Our history
2008 Friends of the Wetlands created
2009 Survey Whistling Kite Wetland
2009 Survey Turtle Swamp Wetland
2010 Friends of the Wetlands incorporated
2011 Turtle Swamp Wetland first trail established
2012 Name changed to Bay Islands Conservation Inc.
2013 Whistling Kite Wetland trail established
2014 Whistling Kite Wetland vegetation regeneration
2015 Concept of fire trails as walking trails develops
2016 Conservation Corner established
2017 Whistling Kite Wetland vegetation regeneration
2018 Fire trail mapping commences
2018 Botanic Garden proposal
2019 Concept of Observatory on Pinnacle Farm
2019 Botanic Garden community consultation
2020 Botanic Garden proposal supported
Founded as the Friends of the Wetlands in April 2008, the group planned to develop walk tracks on all Southern Moreton Bay Islands and undertake conservation. The first stage of progress was the surveying of Whistling Kite and Turtle Swamp wetlands on Russell Island the following year using Geographic Information System mapping. Thousands of photos and mapping coordinates were collected and some of these together with related information can be viewed at WetlandInfo.
Incorporated in 2010, the Friends of the Wetlands changed its name to Bay Islands Conservation Inc. (BICI) in 2012. In association with Redland City Council, BICI established the first walking trail to the east of Centre Road on Russell Island, providing access to a series of natural water holes and native wildflower areas on the eastern extent of Turtle Swamp Wetland. In 2013, a second trail was commenced around Whistling Kite Wetland at the southern end of High Street including vegetation regeneration.
By the following year, the group’s vision was refined to incorporate existing road reserves and fire tracks into a network of trails promoting greater awareness of the region’s valuable natural and cultural values.
Our committee
President: Peter Nelson
Retired architect, with experience of leading projects for the World Bank, sitting on committees such as Trade in China and Built Environment Qld, and State President Building Design Association Qld 1999-2001.
Secretary: Hilton Travis
Long time resident of Southern Moreton Bay Islands, wildlife carer and advocate on environmental and native wildlife issues.
Treasurer: Robert Hurren
After a long career in electronic and radio comms, he loves all things mechanical. For his work as a QFES Training Facilitator for the SES , he was awarded local trainer of 2015, and in 2019 received a special contribution award.
Governance
Bay Island Conservation Inc. is a registered association, and charity with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission. Australian Business Number (ABN) 16796911680. Annual Information and Financial statements can be viewed here. The incorporated organisation consists of classes of members, with a management committee elected from the membership in accord with the organisation’s constitution.
Bay Islands Conservation Inc. 