a morning or afternoon or may involve longer periods of camping on private properties. Members and visitors are welcome to join in on any surveys — help and advice are always available and it is a great way to learn more about birds and their habitats.
Outings
Our Local Group Convenors in Brisbane North, Brisbane South, Darling Downs, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Redlands and Wide Bay-Burnett are experts in the birds of their area and regularly host outings to various locations to enjoy the birds. Visitors and beginners are always welcome.
Displays
We put up displays and information booths at environmental events and other functions. We welcome volunteers to assist us to run these displays.
The Biennial Queensland Ornithological Conference, Members Day and Sunshine Coast Mini Congress
In conjunction with Birds Queensland, the Queensland Ornithological Conference is held every second year. The 5th QOC was held in August 2022. In conjunction with our Annual General Meeting, we hold a Members Day with various speakers and activities. Our Sunshine Coast Local Group hosts an annual Mini Congress with a focus on local issues.
Education
BirdLife Southern QLD in conjunction with Birds Queensland runs an educational program called Learn About Birds. We provide accredited educational resources for schools and home-schooling targeted at the primary school biological sciences sub-strand of the curriculum. Volunteers also carry out school visits to promote birding activities and the biological sciences course. Volunteers with a working with children check (blue card) can be involved with the school visits.
BirdLife Southern QLD is a sponsor of the Science Teachers Association Qld (STAQ) science competition.
Committee members
Sheena Gillman
Convenor
Dr Bridget Lewis
Secretary
