Empire Point High Tide Roost
This site was built specifically for shorebirds and is one of the first of its kind in Australia.
A local community group of shorebird watchers from the Queensland Wader Study Group (WSG) promoted the concept and with assistance from Council the roost was designed and completed in 1995.
The site features a viewing area as well as a moat to deter disturbances to the birds.
The WSG continues to monitor our shorebird visitors while Council maintains the site. The Environmental Protection Agency is also part of the site management, because the roost is in the Moreton Bay Marine Park and the shorebirds are protected by law.
Constructing a shorebird roost is full of challenges that need careful consideration and management including:
- size and suitability of the roost
- soil compaction and erosion considerations
- weed management on the high part of the roost
- mangrove encroachment
- disturbance from people and animals.
Where is Empire Point High Tide Wader Roost?
You can access the roost at high tide from Empire Vista (off Wellington Street, Ormiston). Follow the crushed coral raised causeway out to the viewing platform. Remember to bring binoculars or a spotting scope.
Back in time…
The raised causeway to the roost site is part of a former coral crushing operation from the 1960s. Coral was used for its limestone content in the cement making process. Dredge barges navigated in close to shore and trucks would drive out and load up with the coral.
This activity ceased about 20 years ago under community pressure and concern for the environmental effects of the dredging on Moreton Bay.
Helping the shorebirds
The recreational offerings of Moreton Bay make it a great place to live. Shorebirds like it too and we can both share the region.
- Be aware of where shorebirds forage for food and keep your distance. Everybody needs their space - even birds.
- At high tide there are few places for shorebirds to go. They don’t roost in trees and they don’t float like ducks - they only have a limited range of places to go, so keep off of roosting sites.
- Dogs, 4WDs and boats threaten shorebirds. Every time they are forced to fly, they expend energy, decreasing their chances of making a successful return migration. Be aware of surrounding wildlife when you are out and about in Moreton Bay and go around flocks of feeding or resting shorebirds.