Geraghty Park pump track and habitat discussions

Whoo whoo has heard of the Lesser Sooty Owl?

These owls (whose call actually sounds less like a “whooo” and more like the whistle of a falling bomb!) is hard to spot, but it’s a local denizen of our region. This iconic aerial predator specialises in picking off rats and mice under the cover of night, but during the day they prefer to stay snuggled up in the hollows of gum trees. And there’s a housing shortage. Gum trees generally take at least 60-70 years before they begin to form the hollows that the owls need to make a home in. So old gum trees with suitable hollows are a precious commodity.

For those who have been following developments at Geraghty Park, you may be aware that Mareeba Shire Council is currently developing a “pump track” (bicycle exercise circuit) which will replace the old skater’s half-pipe structure at the north end of the park. This side of the park is bordered by a stand of tall mixed forest which transitions to large old gum trees, providing lovely shade and amenity for visitors.

When the community petitioned Council to replace the ageing playground with a pump track, Council invited input from the community, and this shady spot was seen by some as an ideal option. Following normal protocols, Council undertook the legally-required surveys for Indigenous and cultural heritage, flora and fauna, and assessed the site as suitable for the pump track. Work has commenced and the track is due for completion in time to be opened at the inaugural Bushy Creek Makers Fair (19-20 September).

But what about the owls? Long-time locals are well aware that Lesser Sooty Owls and Barn Owls have made their homes in the beautiful old gum trees at Geraghty Park, and have records going back over 25 years to prove it. Why would this year be any different? Sure enough, shortly after work on the pump track commenced, visitors to the Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge were delighted to spot the owls and capture them on camera using special no-flash techniques to avoid disturbing them.

Local bird and owl enthusiasts, like Carol Iles and Lindsay Fisher, note that these creatures are “habitat specialists” which means they are particularly vulnerable to changes in their environment. They are generally found in low numbers and have small clutches of young (lay a maximum of two eggs) which hatch out and fledge…just about this time of year!

Concerns were quickly raised about the ongoing construction project happening in close proximity to the nesting tree. Councillors Nipper Brown and Amy Braes, together with Mayor Toppin, were informed about implications for the project’s delivery. Council officers are ensuring all necessary measures are in place to meet obligations relating to Queensland’s native wildlife. Council is committed to reducing any impacts that civil works may have on the nesting site or the surrounding wildlife.

On Friday 24 July, Council officers, including the project manager, met on site at the Park with local expert birdwatchers and a JAMARR representative along with Council’s Environmental consultant. Council’s project manager explained aspects of the project including:

•  there would be no soil disturbance deeper than the ~50mm that has already been removed
• all drainage will be set above the natural grade and is only shedding water from the centre of the track (which is above grade)
• the equipment being used includes a bobcat and a roller, and all equipment is very modest in size: a large amount of the work will be done by hand
• the covering on the track will be low-odour asphalt

Council’s environmental consultant explained that, following reports of the owls nesting, the pump track layout had been shifted to ensure all works are strictly outside the legal exclusion zone for the protected tree. However, local community members have ongoing concerns about the proposed location. Questions covered a wide range of issues including:

• lack of detailed consultation with locals prior to works starting
• potential for the nesting trees to be declared a “safety risk” by future Councils, and being condemned for removal
• Council’s lack of initiative in planting seedlings in the Park to take the place of trees that are now maturing
• lack of planning for ongoing cleaning and maintenance of the track (noting the high levels of leaf and blossom litter produced by the trees)
• lack of clarity over security and enforcement, noting that Council officers placed this responsibility with parents and local residents (which is the usual arrangement for public facilities, but not ideal in this case)

These points were acknowledged as matters that require ongoing discussion and consideration. The group then turned to immediate concerns and how to improve the situation for this project. Council officers agreed:

• two additional trees need to be marked off and protected from damage from the bobcat blade or other machinery impacts
• works at the site will be strictly confined to 08.00 – 15.30 to ensure the owls have the majority of the day (and night!) in peace
• Council further requested that any additional sightings or developments be reported as soon as possible.

 The meeting concluded with everyone admitting that they are actually quite fond of the owls, and it was good to get the issues out and properly discussed so that an improved approach could be taken.

Thanks in particular to the dedicated locals who brought their time and expertise to the matter, and to the hard-working MSC Councillors and staff who continue to listen, consider, and adjust plans to ensure the best outcomes are delivered for the community.