A new Sunshine Coast Shorebird Conservation Plan 2025-30 has outlined a clear strategy to reduce threats to at-risk migrating shorebirds in a bid to protect their critical habitat and foster community partnerships. The plan was adopted by the Sunshine Coast Council at its latest meeting.

Migratory shorebirds were listed as one of the most threatened bird species, from curlews and sandpipers to plovers and terns.

The council found that each year, 37 species flew more than 10,000 km from Siberia and Alaska to the Pumicestone Passage and Maroochy River sandbanks. The birds relied on these locations to rest, feed and increase their body mass by up to 70 percent for their return north in February to March.

Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Councillor Maria Suarez said the conservation plan would help the Sunshine Coast to thrive as a UNESCO Biosphere.

“This plan is about making small but powerful local changes so we can continue to enjoy our coast while protecting the wildlife that makes it so special,” Suarez says.

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Conservation Strategies

The council would prioritise disturbance reduction at roost sites, improved signage and education, and effective management of local threats – including disturbances from walkers, fishers, kite surfers, kayakers, dogs and boats during this critical time in the Sunshine Coast.

They also faced natural threats from birds of prey, storms, algal blooms and habitat losses also negatively impacted shorebirds.

Joint Environment and Liveability Portfolio councillor Tim Burns said the plan would foster a balance between people and nature.

“This is about more than migratory and resident shorebirds – its outcomes will benefit a wide range of coastal birds and ecosystems, ensuring these remarkable species remain part of our coastal landscape for generations to come,” Cr Burns said.

Sstrategies included integrating contemporary research and a focus on alignment with national and international conservation efforts.

Artificial habitats and floating roosts would also be trialled to allow for migratory shorebirds to rest undisturbed.

Community awareness in the form of social media campaigns, pamphlets and strategically located binocular look outs will highlight the impacts of human disturbance.

The council’s conservation plan would also employ the input of the local community, Traditional Owners, community groups, researches and government agencies.

An annual report of the plan’s activities would be provided and reviewed as part of the Sunshine Coast Council Annual Report, due in November.