Breakfast with the Birds on World Wetlands Day

By January 26, 2025 News

By Redlands2030

Celebrate World Wetlands Day with a free Breakfast with the Birds on Sunday, 2 February 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM at G.J. Walter Park, Cleveland, overlooking the Ramsar-listed Toondah wetlands.

While enjoying a free sausage sizzle with a cuppa, you will be able to view migratory shorebirds foraging for prawns, crabs and shellfish on the tidal mudflats between Toondah Harbour and Cassim Island.

Bird species to be observed with help from expert birdwatchers include the critically endangered Eastern Curlew, endangered Bar-tailed Godwit, alongside Grey-tailed Tattlers, Whimbrels, and Pied Oystercatchers.

The popular Commer Coffee van will be on site, selling your favourite brew.

Chris Walker, Chair of the Toondah Alliance, said, “This event is one of hundreds of celebrations worldwide emphasizing the importance of Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future, this year’s global theme.”

Wetlands are among the world’s most critical ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity, climate resilience, freshwater availability, and global economies.

See the Better plan for Toondah at Breakfast with the Birds on World Wetlands Day 2025.
Inspect the Better Plan for Toondah Harbour at Breakfast with the Birds on 2nd February.
Attendees will be invited to share feedback on A Community Vision for Toondah Harbour, developed by eminent landscape architect John Mongard and his team for the Toondah Alliance. This vision aims to balance overdue ferry terminal upgrades with the conservation of vital wildlife habitats. Key features include:

Conserving Ramsar wetlands and protecting migratory shorebirds.
Improving ferry terminal parking and overall facilities.
Enhancing GJ Walter Park with new facilities, including a shark-proof swimming area for dogs.
Boosting koala habitats and encouraging eco-tourism.
Since October, the Toondah Alliance has gathered local feedback about the Better Plan. Mr Walker noted, “The positive responses we’ve received highlight the community’s deep interest. All feedback will be presented to decision-makers.”

Toondah Wetlands Discovery Trail

Toondah Wetlands Discover Trail at Breakfast with the Birds.
Plans for a Toondah Wetlands Discovery Trail will be shown at Breakfast with the Birds. The proposed trail links Oyster Point Park to the Grand View Hotel and could connect via a planned Rail Trail to Cleveland Train Station and the CBD.

People attending Breakfast with the Birds will have the option of joining short guided walks to view and learn about some heritage sites close to G.J. Walter Park.

Breakfast with the Birds is organised by the Toondah Alliance
Breakfast with the Birds is proudly organised by the Toondah Alliance, a coalition including ACF Community Bayside, Redlands2030 Inc., Birdlife Southern Queensland, Qld Wader Study Group, Koala Action Group, and Stradbroke (Terangeri) Environmental and Cultural Protection Association Inc.

Redlands2030 – 23 January 2025