BIRD experts say the revised plans for the $2.4 billion Toondah Harbour expansion do not offer better protection for birds.
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They say the new proposal still involves the destruction of feeding habitat used by migratory shorebirds and will likely result in the abandonment of roost sites due to increased human disturbance.
Walker Corp has withdrawn its original referral to the federal government and submitted revised plans, reducing the size of the marina from 340 berths to about 200. It also increases the buffer zone from the outer sea wall to Cassim Island in an effort to protect birds.
Submissions on the revised plans close on Thursday, May 25.
BirdLife Southern Queensland convenor Judith Hoyle said the new plan was disastrous for migratory shorebirds.
Ms Hoyle said the area was part of an internationally significant wetland and the Moreton Bay Key Biodiversity Area.
She said a report by BirdLife Australia listed Moreton Bay as an area in danger due to inappropriate development.
“Walker Group claims that this revised proposal offers better protection for migratory shorebirds, such as the critically endangered eastern curlew,’’ Ms Hoyle said. “Sadly, this is not the case.
“Migratory shorebirds are protected under domestic legislation and international agreements. As one of the most threatened suite of species in the world, their survival depends on protecting all remaining habitat across their migration route.’’
Walker general manager Queensland Peter Saba said a priority in Toondah plans was to protect the birds’ high tide roost sites.
“A series of best practice management measures relating to bird life are being put in place as part of the development plan, including restricting noisy or potentially disruptive construction activities to winter months when the birds are not roosting, public education programs and ongoing monitoring of bird populations,’’ he said.
Mr Saba said the proposal might have an impact on intertidal feeding habitat of some migratory bird species, however the affected area made up less the 0.01 per cent of this type of Moreton Bay habitat.
Ms Hoyle said the development would use part of the Moreton Bay Ramsar Site and destruction of a wetland protected under this treaty was unacceptable.
Mr Saba said it was proposed that part of the environmental impact statement process would include measures to compensate for the removal of any feeding habitat.
“About 45 hectares … is within the (Ramsar) boundary and the development will impact less than 0.1 per cent of this area,’’ Mr Saba said.
Ms Hoyle said her organisation wanted obligations under the Ramsar Convention upheld.
Toondah includes a shipping terminal, 3600 dwellings, public space and is estimated to house 6300 people.
