AEGN

New Blueprint for a Sustainable Quandamooka Country/Moreton Bay

22 October 2024

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As lovers of Moreton Bay, we have been proud funders of The Moreton Bay Foundation since its inception. Last month, we were pleased to attend the launch of TMBF’s Blueprint for a Sustainable Moreton Bay for People and Nature (2025–2035). The Blueprint sets out a comprehensive and ambitious roadmap for how we work together to protect the natural, cultural and economic values of the Bay.

By Meta Goodman and John Goodman

A significant step towards securing the future of one of Australia’s most cherished natural assets, the release marks a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to balance environmental protection with community and economic needs.

What’s in the Blueprint?

This Blueprint is the first of its kind—a comprehensive and holistic plan for coordinated action by multiple stakeholders across connected jurisdictions. Developed by EcoFutures with input from local communities, government bodies, Natural Resource Managers (NRMs), and First Nations organisations, the Blueprint includes a thorough review of Moreton Bay’s ecological, social, and economic values, the threats to those values, and the various plans and policies addressing its care.

Most importantly, it identifies key gaps and recommends priority actions to ensure Moreton Bay remains healthy and productive.

Values of Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay is a unique environment, home to a rich diversity of marine life, stunning coastal habitats, and significant cultural heritage. The report highlights the Bay’s role as a vibrant ecosystem, supporting species like marine turtles, shorebirds, and dugongs. It’s also a vital area for human activities, providing recreational opportunities, supporting local fisheries, and offering a connection to nature for surrounding communities.

Additionally, Moreton Bay holds deep cultural significance for the Quandamooka, Kabi Kabi, and Kombumerri/Yugambeh peoples, who maintain an unbroken connection to the land and sea. These First Nations are crucial to successful management and advocacy for Moreton Bay.

Threats to Moreton Bay

Despite its many values, Moreton Bay faces several serious threats. The report identifies pollution from urban runoff, sedimentation, and the impacts of climate change (including rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events) as key threats. Population growth and coastal development also pressure the Bay’s ecosystems, leading to habitat loss and increased human-wildlife conflicts. Furthermore, the Bay is vulnerable to overfishing, invasive species, and declining water quality, all of which threaten the health and resilience of its natural and cultural resources.

Recommended Programs and Actions

To address these threats and preserve Moreton Bay’s values, the report outlines nine targeted programs comprising 30 specific actions, including research, advocacy, education, and management efforts. These programs focus on key needs such as protecting and restoring coastal habitats (e.g., seagrass beds and mangrove forests), reducing sediment and pollutant runoff from surrounding catchments, and managing recreational activities to minimise their environmental impact.

The report also emphasises the need for stronger community engagement, encouraging locals to connect with and care for the Bay, and calls for better coordination among stakeholders, along with refining regulations to support the Bay’s long-term sustainability.

What The Blueprint Means for Moreton Bay

This new report is excellent news for Moreton Bay. The Blueprint provides clear guidance on how all stakeholders can contribute to protecting this incredible environment. Whether you’re in government, a business owner, or just someone who loves the Bay, there are actions you can take to help maintain the health of the marine and coastal ecosystem.

The Moreton Bay Foundation has responded to the Blueprint’s call to action by using its recommendations to underpin their new Strategic Plan (2024-27). In the coming months and years, TMBF will facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative action to address the recommendations identified in the report.

What’s Next?

With challenges like climate change, changing land use, population growth, and increased visitation to the Bay during the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, the Blueprint serves as a guide for making smart decisions for the future. It also underscores the importance of blending traditional knowledge with modern science, respecting the wisdom of the Bay’s original custodians.

The next steps involve implementing the recommended actions with a focus on measurable outcomes and adaptive management. The success of this initiative will depend on the collective efforts of government agencies, local businesses, community groups, and individuals who all share a vested interest in the future of Moreton Bay.

Get Involved

TMBF will lead the charge to ensure the Programs and Actions recommended by the Blueprint are implemented across all community, industry, ENGOs, and government levels.

In the time we’ve been supported them, Meta and I have seen TMBF grow into an impressive and effective organisation.  We encourage AEGN members to consider making a Donation to support their research and engagement work.  Feel free to get in touch with us if you’d like any more information.

Other ways to stay informed about what’s happening in Moreton Bay, include:

Join The Moreton Bay Foundation to get the latest updates, participate in events and workshops, and contribute your voice to the future of our Bay.

Sign up for TMBF’s newsletter on the website.

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